Delicious Chicken Avocado Wraps

For those times when you want something colorful, crunchy, and totally satisfying, try these avocado bacon salad wraps with pesto chicken. With creamy dressing inspired by Caesar, juicy grilled chicken, smoky bacon, and fresh basil, plus avocado, these wraps pack a punch of flavor. Perfect for a day in the backyard or a quick lunch, they’re quick to whip up and can adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

I first whipped this up for a pool day lunch, and everyone went for seconds. Now it’s a regular request, regardless of the season—my kids can’t get enough!

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the dressing. Stick with real mayo for the best flavor and texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the dressing some depth. Pick a fresh bottle for the best taste.
• Lemon juice: Adds some tang. Use freshly squeezed juice for the brightest flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Helps mix the dressing smoothly. A little squeeze goes a long way.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami. You need just a tiny bit.
• Garlic: Use freshly grated for extra zest. Go for plump cloves for the best results.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Bring out all the flavors. Freshly cracked pepper is best.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for the dressing. Adds a salty depth and signature cheesy taste. Real Parmigiano Reggiano is ideal.
• Large tortillas: Perfect for wrapping up all your fillings. Use your favorite kind or a gluten-free option.
• Shredded lettuce: Brings crunch and freshness. Romaine or any crisp green works best.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and color. Choose a ripe avocado that gives a little with pressure.
• Fresh basil: The secret to freshness. Tear it to release its amazing aroma.
• Basil pesto: Makes everything pop. Go for homemade or a good quality refrigerated pesto.
• Grilled chicken: Tasty protein that adds heartiness. Rotisserie chicken makes it super easy.
• Bacon: Adds a crunchy, smoky flavor. Cook until crispy and crumble into pieces.
• Blue cheese or cheddar: Choose for some rich flavor. Pick whichever cheese your group likes best.

Instructions

Make the Caesar Dressing:

In a mixing bowl or glass jar, mix together mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until it's creamy and smooth. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary. The flavor should be bright, tangy, and savory.

Toss the Salad Base:

Take a big salad bowl and lightly mix shredded lettuce, diced avocado, and torn basil leaves. Drizzle about half your dressing over the top, then toss to combine until everything's evenly coated. The lettuce should stay crisp and not soggy.

Warm and Prep Tortillas:

To make your wraps easier to roll, warm one tortilla at a time in the microwave for about twenty seconds. This helps prevent cracking.

Assemble Your Wraps:

Place a warm tortilla flat. Spread a good amount of basil pesto over it. Then top it with your dressed salad, add grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, and your choice of cheese. Drizzle a bit more dressing on top for extra creaminess.

Roll and Secure:

Carefully fold the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling. Then fold in the sides and roll it up tightly. If you want, slice it in half for easier eating, and repeat with the others.

Serve and Enjoy:

You can serve these wraps at room temperature for a refreshing lunch. If you’d like them warm, heat a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat. Press them gently until golden and warmed throughout. Offer extra dressing and pesto on the side for dipping!

Basil pesto in this wrap takes me back to my grandmother's summer garden. She grew basil in plenty, so every July meal had that fresh homemade touch. I never skip adding extra basil leaves—it's a lovely reminder of those sunny dinners at her farmhouse table.

Storage Tips

You can keep these wraps in the fridge for up to two days. Just wrap them tightly in parchment paper or plastic to prevent the tortillas from drying out. You can also store the salad and filling separately and roll them when you're ready to eat. To make lunches ahead of time, I like to pack the dressing separately and drizzle it just before eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

For max convenience, you can use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken. If you want a milder flavor, swap blue cheese for feta or mozzarella. You can also trade out lettuce for spinach if you want more greens. Turkey bacon or prosciutto can replace the traditional bacon.

Serving Suggestions

Cut them in half and secure with toothpicks for a great party platter. They pair nicely with a fresh fruit salad or some roasted potatoes for a balanced meal. If you like it spicy, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick.

Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations

Basil pesto puts a Mediterranean twist on the classic chicken salad wrap. These wraps are a favorite at summer picnics since all the fillings hold up well in warm weather. You can add in cherry tomatoes or grilled corn when they're in season for more color and crunch.

These wraps are always a hit at gatherings. Layer the flavors and savor every bite. You'll find yourself wanting to make them time and time again.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken?

Yep, rotisserie chicken is a great choice. Just shred or cube it for easy wrapping.

→ What tortillas are best for these wraps?

Go for large flour or gluten-free tortillas. They'll hold the fillings and roll up nicely.

→ Is it possible to prepare the dressing in advance?

Sure thing, you can make the Caesar dressing ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can these wraps be served warm or cold?

They're tasty either way! Heat them in a skillet for a nice crisp or enjoy them at room temp.

→ Are there cheese options if I don’t like blue cheese?

Definitely! You can swap in shredded cheddar or any cheese you prefer.

→ How can I keep the wraps from getting soggy?

To keep them fresh, add the dressing right before you eat, not ahead of time.