Save I discovered the green goddess trend on a sweltering afternoon when my friend texted me a photo of her vibrant salad, and I became instantly obsessed. Rather than stick to the bowl, I wondered what would happen if I wrapped everything up with grilled chicken—and these wraps were born. They've become my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but actually leaves me feeling energized, not weighed down.
I made these for a picnic last summer, and watching people's faces light up when they bit into that cool, herby filling made me realize this wasn't just lunch—it was a conversation starter. One guest asked for the recipe before she'd even finished hers.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Two medium ones cook quickly and stay tender when you don't overdo them; the thin slice afterward makes them easier to distribute evenly in the wrap.
- Olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper: This simple seasoning blend lets the chicken taste like itself rather than fighting for attention.
- Green cabbage: Shred it fine so it becomes almost silky, and it'll hold the dressing without getting waterlogged.
- Cucumber, green onions, chives, parsley, basil, spinach, and tarragon: Fresh herbs are non-negotiable here; the combination creates depth that makes the whole wrap sing.
- Avocado: Dice it just before assembly so it stays creamy and doesn't turn dark.
- Feta cheese: A modest sprinkle adds saltiness and tang without overpowering the delicate herbs.
- Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: The yogurt keeps the dressing lighter while mayo adds richness; together they create a texture that coats every leaf.
- Lemon juice: This brightens everything and prevents the avocado from oxidizing too quickly.
- Large whole wheat or gluten-free wraps: Pick ones thick enough to hold everything without tearing, and warming them slightly makes them pliable.
Instructions
- Season and grill the chicken:
- Mix your oil and spices, coat the chicken generously, and let it sit for a minute so everything adheres. When it hits the hot grill, you'll hear that satisfying sizzle that means the exterior is searing properly.
- Cook with patience:
- Four to five minutes per side should give you a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy; that five-minute rest stops carryover cooking and makes slicing cleaner.
- Build your salad base:
- Combine all your vegetables and herbs in a large bowl, which gives you room to toss everything evenly and see the gorgeous green colors you're working with.
- Make the dressing:
- Whisk everything in a small bowl until the texture is smooth and homogeneous; if it's too thick, thin it with a splash of lemon juice or water.
- Toss with confidence:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly so every piece gets coated, and the flavors have a chance to mingle while you warm the wraps.
- Warm those wraps:
- A quick pass over the grill or a few seconds in a dry pan makes them flexible and easier to work with without tearing.
- Assemble with care:
- Layer the chicken and salad generously but not so much that it spills out; if you're serving right away, you can skip the wrap and eat it like a salad with some pita on the side.
Save There's something quietly powerful about serving food that's this green and this alive on a plate. It feels like you're sharing something honest.
Why Fresh Herbs Matter More Here Than Anywhere
Dried herbs will turn this wrap into a shadow of itself, so this is genuinely not the place to compromise. Fresh basil, parsley, and chives provide brightness and complexity that no bottle on a shelf can replicate, and when you're working with so few other ingredients, every herb pulls its weight. Buy them the day you plan to cook if you can, or store them in a glass of water in the fridge to keep them perky.
The Avocado Timing Question
I learned this the hard way after assembling a whole batch twenty minutes early: avocado waits for no one. Slice and dice it right before you fill your wraps, or toss it with a squeeze of lemon juice first to slow the browning. If you're prepping for a crowd, you can slice the avocado and store it between parchment in a sealed container for a couple of hours, but assembly is really the final step.
Swaps and Variations That Actually Work
These wraps are forgiving enough to adapt to what's in your fridge or what your dietary needs demand. Skip the chicken and grill thick slices of tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that holds its own, or go dairy-free by swapping the feta and Greek yogurt for cashew cream and coconut yogurt. The dressing is where the magic lives, so keep that consistent and everything else will find its place.
- Try adding grated beets or shredded carrots for extra crunch and natural sweetness.
- A drizzle of tahini mixed into the dressing deepens the flavor and adds nuttiness.
- Fresh mint can replace some of the basil if that's what you have on hand.
Save These wraps remind me that the simplest combinations, built on quality ingredients and a little care, often taste the most like themselves. Serve them cold or warm, on a plate or straight from your hands—either way, they're exactly what you need.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I keep the chicken moist when grilling?
Marinate the chicken with olive oil and seasonings, avoid overcooking, and let it rest for 5 minutes post-grill to retain juices.
- → Can I prepare the cabbage salad in advance?
Yes, the salad can be made up to one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors and save time.
- → What alternatives can I use for a dairy-free option?
Omit feta cheese and substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt to maintain creaminess without dairy.
- → Is it possible to make this wrap gluten-free?
Use gluten-free wraps or tortillas to enjoy this meal while avoiding gluten-containing ingredients.
- → What herbs contribute to the Green Goddess salad?
Fresh parsley, basil, chives, spinach, and optional tarragon provide the distinctive herbaceous flavor of the salad.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this dish?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or iced green tea complement the fresh, vibrant flavors of the wrap nicely.