Creamy 10-Minute Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Wraps Magic

Name: Creamy 10-Minute Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Wraps Magic
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 stalk celery, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 8 large lettuce leaves (butter or romaine)

Author: mira belle

Published: September 27, 2025

Oh, do I have a lifesaver of a recipe for you! These Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps became my go-to lunch last summer when I was juggling work, kids’ activities, and somehow still trying to eat healthy. Picture this: tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves – no cooking required! I love how they’re naturally gluten-free (no weird substitutes needed) and ready in about 10 minutes flat. My daughter calls them “grown-up tacos,” and honestly? They disappear just as fast as taco night at our house. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or when you just need something fresh and satisfying without turning on the oven.

Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Listen, I know what it’s like to need a meal that’s both stupid-easy and actually good for you. That’s exactly why these gluten-free chicken salad lettuce wraps have become my kitchen MVP. Here’s why they’ll be yours too:

Quick and Easy

Ten minutes – that’s all you need! I’ve made these while my coffee brews, during naptime, even when I’m hangry at 3pm. Just toss, fill, and crunch. Done.

Healthy and Fresh

No weird gluten-free substitutes here – just real food that happens to be naturally gluten-free. The crisp lettuce keeps it light, while the protein-packed chicken keeps you full. My nutritionist friend high-fived me for this one.

Customizable

Swap in what you love! I’ll toss in halved grapes when I’m feeling fancy, or walnuts for crunch. My neighbor adds curry powder (genius!). Make it yours – that’s the beauty.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these fresh little bundles of joy. I’m a stickler for prepping ingredients first – trust me, it makes the whole process smoother than my grandma’s mayonnaise!

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is my lazy-day hero)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (the good stuff – none of that low-fat nonsense)
1 stalk celery, diced (about 1/4 cup – don’t skip the crunch!)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (soak in ice water for 5 minutes if you’re onion-shy)
1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed – bottled just tastes sad)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (my secret flavor booster)
1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re fancy)
8 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce wraps like a dream, romaine works too)

How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Okay, let’s get these beauties assembled! I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet (why are those things so impossible?). Here’s exactly how I make mine:

Mixing the Chicken Salad

First, grab your biggest mixing bowl – trust me, you’ll want the extra space. Dump in your shredded chicken (I like to use my hands to break up any big clumps). Add the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, and that magical Dijon mustard. Now, here’s my trick: stir gently at first with a fork, then switch to a folding motion with a rubber spatula until everything’s evenly coated. You want every bite to have that perfect creamy-crunchy balance!

Assembling the Lettuce Wraps

Lay out your lettuce leaves on a clean surface – I use my biggest cutting board. Spoon about 1/4 cup of chicken salad onto the center of each leaf (don’t overstuff or you’ll have a mess!). Fold the bottom up first, then the sides in, like you’re wrapping a little present. The top stays open so you can see all that delicious filling. Serve immediately while the lettuce is still crisp!

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Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

After making these wraps about a hundred times (no exaggeration!), I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference. First, rotisserie chicken is your best friend – it’s already flavorful and saves so much time. If you’ve got leftovers, chill the salad for 30 minutes before assembling; it helps the flavors really get cozy. For the lettuce, pat those leaves bone-dry or your wraps will get soggy fast. And here’s my secret weapon – a tiny sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top right before serving. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Variations for Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

The best part about these wraps? You can tweak them a hundred different ways! My kids beg for diced apples (toss them in lemon juice first so they don’t brown) or halved red grapes for sweetness. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch – just toast them first to bring out their flavor. My sister swears by adding a pinch of curry powder to the mayo, and honestly? She’s onto something. Want it creamy but lighter? Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt. The possibilities are endless!

Serving and Storing Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

These wraps shine brightest when served fresh – that crisp lettuce crunch is everything! I like arranging them on a platter with lemon wedges for a pretty presentation. If you’ve got leftovers (rare in my house!), store the chicken salad and lettuce separately. The salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container for 2 days, though the celery loses some crunch. Lettuce leaves? Wrap them in damp paper towels in a bag – they’ll stay perky. Pro tip: don’t assemble until you’re ready to eat, or you’ll end up with sad, soggy wraps (learned that the hard way!).

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates (your ingredients may vary slightly!). Per serving (2 wraps): 320 calories, 25g protein, 5g carbs, and 22g fat. Not too shabby for something that tastes this good! The lettuce keeps it light while the chicken packs that protein punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! I do this all the time when I want a lighter version. Swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt – it adds a nice tang. Just know the texture will be slightly less creamy. My trick? Add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten it up.

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?
Butter lettuce is my gold standard – those big, flexible cups hold everything perfectly. Romaine works too (use the inner leaves). Avoid iceberg – it cracks too easily. Pro tip: pick leaves about the size of your hand for easy wrapping!

How long does the chicken salad last?
It keeps beautifully for 2 days in the fridge. The flavors actually get better! Just store it separately from the lettuce. If the salad looks dry, stir in a teaspoon of mayo or lemon juice to refresh it.

Did you try these wraps? I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Drop a comment below telling me your favorite variation – did you add grapes? Nuts? Maybe something wild like diced pickles? Your kitchen experiments might just inspire my next batch! And if you snapped a photo, tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing these little lettuce bundles out in the wild. Happy wrapping!