Nothing says summer quite like the aroma of grilled pesto chicken sizzling on the grill. Combine that with sweet roasted vegetables and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, and you have a wrap that tastes just as good as it looks. These Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps are bursting with bold Mediterranean flavor and are perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition. The bright pesto, char-grilled chicken, and tangy yogurt dressing create a harmony of flavors in every bite—without feeling heavy. It’s light, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the wraps:
-
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
¼ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 zucchini, sliced
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
½ red onion, sliced
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
4 large wraps or flatbreads
For the garlic yogurt sauce:
-
½ cup Greek yogurt
-
1 clove garlic, finely grated
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
-
Baby spinach or arugula
-
Crumbled feta or goat cheese
-
Fresh basil
Directions:
-
Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a bowl or zip-top bag with the pesto. Toss to coat and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
-
Prepare the veggies: Toss zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
-
Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Grill veggies until lightly charred and tender, about 3–5 minutes per side.
-
Slice and set aside: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
-
Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
-
Assemble wraps: Warm the wraps if desired. Spread a spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce onto each. Layer with grilled veggies, chicken slices, greens, and cheese. Add extra pesto or basil if desired.
-
Wrap and serve: Fold in the edges and roll tightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating) | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal per wrap | Servings: 4 wraps
A Fresh Take on Wraps: Grilled Pesto Chicken with Roasted Veggies
Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps are the kind of meal that proves healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Combining bold, herbaceous pesto with juicy grilled chicken, sweet roasted vegetables, and a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, these wraps are bursting with flavor and texture. Wrapped in soft flatbread or whole-wheat tortillas, they are the perfect marriage of Mediterranean freshness and everyday convenience.
Whether you’re prepping for lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a weekend picnic, this dish offers versatility, nutrition, and a vibrant flavor profile that delights every time. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the ingredients, health benefits, customizations, and why this wrap is a recipe worth repeating.
A Mediterranean-Inspired Culinary Fusion
This recipe draws heavy inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, a diet known for its heart-healthy ingredients and fresh, whole foods. Pesto, the green sauce at the heart of this recipe, originates from Genoa, Italy. Traditionally made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, pesto is both flavorful and nutrient-rich.
Pairing it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and creamy yogurt sauce brings in elements from Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines, blending bright, herbaceous, and tangy flavors into one wrap. The result is a fusion that honors its Mediterranean roots while being completely accessible and easy to make in any kitchen.
Nutritional Balance in Every Bite
One of the standout aspects of this dish is its nutritional balance. You’re not just getting a meal that tastes good—you’re nourishing your body with high-quality ingredients:
-
Chicken breast provides lean protein, which helps support muscle repair, satiety, and balanced blood sugar.
-
Pesto contains healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, along with antioxidants from fresh basil and garlic.
-
Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion offer vitamins A and C, fiber, and important phytonutrients.
-
Greek yogurt sauce adds creaminess and tang while delivering probiotics, protein, and calcium.
-
Whole-grain wraps (if used) provide complex carbs and additional fiber.
This combination creates a meal that’s satisfying, energizing, and beneficial for long-term health.
Simple Preparation, Big Results
Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps are deceptively simple. The marination process involves only one step—tossing the chicken in pesto—and yet it infuses the meat with incredible flavor. By grilling the chicken and vegetables simultaneously, you streamline cooking time and maximize taste.
The entire recipe is beginner-friendly and ideal for multitaskers. While the chicken is marinating or grilling, you can prepare the garlic yogurt sauce or warm your wraps. Everything comes together quickly, which makes this recipe excellent for meal prep or batch cooking.
And let’s not forget the cleanup: it’s minimal, especially if you use a grill pan or outdoor grill and line your trays with parchment or foil.
Customizable for Any Diet or Occasion
Another huge benefit of this wrap is its customizability. You can easily adjust it based on dietary preferences or what’s already in your kitchen:
-
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, halloumi, or chickpeas.
-
Vegan: Use vegan pesto and dairy-free yogurt alternatives.
-
Gluten-Free: Swap out the flatbread for gluten-free tortillas or serve as a bowl over quinoa or brown rice.
-
Low-Carb/Keto: Serve the grilled chicken and veggies over leafy greens instead of a wrap.
You can also mix up the vegetables. Try grilled eggplant, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier variation.
This flexibility ensures the recipe stays fresh and interesting, no matter how often you make it.
Perfect for Meal Prep and On-the-Go Meals
Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps aren’t just delicious when freshly made—they’re just as good for leftovers. The grilled chicken and veggies can be stored in airtight containers for up to four days, and the garlic yogurt sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
Here’s how to meal prep them efficiently:
-
Grill the chicken and veggies in advance and slice once cooled.
-
Prepare the garlic yogurt sauce and store it in a squeeze bottle or small container.
-
Keep wraps and greens (like spinach or arugula) separate to avoid sogginess.
-
Assemble wraps fresh each day or pack them in foil for a ready-to-eat meal.
They’re ideal for school lunches, work meals, picnics, and even camping. Simply reheat the chicken and veggies or enjoy them cold—either way, they’re full of flavor and ready when you are.
A Family-Friendly Recipe Everyone Will Love
One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s universally appealing. Kids love the tender chicken and cheesy pesto flavor, while adults appreciate the depth of the grilled vegetables and the zing of the yogurt sauce.
Because it’s not spicy, it’s approachable for sensitive palates. Still, if you enjoy heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto, mix in some harissa, or include pickled jalapeños as a topping.
It’s also fun to serve this meal build-your-own style, laying out all the components and letting each person assemble their own wrap. This approach encourages creativity and helps picky eaters feel more in control of their meals.
Flavor Profile That Hits All the Right Notes
Every bite of this wrap delivers contrasting yet harmonious flavors:
-
The herbaceous pesto brings a bright, fresh vibrancy.
-
Grilled chicken adds savory depth and a hint of smokiness.
-
Roasted veggies contribute natural sweetness and char.
-
The garlic yogurt sauce provides creamy tanginess to tie it all together.
-
Optional toppings like feta, microgreens, or fresh basil give you an added punch of flavor and color.
It’s a meal that keeps your tastebuds engaged from start to finish. And even better—it doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Restaurant Quality at Home
These wraps look and taste like something you’d find in a trendy café or bistro, yet they’re incredibly easy to recreate at home. Presentation is simple: just slice the wrap in half at an angle and plate it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a lemon wedge, or a side salad.
For entertaining, cut the wraps into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks for a stylish appetizer or potluck dish. Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or even a crisp white wine to complete the experience.
Impressing guests or family with homemade food has never been this effortless or satisfying.
Cooking Tips for Success
To get the best results every time, keep these tips in mind:
-
Marinate for at least 30 minutes: This ensures the pesto fully infuses the chicken with flavor.
-
Use a hot grill or grill pan: You want those golden grill marks for both visual appeal and added taste.
-
Slice against the grain: This keeps the chicken tender and easier to chew.
-
Don’t overstuff the wrap: Too much filling can make it hard to roll and prone to tearing.
-
Wrap while warm: This helps the wrap stay pliable and hold together better.
These small details can make a big difference in the overall experience of the dish.
Conclusion
Grilled Pesto Chicken Wraps are the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and nutrition. They offer a fast, family-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on quality or satisfaction. With their Mediterranean flair, customizable ingredients, and wholesome balance, these wraps are a reliable go-to for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, impress dinner guests, or just break out of a cooking rut, this recipe delivers on every level. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when prepared thoughtfully, can create something truly special.