These Soy Citrus Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a bright, crunchy, and satisfying option for lunch or a light dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, juicy grapes, and toasted almonds tossed in a ginger‑soy citrus dressing creates layers of flavor and texture that the whole family will enjoy.
I developed this version after adapting a pamphlet recipe and making a few changes to suit what I had on hand. Instead of a spice rub, I used fresh grated ginger and lemon juice for a cleaner, fresher citrus note. I also swapped chicken tenders for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and added extra soy sauce to balance the mayonnaise base. Red seedless grapes add a sweet pop while toasted slivered almonds give a satisfying crunch. Bibb lettuce makes excellent wrap vessels—its tender, slightly sweet leaves are perfect for holding the salad without tasting watery or bland.
These wraps look and feel light, but they are filling thanks to the protein, mayo-based dressing, and nuts. They come together quickly and can easily be prepped ahead: cook and cool the chicken, toast the almonds, and assemble when you’re ready to serve. They’re also versatile—swap in chicken breast or leftover roasted chicken, use yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo for a lighter dressing, or add fresh herbs for extra brightness.
Soy Citrus Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Bright and savory chicken salad tossed with grapes, carrots, scallions, and toasted almonds, served in crisp Bibb lettuce leaves. A fresh twist on a classic chicken salad with Asian-inspired soy citrus dressing.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup julienned carrot sticks
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 6 medium or large Bibb lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish, brush them with sesame oil, and season lightly with sea salt and black pepper. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the baking dish to keep the chicken moist. Cover the dish and bake about 25–30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is cooked through.
- When the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and cool briefly in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up cooling. Once cooled, chop the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, grated ginger, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, julienned carrots, halved grapes, toasted almonds, and sliced scallions. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is coated.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken salad into the Bibb lettuce leaves and serve immediately. These wraps are best fresh to preserve the lettuce crunch and almond texture.
Tips and Variations
- To toast almonds: spread slivered almonds on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or use an avocado-mayo blend.
- Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe and shortens prep time.
- Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for extra aroma, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- If Bibb lettuce is not available, butter lettuce or large spinach leaves make suitable alternatives.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate and assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture.
These Soy Citrus Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are an excellent way to enjoy a fresh, balanced meal with minimal fuss. The mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements makes them memorable and easy to customize to your taste.