Best 7 Italian Chicken Salad In Lettuce Cups Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our enticing Italian chicken salad presented in refreshing lettuce cups. This delectable dish offers a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors that will tantalize your taste buds. The succulent chicken, marinated in a vibrant blend of Italian herbs and spices, is perfectly cooked to retain its tenderness and juiciness. Nestled within crisp lettuce cups, the chicken salad is further enhanced with a medley of fresh vegetables, including crisp celery, sweet red grapes, and crunchy almonds. Drizzled with a tangy and flavorful dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey, this Italian chicken salad in lettuce cups is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

In addition to the main recipe, this comprehensive article also includes variations and alternative ingredients to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For those seeking a lighter option, a Greek yogurt-based dressing is introduced, offering a healthier twist on the classic mayonnaise dressing. Furthermore, vegetarians can rejoice in the tofu variation, where marinated tofu replaces chicken, providing a protein-packed and equally delicious alternative. For those with a sweet tooth, a delightful honey mustard dressing is presented, adding a touch of sweetness to complement the savory flavors of the chicken salad.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD CUPS



Italian Chicken Salad Cups image

Everyone loves chicken salad, but this mayo-free version always stands out. Cooking the chicken in the crockpot gives it so much more flavor! For parties and showers, you can serve it on croissants or in lettuce cups. -Andria Lint, Flowery Branch, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 16 servings (9 cups).

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
5 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 medium sweet red pepper, coarsely chopped
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 cup drained capers
Salt and pepper to taste
16 Bibb lettuce leaves
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Place the first five ingredients in a blender. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Set aside., In a large bowl, combine the chicken, sweet peppers, onion, almonds and capers; stir in vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve on lettuce; sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts :

CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD IN LETTUCE CUPS



Curried Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups image

Provided by Dave Lieberman

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 whole chicken thighs
1 lemon, quartered
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro stems
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
3/4 cup halved seedless red grapes
Butter lettuce leaves, for serving

Steps:

  • Put the chicken thighs, lemon, cilantro leaves and stems into a skillet or saucepan. Fill with water just to cover the chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a very gentle simmer. Cook until the chicken is tender and falling from the bones, about 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and allow to cool. When cool, remove the skin and strip the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Reserve the meat.
  • In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, curry, honey, and lemon juice. Stir in the scallions, celery, and grapes until combined. Add the cooled chicken meat and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve heaping portions of the salad in butter lettuce leaves.

ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD



Italian Chicken Salad image

Make and share this Italian Chicken Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Vino Girl

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
10 pitted ripe olives, halved
1 (14 ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

Steps:

  • DRESSING: Combine all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.
  • SALAD: Combine chicken and remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Pour dressing over salad, and toss gently to combine.

ITALIAN STYLE CHICKEN SALAD



Italian Style Chicken Salad image

Warm roasted chicken and garlic adds flavor, fresh fennel and onion and celery give nice crunch. Served on a bed of arugula. You are going to love this one!

Provided by KrissyHipp30

Categories     Salad

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons, juiced
1 (2 pound) roasted chicken, meat removed from bones and cut into bite-size pieces
1 bulb fennel, cored and cut into thin slices
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ cup mayonnaise
1 lemon, zested
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 bunch arugula

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir garlic until softened and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in lemon juice; set aside to cool.
  • Toss chicken, fennel, celery, red onion, and parsley together in a large bowl.
  • Stir in the cooled garlic and olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
  • Arrange arugula on a serving platter; serve chicken salad on arugula.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 540.3 calories, Carbohydrate 8.2 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 45.2 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 25.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.1 g, Sodium 225.2 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD IN LETTUCE CUPS



Italian Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups image

Make and share this Italian Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups recipe from Food.com.

Provided by janchpn

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 48m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

10 cups coarsely shredded cooked chicken (from about 3 purchased roasted whole chickens)
2 cups roasted red and yellow bell peppers, drained, patted dry, and coarsely chopped
1 1/4 cups paper-thin slices red onions
3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
3/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup drained capers
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 cup olive oil
salt & freshly ground black pepper
24 butter lettuce leaves (from about 3 large heads)
4 ounces fresh parmesan cheese, shaved with vegetable peeler

Steps:

  • Toss the chicken, bell peppers, onion, parsley, almonds, and capers in a large bowl with enough vinaigrette to moisten. Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Arrange 1 large lettuce cup and 1 small lettuce cup on each plate, overlapping slightly. Spoon the chicken salad into the lettuce cups. Drizzle more vinaigrette over the salads. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and serve.
  • Do-Ahead Tip: The chicken salad can be prepared 4 hours ahead and refrigerated. Just before serving, spoon the salad into the lettuce cups.
  • Red Wine Vinaigrette:
  • Combine the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually add the oil and blend until emulsified.
  • Yield: 1 3/4 cups.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 452.4, Fat 32, SaturatedFat 6.5, Cholesterol 95.9, Sodium 795.3, Carbohydrate 6, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 2.5, Protein 35.1

ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD WITH CHICKEN



Italian Chopped Salad with Chicken image

Don't let the ingredient list fool you-this summery chicken salad is so simple! Prepare it in the morning; let it chill all day; and then toss with the dressing right before you serve it. For another spin, I sometimes add fresh grilled corn. -Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/4 pound sliced pancetta or bacon strips, chopped
DRESSING:
3 tablespoons prepared pesto
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
SALAD:
10 cups iceberg lettuce blend
1 cup cubed rotisserie chicken
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small red onion, chopped
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup canned black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup cubed pepper Jack cheese
1/2 cup cubed part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels., In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients. In a large bowl, combine salad ingredients; sprinkle with pancetta. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 228 calories, Fat 16g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 522mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

ITALIAN GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD



Italian Grilled Chicken Salad image

Simple yet elegant, this entree salad is one of my husband's favorites. We love the juicy chicken, fresh greens and bread that's toasted over an open flame. Add whatever beans your gang prefers. -Lisa Rawski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
4 ounces Italian bread, sliced
4 cups torn romaine
2 cups chopped seeded tomatoes
1 cup cannellini beans
1/3 cup minced fresh basil

Steps:

  • In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the first six ingredients; shake well. Remove 1 tablespoon vinegar mixture; brush over chicken. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Set aside remaining vinegar mixture., Coat grill rack with cooking spray before starting grill. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°. , Brush bread slices with 1 tablespoon reserved vinegar mixture. Grill bread, uncovered, over medium heat for 2 minutes on each side or until toasted. Slice chicken and cut bread into cubes; set aside., In a large bowl, combine the romaine, tomatoes, beans, basil and bread cubes. Drizzle with remaining vinegar mixture; toss to coat. Arrange on salad plates. Top with chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 379 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 632mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • For a creamier chicken salad, use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt.
  • Add some chopped celery or red onion for extra crunch.
  • If you don't have any fresh herbs on hand, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano or basil.
  • Be sure to chill the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving so that the flavors can meld.
  • Serve the chicken salad in lettuce cups, on top of a bed of greens, or in a wrap.

Conclusion:

This Italian chicken salad is a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner option. It's easy to make ahead of time and is perfect for packing in a lunch box or taking to a picnic. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and herbs is refreshing and flavorful, and the lettuce cups add a fun and healthy twist.

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