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A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, croutons, and dressing on a grey plate, on a green checked cloth.

Greek Yoghurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Boats

When time is tight but your health goals are non-negotiable, Greek Yoghurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Boats offer the perfect solution. This refreshing take on the classic chicken salad swaps out heavy mayonnaise for protein-rich Greek yoghurt and ditches bread in favour of crisp lettuce wraps. The result? A no-cook chicken salad that’s light, flavourful, and ideal for a healthy 15-minute meal.

Why Choose Lettuce Boats?

Lettuce boats—or wraps—are an excellent alternative for anyone looking to reduce refined carbs or simply wanting a lighter option. Their cool crunch contrasts beautifully with creamy fillings, offering texture without weighing you down. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even party platters, these no-fuss wraps prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.

Benefits at a Glance:

  • Low-carb & gluten-free
  • Quick assembly – ready in 15 minutes or less
  • No cooking required
  • Perfect for meal prep or entertaining

What Makes This a Healthy 15-Minute Meal?

Traditional chicken salad often relies on mayonnaise and can be surprisingly heavy. This version keeps things light by using plain Greek yoghurt, cutting down on saturated fat while boosting protein. Combined with lean, pre-cooked chicken and crunchy veggies, the salad is both nourishing and satisfying.

It’s ideal for:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Post-gym meals
  • Hot summer days
  • On-the-go lunches

Ingredients You’ll Need

You likely already have most of these on hand, especially if you keep a rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken in your fridge.

For the Chicken Salad:

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, eggs, tomatoes, and croutons, served on a wooden table with dressing and ingredients nearby.

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken (skinless)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion or shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 teaspoon capers or chopped pickles
  • ½ apple, diced, for a hint of sweetness

For the Lettuce Boats:

  • 6–8 large romaine, butter, or gem lettuce leaves
  • Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, sliced radish, grated carrot, microgreens

How to Make Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Boats

You won’t need a stove, oven, or fancy equipment—just a chopping board, bowl, and a few minutes of prep time.

Step 1: Mix the Salad

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and herbs. Mix until fully combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce

Rinse the lettuce leaves gently under cold water and pat them dry. Choose leaves that are large enough to hold a scoop of salad without tearing.

Step 3: Assemble

Spoon the chicken salad mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with your favourite add-ons like sliced tomatoes or microgreens for colour and crunch.

Step 4: Serve

Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate the filling separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Customise to Suit Your Taste

This chicken salad is delicious as-is, but it’s also endlessly adaptable based on your dietary preferences or pantry staples.

Make It Mediterranean:

  • Add diced cucumber, chopped kalamata olives, and crumbled feta
  • Swap the lemon for a splash of red wine vinegar

Add Extra Protein:

  • Stir in a chopped boiled egg or sprinkle with hemp seeds
  • Use skyr instead of Greek yoghurt for even more protein

Go Fruity:

  • Toss in halved red grapes or apple slices for sweetness
  • Add a few pomegranate seeds for a burst of tartness and colour

Meal Prep Tips for Busy Days

These lettuce boats are not only quick to prepare but also make excellent leftovers. Here’s how to keep them fresh and convenient:

  • Storage: Keep the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Lettuce: Store pre-washed lettuce leaves wrapped in paper towels to maintain crispness.
  • Assembly: Only fill the lettuce wraps when ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

On-the-Go Option:

Pack the chicken salad and lettuce leaves separately in containers. When lunchtime rolls around, assemble and enjoy—a brilliant option for work or travel.

Nutritional Highlights

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Boats aren’t just convenient—they’re loaded with nutrients.

Lean Protein

With both chicken and Greek yoghurt, this dish provides a generous helping of lean protein to keep you full and support muscle maintenance.

Low in Carbs, High in Fibre

Using lettuce in place of wraps or bread lowers the carbohydrate content significantly while adding fibre and hydration.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

The inclusion of fresh herbs and vegetables adds a healthy dose of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

Perfect for Entertaining

Hosting friends or family and want to offer something light and elegant? These lettuce boats are a fantastic choice.

Build-Your-Own Chicken Salad Bar:

  • Offer a variety of toppings and mix-ins
  • Include options like slivered almonds, raisins, chilli flakes, and sliced avocado
  • Let guests customise their own wraps—it’s interactive and fun

Serve on a large platter with lemon wedges and chilled drinks for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

While these wraps are filling on their own, pairing them with the right sides can create a more substantial dining experience.

A bowl of creamy green soup garnished with cucumber, dill, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil leaves, served on a wooden table.

  • Side soup: Chilled cucumber soup or gazpacho
  • Whole grain: A small side of quinoa or farro salad
  • Snack: Sliced fruit with almond butter or a handful of mixed nuts
  • Drink: Iced herbal tea or sparkling lemon water

A Smart Choice for Every Season

While these lettuce wraps are especially refreshing in the summer, they’re suitable year-round. In cooler months, simply pair with a warm soup or roasted veggie side to balance the chill.

They also fit seamlessly into various dietary lifestyles, including:

  • Low-carb
  • Gluten-free
  • Paleo-friendly
  • Weight management plans

Final Thoughts: Simple Nourishment with a Fresh Twist

Greek Yoghurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Boats show that eating well doesn’t have to be fancy or take a lot of time. They’re light yet filling, protein-packed, flexible, and popular enough to serve company. If you’re looking for a fast dinner, or a healthy 15-minute lunch, or a no-cook chicken salad to keep you cool in the kitchen and fuel you up, these wraps are an old reliable.

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