Y’all, get ready for a Southwest chicken salad wrap that’s about to blow your taste buds straight out of this world! This epic creation is a flavor explosion packed into a portable, handheld package. We’re talking juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and a zesty, tangy dressing that’ll have you coming back for more. Strap in, folks, because this recipe is about to transform your ordinary lunch into a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Salad Wraps
These Southwest chicken salad wraps are the ultimate in flavor and convenience. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and a killer dressing makes for a sensational bite every time. But the real genius is in the wrap itself – it’s the perfect portable package that lets you enjoy all those incredible flavors on the go. Whether you’re packing a lunch, hosting a party, or just need a quick and satisfying meal, these wraps are guaranteed to be a showstopper. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, so you can make them your own. Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a blend of Southwest-inspired spices, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, crunchy bell peppers, tangy red onion, and a zesty, flavor-packed dressing made with Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. Wrap it all up in some large flour tortillas, and you’re in business, my friends.
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp – Chili powder
- 1 tsp – Ground cumin
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups – Chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups – Diced tomatoes
- 1 medium – Avocado, sliced
- 1 medium – Bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium – Red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup – Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp – Lime juice
- 1/4 cup – Chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp – Honey
- 8 large – Flour tortillas
Ingredient Substitutions
- Veggies: Shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, or corn kernels would all be amazing additions.
- Cilantro: If you’re not a fan, try using parsley or green onions in the dressing instead.
How to Make Southwest Chicken Salad Wraps
Alright, let’s get this flavor fiesta started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a bold blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, grill or bake the chicken until it’s cooked through and nicely charred. Let it cool slightly, then shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chopped romaine, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, crunchy bell peppers, and tangy red onion. Whip up the dressing by mixing together Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, a touch of honey, and a dash of salt.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Lay out your tortillas and evenly distribute the southwest chicken salad mixture onto the center of each one. Drizzle the tangy dressing over the top, then fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll it up tightly, creating a portable, flavor-packed wrap.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra burst of freshness and crunch, sprinkle on some crushed tortilla chips or toasted pumpkin seeds just before serving. Get ready to hear the “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone who gets a taste of these insane southwest chicken salad wraps!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Protein Swap: Feel free to switch up the protein by using shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled steak instead of the chicken breasts.
- Main Dish Salad: You can also turn this into a hearty main dish salad by skipping the wraps and serving the chicken salad on a bed of greens.
- Lighter Option: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, use low-carb or whole wheat tortillas, and lighten up the dressing with Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning. You can also use a hotter salsa or hot sauce in the dressing.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: crushed tortilla chips, toasted pumpkin seeds, and extra lime wedges.
Storage: These wraps will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. Just wait to assemble them until right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheat: You can enjoy these wraps chilled or at room temperature – no need to reheat.
Make-Ahead: The chicken salad can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just wait to assemble the wraps until right before serving.
Nutrition Information
Each southwest chicken salad wrap packs a nutritious punch, with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and a boost of fiber and vitamins from the fresh veggies. At around 350 calories per serving, these wraps make for a filling and balanced meal that’ll leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chicken salad in advance?
Absolutely! The chicken salad can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just wait to assemble the wraps until right before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in whole wheat, low-carb, or even lettuce wraps if you prefer. Just adjust the portion sizes as needed.
How can I make this recipe more spicy?
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning. You can also use a hotter salsa or hot sauce in the dressing.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Absolutely! Bake the chicken breasts at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
How long will the wrapped sandwiches keep?
These wraps will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge. Just wait to assemble them until right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Try These Next
Print
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad Wraps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Southwest Chicken Salad Wraps are a delicious and healthy appetizer, packed with flavor and perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, canned or frozen
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, avocado, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to combine.
4. Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface.
5. Place a handful of shredded lettuce on each tortilla.
6. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the lettuce and wrap tightly.
Notes
These wraps can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken, salad, wraps, appetizers