If you’re craving a wrap that balances creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors all in one bite, you’re going to love this Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad Wraps Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender grilled chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and buttery avocado, all wrapped up with a light, zesty dressing that pulls every element together beautifully. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or feeding a crowd for a casual dinner, these wraps bring a burst of green goodness and hearty protein in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad Wraps Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that each play a star role in creating incredible flavor and texture. From creamy avocado to tangy lemon juice, every component is essential for achieving the perfect balance of taste and color.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess, acting as a smooth base for the dressing.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings a fruity, smooth texture that elevates the dressing’s flavor.
- Lemon juice: Delivers a fresh, bright acidity to brighten the wraps.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle tang that complements the mayonnaise beautifully.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a savory umami note to the dressing.
- Garlic: Provides a gentle spicy kick when freshly grated.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty richness to the dressing.
- Large tortillas: The perfect canvas for your wrap; gluten-free options work well too.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Avocado: Creamy and buttery, a wonderful contrast to the tangy dressing.
- Fresh basil: Torn basil leaves lift the salad with their aromatic, herbaceous notes.
- Basil pesto: Brings intense green flavor and vibrancy inside the wrap.
- Grilled chicken: Tender and smoky, providing hearty protein for satisfying bites.
- Blue cheese or shredded cheddar: Adds a sharp, creamy punch—choose based on your flavor preference.
How to Make Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing
Start by combining mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan in a bowl or glass jar. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the wraps, bringing a zesty, savory note that beautifully marries the fresh and rich ingredients. Taste and tweak the seasoning until it sings to your palate.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Salad
In a large salad bowl, toss shredded lettuce, diced avocado, and torn fresh basil. Adding half of the homemade dressing here ensures the salad stays moist and flavorful but not overwhelmed. This freshness adds crunch and creaminess while making the wraps feel light and satisfying.
Step 3: Assemble Your Wraps
Warm each tortilla in the microwave for about 20 seconds; this makes them more pliable and easier to roll. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto over the warmed tortilla, which adds an herby, vibrant flavor base. Next, pile on the dressed salad, followed by the cubed or shredded grilled chicken and your choice of blue cheese or cheddar for a creamy tang or sharpness. Finish with drizzle more dressing to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Fold the sides over the filling and roll the tortilla tightly to keep everything secure.
Step 4: Serve Warm or Room Temperature
You can serve these wraps immediately at room temperature or warm them gently in a skillet with a light drizzle of olive oil. Warming gives the cheese a touch of melty goodness and the tortilla a bit of crispness that’s irresistible. Serve alongside extra dressing and pesto for dipping, because who doesn’t love a little extra flavor boost?
How to Serve Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your wraps by garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a beautiful touch. A little cracked black pepper or lemon zest can also brighten the final presentation, enhancing both aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a simple fruit salad to complement the fresh and creamy elements of the wrap without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the wraps diagonally and securing them with colorful toothpicks—this makes them perfect finger foods for gatherings or lunchboxes. Serving on a wooden board with small bowls of dressing and pesto invites a casual, interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad Wraps Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep the wrap from becoming soggy, store the salad and dressing separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Freezing
Due to the freshness of the avocado and lettuce, these wraps don’t freeze well. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the grilled chicken and basil pesto separately, then assemble with fresh salad ingredients when you’re ready.
Reheating
If you prefer your wraps warm, gently heat them in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil or warm in the microwave for a few seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the textures balanced and the avocado from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly if you’re short on time, just make sure to use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by choosing tortillas made from corn or other gluten-free grains instead of traditional flour tortillas.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, grilled turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas can make great alternative protein sources that keep the wraps satisfying and delicious.
How ripe should the avocado be?
Choose an avocado that’s perfectly ripe—soft but not mushy—for that creamy texture without overpowering the other fresh ingredients.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
The dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld together nicely, making your wraps even tastier.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad Wraps Recipe enough if you’re looking for a lunch or dinner that feels fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without any fuss. It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will quickly become one of your go-to meals for busy days. Give it a try—I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Pesto Chicken and Avocado Salad Wraps are a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Featuring a creamy homemade Caesar-style dressing paired with fresh basil pesto, tender grilled chicken, ripe avocado, and crisp lettuce wrapped in soft tortillas, these wraps combine fresh flavors with satisfying protein and healthy fats. Ready in just 20 minutes, they deliver a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that can be served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 cloves garlic, grated
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Wrap Filling
- 4 large tortillas (gluten-free tortillas optional)
- 4 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups grilled chicken, cubed or shredded
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a bowl or glass jar, combine the mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk or shake well to mix. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the salad mixture: In a large salad bowl, toss together the shredded lettuce, diced avocado, and torn fresh basil. Add half of the prepared dressing and mix gently to combine without mashing the avocado.
- Assemble the wraps: Microwave one tortilla for about 20 seconds to soften it. Lay it flat and spread a layer of basil pesto evenly across the surface. Spoon some salad mixture onto the tortilla, add cubed or shredded grilled chicken, and sprinkle with your choice of crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar. Drizzle additional dressing on top.
- Wrap and serve: Fold the tortilla over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll it up tightly to enclose all the ingredients. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients. You can serve these wraps at room temperature or heat them briefly in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until warmed through. Serve with extra dressing and pesto on the side if desired for dipping.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.
- To make this meal vegetarian, omit the grilled chicken and add extra avocado or roasted vegetables.
- Microwaving the tortilla softens it and makes it easier to roll without cracking.
- You can prepare the dressing and grilled chicken ahead of time to reduce meal prep time.
- Serve immediately after assembling for best texture, or warm wraps gently in a skillet to enhance flavors.
