Caesar Chicken Salad Wrap

There was a Tuesday afternoon when I had twenty minutes before a meeting and nothing but leftovers in the fridge. I threw some grilled chicken onto romaine, tossed it with Caesar dressing, and rolled the whole thing into a tortilla because I didn't have time to sit with a fork. That wrap turned into my weekly lunch ritual. It's the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together faster than ordering takeout, and somehow it tastes better every time I make it.

I started making these for my sister when she'd come over after her night shifts. She'd collapse on the couch, too tired to cook, and I'd hand her a wrap still warm from the grill. She said it was the only thing that felt like real food after twelve hours on her feet. Now she texts me photos of her own versions, sometimes with shrimp, sometimes with extra parmesan, always with a note that says this saved me today.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These grill fast and slice beautifully, and a quick rest after cooking keeps them from drying out.
• Olive oil: A light coating helps the seasoning stick and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
• Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: This simple trio is all the chicken needs to taste savory and balanced without overwhelming the Caesar flavors.
• Romaine lettuce: Its sturdy leaves hold up to dressing without wilting, and the crisp texture is essential for a satisfying wrap.
• Caesar dressing: Whether you use store bought or homemade, the creamy tang ties everything together and makes each bite feel indulgent.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts slightly into the dressing and adds a sharp, salty bite that defines a true Caesar.
• Croutons: They add crunch and a toasted bread flavor that complements the soft tortilla.
• Flour tortillas: Large, pliable, and neutral, they wrap everything up neatly without competing with the filling.

Instructions

Season and grill the chicken:

Brush the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Grill over medium high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees and the juices run clear.

Rest and slice:

Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for five minutes so the juices redistribute, then slice it thinly against the grain. This keeps every piece tender and easy to bite through in the wrap.

Toss the salad:

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons. Toss gently until every leaf is coated and the croutons are lightly softened by the dressing.

Assemble the wraps:

Lay out the tortillas and divide the Caesar salad evenly among them, placing it in the center. Top each with a portion of the sliced chicken.

Roll and serve:

Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling. Slice in half on the diagonal if you like, and serve right away while the chicken is still warm.

Save

One summer evening, I made these wraps for a picnic at the park. We sat on a blanket while the sun went down, and everyone kept saying how much better they were than sandwiches. Someone asked if I'd brought them from a cafe. I didn't correct them right away because it felt good to know something this simple could taste that special.

What to Do with Leftovers

If you have extra chicken or salad, store them separately in the fridge and assemble wraps fresh the next day. The chicken stays good for three days, and the salad lasts about two if you keep the dressing on the side. I've also reheated the chicken and tossed it into pasta or grain bowls when I didn't feel like wraps again. The key is keeping the components apart so nothing gets soggy or limp overnight.

How to Make It Your Own

I've added crispy bacon when I wanted something smoky, and cherry tomatoes when I had them on hand and needed a pop of sweetness. A friend of mine swaps the chicken for grilled shrimp and says it's just as good, maybe better on hot days. You can also use whole wheat or spinach tortillas if you want a little more fiber or color, and the wrap still holds together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps are filling on their own, but I like serving them with a handful of kettle cooked chips or a simple cucumber salad on the side. If I'm feeding a crowd, I'll set out all the components and let people build their own, which turns lunch into something interactive and fun. A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea feels right with this, though a crisp white wine works for evenings when you want to feel a little fancy.

• Serve with sweet potato fries for a heartier meal.
• Pair with a light coleslaw to add crunch and a tangy contrast.
• Offer hot sauce or extra parmesan on the side for anyone who wants more flavor.

Save

This wrap has become my answer to busy days, unexpected guests, and moments when I need something that feels like a real meal without the fuss. It's proof that a few good ingredients and a little attention can turn lunch into something you actually look forward to.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does it take to prepare this wrap?

The total time is 30 minutes: 15 minutes for preparation including chopping vegetables and slicing the chicken, and 15 minutes for grilling the chicken breasts. Assembly takes just a few additional minutes.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can grill the chicken up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before assembling the wraps, or serve chilled for a lighter option.

→ What are good substitutes for the tortillas?

You can use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber, gluten-free tortillas for dietary restrictions, or even large lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative. Spinach wraps also pair nicely with Caesar flavors.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Substitute the grilled chicken with seasoned grilled tofu, tempeh, or crispy chickpeas. You can also add extra protein through beans, nuts, or seeds while maintaining the classic Caesar flavor profile.

→ What side dishes pair well with these wraps?

Light sides work best: a fresh fruit salad, tomato soup, roasted vegetables, or a simple mixed green salad. Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complement the fresh flavors beautifully.

→ How should I store leftover wraps?

Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, they'll keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. The tortilla may soften slightly, but flavors remain delicious. For best texture, assemble fresh rather than storing prepared wraps.