Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tender chicken tucked into cool lettuce leaves. That’s the kind of lunch that makes you forget you’re eating healthy. BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap brings all the nostalgia of a classic BLT sandwich, but lighter, fresher, and way more satisfying.
I shot this recipe three times last spring before we nailed the perfect mayo-to-yogurt rationot too dry, not soupy. The crunch of romaine against warm, smoky bacon is what sold me. After eight years behind the lens in test kitchens, I’ve learned that the best wraps hold together without making a mess, and this one actually does.
Thomas Baker
BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap Recipe Easy Fresh and Delicious
Enjoy these fresh and tasty BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps featuring shredded chicken salad layered with crisp romaine lettuce, ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy bacon. This easy-to-make American dish is perfect for a light lunch or satisfying appetizer.
1-2 medium ripe avocado (about 8 oz or 1 cup diced without skin and pit)
1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
kosher salt and pepper
Method
Combine shredded chicken, dried minced onion, celery salt, light mayo, and freshly ground pepper in a bowl.
Stir thoroughly until well blended, then place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the onions to soften.
Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit, then score the flesh vertically and horizontally without cutting through the skin; scoop out the diced pieces into a small bowl.
Mix the diced avocado with lime or lemon juice, then season generously with kosher salt and pepper.
Cook bacon by your preferred method or heat fully cooked bacon in the microwave for about 25 seconds on a paper towel-lined plate to crisp it up, then chop.
Layer 2 to 3 romaine leaves together to create a sturdy base.
Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chilled chicken salad onto the lettuce leaves.
Top with sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped crispy bacon, and the prepared avocado mixture.
Serve immediately or store components separately in the fridge and assemble fresh wraps when ready to eat to maintain crispness.
Notes
These wraps keep well up to three days when ingredients are stored separately in the refrigerator. For Weight Watchers, weigh avocado in grams for accurate points. The chicken can be rotisserie, Instant Pot shredded, crockpot, or baked chicken. Romaine or iceberg lettuce works best for crunch; bibb lettuce is softer. If celery salt is unavailable, use sea salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder as a substitute but avoid celery seed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the kind of lunch that feels like a treat but sneaks in all the good stuff. Crispy bacon meets creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and tender chickenall wrapped in cool, crunchy romaine. It’s lighter than a sandwich but way more satisfying.
No cooking required: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breast, and you’re halfway done
Meal prep friendly: Store everything separately and build wraps fresh each day
Customizable: Swap lettuce types, add more bacon, or adjust the mayo to your liking
Keeps you full: Protein-packed chicken and healthy fats from avocado make this a real meal, not just a snack
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty here is simplicity. You’re working with everyday ingredients that come together in minutes. I tested this with three different lettuce types before settling on romaineit holds up without wilting and has the perfect crunch.
For the chicken salad: Cooked and finely shredded chicken breast, light mayo, dried minced onion, and celery salt create a creamy, flavorful base. Let it chill for at least 20 minutes so the onions rehydratetrust me on this one.
For the toppings: Romaine lettuce leaves, cooked bacon, ripe avocado, and cherry tomatoes. A squeeze of lime or lemon on the avocado keeps it bright and prevents browning.
Ingredient
Easy Swap
Dried minced onion
Finely diced green onions (not quite as good, but works)
Celery salt
Fine sea salt + pepper + garlic powder
Romaine lettuce
Iceberg (extra crisp) or bibb (softer)
Cherry tomatoes
Diced regular tomato (pat dry with paper towel first)
How to Make BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap
Start by mixing your chicken salad: combine shredded chicken, light mayo, dried minced onion, celery salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a bowl. Stir it well, then let it chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Those onions need time to soften upotherwise, they’ll be crunchy and a little off-putting.
While the chicken salad chills, prep your toppings. Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and score the flesh vertically and horizontally while it’s still in the skin. Scoop out the diced pieces with a spoon, toss with lime or lemon juice, and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook your bacon (or heat up fully cooked bacon in the microwave for 25 seconds with paper towels), then chop it up. Slice your cherry tomatoes in half.
To build each wrap: Stack 2-3 romaine leaves to create a sturdy “boat.” Spread about ½ cup of chicken salad inside, then top with tomatoes, bacon, and diced avocado. Eat immediately for the best texture.
Tips for the Best Results
Don’t skip the chill time: Those dried minced onions need at least 20 minutes to rehydrate in the mayo
Pat juicy tomatoes dry: If using a big tomato instead of cherry tomatoes, dice it and let the pieces sit on a paper towel for a few minutes
Weigh your avocado: If you’re tracking portions, weighing in grams is more accurate than guessingup to 36g is generous without going overboard
Layer your lettuce: Two or three leaves stacked together create a sturdier wrap that won’t tear or leak
How to Store and Serve
These wraps are perfect for meal prepjust keep everything separate. Store the chicken salad, bacon, avocado, and tomatoes in individual containers in the fridge for up to three days. Build each wrap fresh when you’re ready to eat so the lettuce stays crisp and the bacon doesn’t get soggy.
Component
Storage Tip
How Long
Chicken salad
Airtight container in fridge
Up to 3 days
Avocado
Toss with lime/lemon juice, store in airtight container
1-2 days
Bacon
Store separately in fridge, reheat briefly before serving
Up to 3 days
Assembled wraps
Not recommendedlettuce wilts quickly
Eat immediately
Serving ideas: These wraps are perfect for lunch, but they also work as a light dinner alongside soup or a simple side salad. If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a DIY wrap bar and let everyone build their own.
Craving delicious recipes and fresh cooking inspo? Follow me on Pinterest!
FAQs (BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap)
What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce or Boston lettuce are ideal because their leaves are naturally cup-shaped and tender. Iceberg lettuce also works well due to its crisp texture and ability to hold fillings without tearing. Avoid romaine as it’s too stiff and difficult to wrap properly.
Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe actually tastes better after chilling for 2-4 hours as the flavors meld together. Store the prepared chicken salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How do I prevent the lettuce from getting soggy?
Thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce leaves using a salad spinner or paper towels. Pat the chicken salad dry before adding to remove excess moisture. Assemble this meal right before serving, and consider placing a paper towel barrier between wet ingredients and lettuce.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
Turkey bacon offers a leaner option with similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, try crispy chickpeas, toasted nuts, or coconut bacon. Smoked paprika mixed with olive oil and salt can also provide that smoky element without the meat.
How long will assembled wraps stay fresh?
Assembled wraps are best eaten immediately for optimal texture and freshness. If you must store them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for no more than 2 hours. The lettuce will start to wilt and become soggy beyond that timeframe.
You’ll love how this BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wrap comes together in minutesno soggy bread, no heavy feeling after. Just clean crunch, smoky bacon, and that creamy chicken salad that hits every time. The romaine holds up beautifully, and honestly, it photographs like a dream. I’ve shot this one at least a dozen times now, and it never disappoints on the plate or in your lunchbox.
Try swapping in butter lettuce if you want something softer, or toss in a little hot sauce with the mayo for a kick. Store your components separately and build wraps freshkeeps everything crisp and prevents that sad, wilted lettuce situation. A trick I picked up in the test kitchen: freeze leftover bacon flat between parchment so you can grab a slice anytime without cooking a whole batch.
If you make these wraps, I’d love to see how yours turn outtag me or drop a comment with your favorite add-ins. Did you grow up sneaking BLTs after school like I did? This feels like that, but grown-up and way more nourishing. Save this one for your next meal prep Sunday, or share it with a friend who needs an easy, feel-good lunch idea.
