Welcome to the ultimate solution for your busy schedule: the **Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps**! Imagine your favorite Tex-Mex flavors, vibrant and zesty, packed into a convenient, delicious wrap. This recipe promises a meal that’s not only incredibly quick to prepare but also bursting with a freshness that makes it perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re planning a speedy lunch, a fuss-free dinner, or a grab-and-go snack, these wraps will hit the spot, bringing excitement and flavor to your table in no time flat.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
I am in a working relationship with Old El Paso, and this post has been sponsored by Old El Paso. Thank you for supporting me and the companies I partner with.
Embracing the Summer Rhythm: Balancing Fun and Fast Meals
Summer is officially here, and for many, that means a whirlwind of mixed emotions. On one hand, there’s the sheer joy of no strict school schedules, no frantic morning rushes, and the promise of spontaneous adventures. The idea of lazy mornings and relaxed days filled with sunshine and play is truly appealing. But on the other hand, the reality of summer often brings its own unique set of demands. With kids getting older, their interests expand, leading to new commitments that quickly fill up those once-empty summer days.
This year, my summer is shaping up to be a prime example of this delightful chaos. While we’re embarking on an epic road trip and planning plenty of fun, my youngest is starting T-ball, and my oldest is eager to dive into dance classes without waiting for fall. This means our days are far from being a continuous stretch of lazy mornings and daily picnic lunches. Instead, we’re navigating a schedule that, surprisingly, rivals the busy pace of the school year, especially with two T-ball games a week! It’s a rewarding kind of busy, watching them explore new passions, but it definitely calls for smart planning, especially when it comes to mealtime.
The Quest for Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Solutions
Busy evenings, whether during the school year or a packed summer, invariably lead to the same question: “What’s for dinner?” And let’s be honest, in the sweltering heat of summer, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours over a hot stove. This is precisely why I’m constantly on the hunt for delicious, no-fuss meals that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Wraps have become my secret weapon for such occasions. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for using up leftovers or quickly assembling fresh ingredients. I’ve whipped up fantastic options like Chicken Caesar Wraps and the indulgent California Club Chicken Wrap in the past, always saving the day when time is of the essence.
But my latest creation, these Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps, truly takes the cake. My ongoing mission to “Tex-Mex-ify everything” has led me to a flavor combination that I’m incredibly excited about. This recipe isn’t just another quick meal; it’s a vibrant fiesta of tastes and textures designed to make your busy summer nights feel a little more festive and a lot less stressful. It embodies everything I love about Tex-Mex cuisine – bold, comforting, and utterly satisfying – all wrapped up in a convenient package.
Unpacking the Flavor of Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps
What makes these Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps so irresistible? It’s all about the layers of flavor and the thoughtful combination of ingredients. At its heart is succulent shredded chicken, a true workhorse in the kitchen. I often recommend cooking a batch of shredded chicken at the start of the week. It’s a fantastic meal prep hack that allows you to effortlessly assemble a variety of recipes all week long, saving precious time on those particularly hectic days.
The chicken is then coated in a creamy, tangy dressing made from a blend of mayonnaise and plain yogurt, which adds a refreshing lightness. The star of the show, providing that undeniable Tex-Mex kick, is Old El Paso taco seasoning. This seasoning blend is incredibly versatile, infusing the chicken salad with the perfect balance of savory spices that evoke the vibrant flavors of a classic taco. It’s an essential ingredient that ties all the Tex-Mex elements together beautifully, showcasing why partnering with a brand like Old El Paso is so valuable – their products truly elevate everyday meals.
To add texture and a fresh burst of flavor, we incorporate diced red bell peppers for a subtle sweetness and crunch. For those who appreciate a bit of heat, finely chopped jalapeño, with seeds removed to control the spice level, delivers a pleasant warmth without overpowering the other ingredients. Finally, a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens the entire mixture with its distinctive, aromatic notes. The result is a chicken salad that’s creamy, savory, subtly spicy, and incredibly fresh – a true explosion of Tex-Mex goodness in every bite.
Effortless Assembly for Any Meal
Assembling these Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps is as straightforward as it gets. A quick warm-up in the microwave softens the Old El Paso Burrito Size flour tortillas, making them pliable and easy to roll. We start by laying down a few slices of creamy avocado, adding a rich, buttery counterpoint to the zesty chicken salad. A sprinkle of shredded Mexican blend cheese melts ever so slightly into the warm tortilla, enhancing the indulgence. Then, a generous scoop of the Tex-Mex chicken salad is added, ready to be wrapped up into a portable, delicious meal.
Simply tuck in the ends, roll the tortilla tightly, and you have a perfectly self-contained package of flavor. Cut in half, these wraps are not only beautiful but also easier to handle, making them ideal for kids and adults alike. The combination of textures – the soft tortilla, the creamy chicken salad, the crisp bell pepper, and the fresh avocado – creates a satisfying eating experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Versatility Beyond Dinner
While these wraps are an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights, their appeal extends far beyond the dinner table. They make for an incredibly easy and satisfying lunch, whether you’re working from home, packing a meal for the office, or need a quick bite during a summer outing. Their portability makes them perfect for picnics, beach days, or even a wholesome addition to school lunchboxes (when summer break eventually ends). Imagine taking these on your road trip, avoiding unhealthy fast-food stops!
For those looking to get ahead, the chicken salad mixture can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ready to be assembled into wraps whenever hunger strikes. This kind of thoughtful meal prep is essential for maintaining a balanced diet and reducing stress, especially when navigating a packed summer schedule. No matter when or where you serve them, these Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps are guaranteed to be a crowd-plepleasing hit, earning rave reviews from family and friends.
More Tex-Mex Recipes to Explore
If these Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps spark your love for vibrant, zesty flavors, you’re in luck! My kitchen is constantly experimenting with new ways to infuse everyday dishes with that irresistible Tex-Mex twist. Be sure to check out some of my other popular recipes:
- Taco Mac and Cheese: A comforting classic with a bold, spicy upgrade.
- Smoky Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes: A hearty, flavorful sandwich that’s anything but ordinary.
- Brisket Tacos: Tender, slow-cooked brisket bursting with authentic Dallas-style Tex-Mex flair.
These recipes, like the Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps, are designed to be approachable and delicious, bringing the vibrant spirit of Tex-Mex cuisine right into your home. Happy cooking!
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps
Pin
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons Old El Paso taco seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken
- 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
- 1 jalapeño seeds removed, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 8 Old El Paso Burrito Size flour tortillas
- 1 large avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt and taco seasoning and stir to mix completely. Add the chicken, bell pepper, jalapeño and cilantro and stir to combine.
- Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften. To assemble, place a couple slices of avocado down the center of each tortilla. Top with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese, and some of the chicken salad. Tuck the ends over, then roll into a wrap.
- Cut wrap in half to serve.