Strawberry Avocado Chicken Lettuce Cups

Introduction

These lettuce cups are a vibrant mix of lean protein, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy lettuce—all tied together with a zesty lime-honey dressing. They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and absolutely refreshing!

⏱ Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time (if using fresh chicken): 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4 (makes about 8 lettuce cups)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (grilled, poached, or rotisserie)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 1 head of butter lettuce, Boston, or romaine (leaves separated and washed)
• Extra lime wedges for serving

‍ Method

1. Cook the Chicken (if needed):
   If starting with raw chicken, season with salt and pepper and grill or sauté until cooked through (165°F internal temperature), then shred or dice.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the chicken, strawberries, avocado, red onion, and herbs. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Assemble the Cups:
   Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves. Arrange on a serving platter.
5. Serve:
   Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of herbs or chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios) for added crunch.

Tips

Make Ahead: Prep all ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving to keep lettuce crisp.

• Vegan Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu.
• Add Crunch: Top with toasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or drizzle with sriracha for heat.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?
A: Yes! Mango, pineapple, or blueberries also pair well with avocado and chicken.

Q: What’s the best lettuce to use?
A: Butter or Boston lettuce works best for cups, but romaine or even endive leaves can be used for smaller bites.

Q: How long does the filling last?
A: It’s best eaten fresh but will keep for up to 1 day in the fridge. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.

Nutrition (per 2 lettuce cups, approx.)

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg

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Let me know if you’d like a grilled version, a meal-prep version, or a wrap version of this recipe!