Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Wraps Recipe

Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Wraps represent everything that is loved about Mediterranean cuisine—bold ingredients, healthy profiles, and satisfying textures—all wrapped into a convenient, handheld meal. These wraps combine the aromatic, herby punch of pesto with the lean succulence of grilled chicken, balanced by crisp vegetables, creamy elements like feta or hummus, and the soft embrace of a warm wrap or flatbread.

Perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a light dinner, Mediterranean wraps are not just practical—they’re deeply enjoyable and endlessly customizable. They embody a culinary philosophy rooted in balance: richness without heaviness, flavor without over-complication, and nutrition without sacrifice. What sets them apart is their ability to deliver both freshness and heartiness in a single bite.

In this comprehensive recipe guide, we’ll explore every aspect of making Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Wraps. You’ll learn how to marinate and grill the chicken for optimal flavor, how to craft or select the perfect pesto (basil, arugula, sun-dried tomato, or even mint-infused), how to build layers of texture with vegetables and cheese, and how to wrap it all in a way that holds together and tastes exceptional from first bite to last.

But this is more than just a recipe. It’s a story of culinary traditions that span the coasts of Italy, Greece, and the Middle East, a journey into ingredient pairings that have stood the test of time, and a guide to transforming a simple wrap into a full sensory experience.

Before diving into ingredients and techniques, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history and cultural significance of the Mediterranean wrap and its components, especially pesto and flatbreads, which have ancient roots in European and Levantine cuisine.

History and Cultural Background

The Mediterranean region—encompassing countries such as Greece, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, Spain, and Morocco—has long been associated with food that is as healthful as it is delicious. The foundation of this cuisine is built on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, olive oil, herbs, whole grains, and fermented dairy. Wraps, in various forms, have been a staple in this region for centuries, appearing as flatbreads filled with meats, vegetables, and sauces, wrapped tightly for ease of transport and consumption.

Flatbreads and the Art of Wrapping Food

Long before utensils were widely used, flatbreads served both as a plate and as a tool. From Greek pita and Turkish lavash to Lebanese saj and Italian piadina, flatbreads were used to scoop food, wrap fillings, and sop up sauces. Wrapping food allowed for mobility—ideal for shepherds, travelers, and laborers needing nourishment on the go. These early wraps were practical and nourishing, and they laid the groundwork for countless modern adaptations, including the Mediterranean wraps we enjoy today.

The idea of wrapping grilled or roasted meats with vegetables and sauce inside bread is not unique to one culture. In Greece, souvlaki and gyro wraps became a beloved street food. In Turkey and the Levant, shawarma, filled with spiced lamb or chicken and tahini sauce, is ubiquitous. Even Italy has its own interpretations using piadina filled with prosciutto, arugula, and cheese. These traditions all influence the modern Mediterranean wrap.

Pesto: A Sauce with Ancient Roots

Pesto, as we know it today, comes from Liguria, Italy, and the name is derived from the Italian word pestare, meaning “to pound” or “to crush.” This is a nod to the traditional method of making pesto using a mortar and pestle. While the most well-known version is pesto alla Genovese—a vibrant green mixture of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil—there are many regional variations. In Sicily, for example, pesto rosso is made with sun-dried tomatoes. In other regions, herbs like parsley or arugula substitute for basil.

Pesto wasn’t originally limited to pasta. It was also used as a seasoning for vegetables, a spread on breads, and a condiment for meats. Its intense, herbal flavor and umami-rich cheese content made it a natural fit for grilled chicken, adding depth without overwhelming the dish.

Chicken: A Mediterranean Staple

In Mediterranean cooking, chicken is prized for its versatility, affordability, and its ability to absorb the flavors of herbs, spices, and marinades. In countries like Greece and Lebanon, chicken is often marinated in yogurt and lemon with garlic and oregano, grilled on skewers, and served in wraps. In Italy, chicken may be grilled and served with herbs and cheese, often alongside fresh greens and a drizzle of olive oil or vinaigrette.

By combining grilled chicken with pesto, vegetables, and soft flatbread, we bring together elements from across the Mediterranean basin in a dish that is simple yet deeply rooted in culinary tradition.