If you love that classic Caesar salad but crave a fun, fresh twist, the Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine all the crunchy, creamy, savory elements of a traditional Caesar salad, but rolled up inside crisp iceberg lettuce cups for a handheld delight that’s as satisfying as it is light. Perfect for busy days or a casual lunch, this recipe brings together tender chicken, sharp Parmesan, garlicky dressing, and crunchy croutons in a way that feels both elegant and effortless. Trust me, once you try these wraps, you’ll wonder why you ever ate Caesar salad any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet incredibly flavorful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether adding crunch, creaminess, or that irresistible umami kick that makes Caesar so beloved.
- Iceberg lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it forms the perfect edible “cup” to hold all the delicious fillings without getting soggy.
- Shaved Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp punch that’s a hallmark of classic Caesar flavor.
- Croutons: These provide that satisfying crunch and depth of texture every great Caesar salad deserves.
- Cooked skin-on chicken breast: Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but layers in extra savory juiciness.
- Roma tomato: Thinly sliced for vibrant color and a slight tang that balances the richness.
- Caesar dressing ingredients: A blend of mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Parmesan brings it all together with a creamy, garlicky punch.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce Cups
The foundation of this recipe is the crunchy lettuce cups. Start by carefully removing the core and root of the iceberg lettuce, then gently pull apart the outer leaves to create two sturdy cups. Rinse under cold running water to ensure they’re crisp and refreshing – this will add a clean, fresh crunch to every bite of your wrap.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing
This is where much of the magic happens. Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, water, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, freshly cracked black pepper, kosher salt, and shaved Parmesan cheese in a container. Blend everything smoothly with an immersion blender. The dressing should be thick, creamy, and full of bold, savory flavors that will tie the whole wrap together harmoniously.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
Lay your iceberg lettuce cup on parchment paper and lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt inside to enhance the flavors. Layer half of the shaved Parmesan cheese, a generous handful of golden croutons, and the sliced chicken breast. Drizzle with a good portion of your freshly made Caesar dressing. Next, add the thin tomato slices, then repeat with more dressing and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Each layer adds texture and flavor, creating a multi-dimensional taste sensation.
Step 4: Wrap and Serve
Now for the fun part! Roll the lettuce wrap tightly using the parchment paper to help maintain its shape. Secure it well by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, which keeps everything snug and makes it easy to handle. Slice the wrap in half before serving, removing the wrappings just before you dig in to keep the lettuce crisp. These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner that feels special.
How to Serve Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your wraps, sprinkle some extra shaved Parmesan cheese or a little cracked black pepper on top just before serving. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a touch of lemon zest can add an unexpected brightness that makes each bite pop. Adding a few anchovy filets on the side is a great nod to classic Caesar salad lovers as well.
Side Dishes
These wraps shine as a main dish but pair beautifully with light side options such as a crisp cucumber salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or even a simple fruit salad to balance the savory lemon-garlic flavors. For something a bit heartier, a warm bowl of tomato soup complements the wraps deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or turn this into a fun party appetizer, serve the Caesar lettuce wraps on a stylish platter lined with extra lettuce leaves. You can also create a “build-your-own” wrap station with all the ingredients in little bowls, allowing everyone to customize theirs. Wrapping each individually in parchment paper and string makes for a cute, portable option perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the components separately to avoid soggy lettuce. Keep the chicken, croutons, and dressing airtight in the fridge, and the lettuce leaves wrapped in paper towels inside a container to maintain crispness. Assemble fresh wraps just before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
The fresh elements in this Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe don’t freeze well—iceberg lettuce becomes watery and limp, and the dressing may separate. It’s best to prepare fresh each time to fully enjoy the vibrant crunch and creamy dressing combo.
Reheating
Since these wraps are best served fresh and cold, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if using leftover chicken, you can gently warm it in the microwave or a skillet before adding it to freshly prepared lettuce cups. Keep croutons crisp by adding them just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use another type of lettuce for the wraps?
Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce is ideal for its sturdy and crisp leaves, Romaine or butter lettuce can also work nicely, just make sure the leaves are large enough and firm enough to hold the fillings.
How do I make a homemade Caesar dressing from scratch?
This recipe includes a quick blended dressing using mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. For an even more authentic Caesar, you can add anchovy paste and freshly squeezed lemon juice for that perfect balance of tang and umami.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, but with some adjustments. Store the filling and dressing separately from the lettuce cups to keep everything fresh, then assemble the wraps just before mealtime to retain the best texture and flavor.
Can I use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. Grilled chicken breast adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the Caesar dressing. Just ensure it’s thinly sliced for easy rolling in the lettuce cups.
Are these wraps gluten-free?
They can be, as long as you use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a total game changer when you want a meal that’s light, flavorful, and downright fun to eat. The combination of crisp lettuce, savory chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons wrapped up in a neat package is truly irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s perfect for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or anytime you want to brighten up your meal routine.
Print
Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wrap recipe is a fresh and flavorful low-carb twist on the classic Caesar salad. Using crisp iceberg lettuce leaves as wraps, filled with sliced rotisserie chicken, crunchy croutons, ripe tomato slices, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a homemade creamy Caesar dressing, it offers a satisfying and easy-to-make meal perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Lettuce Wraps
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese, divided
- ½ cup croutons
- 1 cooked skin-on chicken breast, sliced (rotisserie chicken preferred)
- 1 Roma tomato, thinly sliced
Caesar Dressing
- ⅔ cup Caesar dressing base (see below)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Lettuce Cups: Remove the core and root end from the iceberg lettuce. Gently separate the outer leaves under cold running water to create 2 large lettuce cups. Pat dry carefully to maintain crispness.
- Make Caesar Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, shaved Parmesan cheese, olive oil, water, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and kosher salt in a container. Blend with an immersion blender until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Wraps: Place one iceberg lettuce cup on a piece of parchment paper. Lightly sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then layer half of the shaved Parmesan cheese, croutons, sliced chicken breast, and a generous spoonful of Caesar dressing. Add thin slices of Roma tomato on top, followed by the remaining dressing and Parmesan cheese.
- Wrap and Serve: Roll the lettuce cup tightly using the parchment paper to help maintain its shape. Wrap the rolled lettuce securely with plastic wrap to keep it firm. Cut the wrap in half and remove all wrappings before serving to enjoy a fresh, handheld Chicken Caesar Salad Lettuce Wrap.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute croutons with toasted gluten-free bread cubes or omit entirely.
- The lettuce leaves must be handled gently to avoid tearing during wrapping.
- To make the dressing ahead, store it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is perfect for a light, low-carb meal option.
