Are you staring at your chicken lettuce wraps wondering what else to put on the table? I’ve been there! Lettuce wraps are amazing on their own, but the right sides can transform them from a simple appetizer into a complete, satisfying meal.
As someone who makes lettuce wraps at least twice a month (my family is obsessed!), I’ve experimented with countless side dishes Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite pairings that’ll take your lettuce wrap game to the next level
Best Lettuce Options for Your Wraps
Before diving into sides let’s quickly talk about the best lettuce varieties for your wraps
- Butter lettuce – My personal favorite! The small, tender leaves form perfect little cups.
- Romaine hearts – Great for creating lettuce “boats” that hold more filling.
- Iceberg lettuce – Super crisp and holds up well to heavier fillings.
- Cabbage leaves – For a low-carb alternative with extra crunch.
Delicious Toppings to Elevate Your Lettuce Wraps
Adding the right toppings can make a huge difference! Here are some quick add-ins that’ll bring your wraps to life:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts or cashews
- Crispy fried wonton strips
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil
- Lime wedges for squeezing
- Diced mango or pineapple
- Crispy rice noodles
Must-Try Sauces for Dipping
Listen the right sauce can make or break your lettuce wrap experience! Here are some fantastic options
1. Easy Peanut Sauce
This is my go-to! Made with peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, and a touch of honey – it’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
2. Hoisin Sauce
A classic sweet and savory option that pairs perfectly with chicken lettuce wraps.
3. Sweet Chili Sauce
Offers that perfect balance of sweet and spicy that keeps you coming back for more.
4. Sriracha Mayo
Mix sriracha with mayo for a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that everyone loves.
5. Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
For a cooling effect, blend Greek yogurt with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
6. Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
This spicy, creamy sauce made with jalapeños, cilantro and lime juice adds amazing flavor!
10 Perfect Salads to Serve with Lettuce Wraps
I know what you’re thinking – “I’m already eating lettuce, why more salad?” But trust me, these aren’t your boring garden salads!
1. Thai Cucumber Salad
Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions in a tangy lime dressing – this is refreshing and light.
2. Mango Avocado Salad
Cubed mango, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro with lime juice. The sweet-savory combo is amazing with spicy lettuce wraps!
3. Asian Slaw
Shredded napa cabbage, carrots, green onions and almonds tossed in a sesame ginger dressing. The crunch factor is so satisfying!
4. Smashed Cucumber Salad
This cooling, crunchy side dish has BIG flavor! Crisp crushed cucumbers tossed with garlic turmeric oil, fresh herbs, and chili oil.
5. Cucumber Edamame Salad
A protein-packed option that pairs wonderfully with lettuce wraps.
6. Crispy Rice Salad
Day-old rice turned into something exciting! Fresh vegetables, crispy baked rice, and nuts tossed in a punchy tahini dressing.
7. Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
A copycat of the famous restaurant dish – beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil.
Satisfying Vegetable Sides
If you want to add more veggies to your meal (always a good idea!), these options are perfect:
1. Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Crispy green beans coated with savory garlic and spicy chili crisp – an umami bomb!
2. Broccoli Stir Fry
Quick 15-minute stir-fried broccoli with garlic, ginger, and a simple stir fry sauce.
3. Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and covered in sweet and spicy kung pao sauce. Don’t forget the roasted peanuts and red chilies!
4. 5-Minute Sugar Snap Peas
Quick sautéed sugar snap peas make a healthy, delicious side that’s ready in minutes.
5. Ginger Stir Fry Vegetables
A colorful mix of veggies stir-fried with ginger and garlic – ready in under 30 minutes!
Noodles and Rice Options
For a more filling meal, add one of these carb options:
1. Bacon Fried Rice
Ready in just 15 minutes and packed with flavor from bacon, eggs, and savory sauces.
2. Yaki Udon
Japanese-inspired udon noodles with stir-fried veggies – ready in 20 minutes!
3. Cold Peanut Noodle Salad
Featuring a Thai-style peanut sauce, crunchy red cabbage, and quick-pickled cucumbers.
4. Coconut Rice
Fragrant, fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk – makes an excellent base for leftover lettuce wrap filling.
5. Kung Pao Noodles
Vegetarian noodles that’ll be on your table in 20 minutes! Easy to customize with your protein of choice.
Appetizers and Small Bites
Keep the finger food theme going with these hand-held options:
1. Air Fryer Frozen Potstickers
Quick and easy store-bought dumplings cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
2. Crispy Rice Sushi Bites
Featuring creamy spicy salmon or tuna on crispy rice – a total crowd-pleaser!
3. Vegetable Rice Paper Rolls
Light, crunchy, and perfect for dipping in the same sauces as your lettuce wraps.
4. Spicy Edamame
Protein-packed edamame tossed in a bold garlic chili sauce.
5. Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings
Crispy, juicy wings topped with a sweet and spicy sauce.
Warming Soups to Balance Your Meal
A warm soup paired with cool lettuce wraps creates a satisfying temperature contrast:
1. Udon Noodle Soup
Traditional Japanese soup with tender udon noodles in a rich dashi broth.
2. Egg Drop Soup
Simple chicken broth with whisked eggs – ready in minutes!
3. Hot and Sour Soup
Spicy, tangy broth with tofu and mushrooms.
4. Vegan Wonton Soup
Ready in 20 minutes and packed with flavor.
Putting It All Together: Creating the Perfect Meal
When I serve lettuce wraps for dinner, I typically include:
- The main attraction: PF Chang’s-style chicken lettuce wraps
- 1-2 dipping sauces: Usually peanut sauce and sweet chili sauce
- A veggie side: Like Din Tai Fung green beans or cucumber salad
- A carb component: Bacon fried rice or yaki udon
- Extra toppings: Set out bowls of chopped peanuts, green onions, and crispy wonton strips
This combination gives everyone at the table options to create their perfect plate!
Why I Love This Combination
I gotta tell you, there’s something magical about the combination of crisp lettuce, savory chicken filling, and these flavorful sides. The textural contrast between the cool, crunchy lettuce and warm filling is already amazing, but when you add something like spicy edamame or creamy peanut noodles? It’s a flavor party in your mouth!
My family used to order takeout lettuce wraps every Friday, but once I started making them at home with these sides, they actually prefer my homemade version. (Score one for the home cook!)
Final Tips for an Amazing Lettuce Wrap Meal
- Prep ahead: Many of these sides can be made in advance, making dinner assembly super quick.
- Temperature variety: Serve some sides warm and others cold for a more interesting meal.
- Interactive dining: Set everything out buffet-style and let everyone build their own plates.
- Leftovers plan: Leftover lettuce wrap filling is AMAZING over coconut rice or mixed into fried rice the next day.
Whether you’re serving chicken lettuce wraps for a quick weeknight dinner or as part of an Asian-inspired feast, these side dishes will help create a memorable meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
What’s your favorite side to serve with lettuce wraps? I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
What to Serve with Lettuce Cups
Lettuce cups are great because they can be filled with just about anything; however, sometimes, you want something else to serve with them to complete the meal and not be hungry a few hours later.
Similar to my lower-carb side dishes, these sides will complete your meal. Simply click on the recipe to print it or pin it and save it for later.
P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Secrets Revealed
FAQ
What do you serve with chicken wraps?
What should I serve with Chicken Wraps? These are a substantial and filling dish on their own, but if you’d rather make them as part of a larger meal, you could add a simple salad, garlic bread, or homemade chips on the side.
What side dish to make with wraps?
- Greek Salad With Feta And Olives. …
- Cucumber And Tomato Salad. …
- Avocado, Corn, And Black Bean Salad. …
- Caprese Salad. …
- Hummus And Vegetable Platter. …
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries. …
- Baked Parmesan Courgette Fries. …
- Roasted Garlic And Herb Potatoes.
What veggies are good in chicken lettuce wraps?
Key Ingredients for Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Mushrooms: To round out the filling, add some finely chopped white button or cremini mushrooms. Water chestnuts: Their distinct crunchiness is always a nice surprise in each bite! Bibb or butter lettuce: Bibb or butter lettuce are our picks for these wraps.
Are chicken lettuce wraps healthy to eat?
Yes, chicken lettuce wraps are generally a healthy meal, offering lean protein from the chicken and fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables and lettuce. They are a low-calorie and low-carb alternative to traditional wraps, but the overall healthiness depends on the specific ingredients used for the filling, sauce, and toppings.