If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of Italian flair, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of shredded rotisserie chicken, savory deli meats, tangy cheeses, and vibrant veggies, all brought together by a zesty, homemade dressing that dances on your palate. Whether as a light lunch, a party dip, or a sandwich filling, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious — and honestly, it’s just pure comfort wrapped up in freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe calls for straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its irresistible taste and texture. From crunchy peppers to creamy cheeses, every component brings its own magic to the table.
- Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, shredded): The protein-packed base that’s flavorful and tender, making prep a breeze.
- Salami or soppressata (1/4 lb., diced): Adds an authentic spicy, smoky punch typical to Italian grinders.
- Pepperoni (1/4 lb., diced): Boosts the savory notes with its signature zip and texture.
- Provolone cheese (1/4 cup, thick-sliced & diced): Delivers a mild, creamy richness to balance the savory meats.
- Feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Brings a tangy, salty kick for extra excitement.
- Grape tomatoes (2/3 cup, diced): Offer juicy bursts of sweetness that lighten the salad.
- Mild banana peppers (1/3 cup): Provide crunch and a subtle tang to brighten each bite.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced or diced): Adds sharpness and a slight bite that cuts through the richness.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of the dressing, binding all ingredients smoothly.
- Grated parmesan (1/4 cup): Infuses a nutty, salty depth to the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons): Brings acidity that lifts and balances flavors brilliantly.
- Banana pepper juice (1-2 tablespoons, to taste): Adds subtle heat and tanginess right from the jar.
- Oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Italian herb for that familiar aromatic kick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Pairs perfectly with oregano to round out the dressing’s flavor profile.
- Freshly cracked pepper (to taste): Enhances the overall seasoning with a mild bite.
- Salt (about 1/4 teaspoon): Balances and intensifies all the ingredients.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by combining the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Whisk until smooth and taste to see if you want to tweak the seasoning. This dressing is the heart of the recipe, tying all the bold ingredients together with creamy tang and herbs.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, mild banana peppers, and red onion. This colorful mix brings classic Italian grinder elements to salad form, giving you an explosion of textures—from chewy to crisp to creamy—in every forkful.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing
Pour most of the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything gently but thoroughly so every bite is coated with that delicious, tangy dressing. You can always add a little more dressing if you prefer it extra saucy. The key here is to marry all those fresh and cured flavors beautifully without drowning the ingredients.
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To bring an inviting final touch, sprinkle a few fresh oregano leaves or extra crumbled feta on top. For a pop of color and crunch, sliced cherry tomatoes or thin banana peppers work wonderfully. These simple garnishes elevate the salad’s appearance and give a hint at the layers of flavor inside.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a standalone meal but also pairs wonderfully with crunchy baguette slices, hearty crackers, or tortilla chips for scooping. A light green salad or marinated olives on the side will complement the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe’s rich, savory profile and keep your plate balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad stuffed inside a crusty hoagie roll for a quick Italian grinder sandwich. Alternatively, spoon it over fresh greens for a fulfilling Italian-style chicken salad bowl. Presentation can be as casual or fancy as you want, making it perfect for everyday meals or entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, staying fresh for up to four days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or whipping up a quick snack anytime you’re craving those authentic flavors.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended as the texture will change and the dressing may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer warmed chicken, remove the salad ingredients from the dressing, gently heat the chicken separately, and then mix back together. This way, you maintain the crispness of the veggies and the integrity of the cheeses.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! While shredded rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can use grilled or baked chicken breast if you prefer. Just make sure to shred or dice it finely to blend well with the other ingredients.
Is this salad spicy?
The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe has a gentle kick thanks to the pepperoni and banana pepper juice, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you like more heat, add extra banana peppers or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the salami, pepperoni, and chicken, and add more cheeses and veggies or substitute with plant-based meats. For vegan, swap the cheeses and mayo for vegan alternatives and use plant protein like seasoned tofu or chickpeas.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad stays fresh for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after sitting, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
What are some great serving ideas?
Serve it on a bed of mixed greens, as a filling in a sandwich roll, or alongside crispy crackers or pita chips. It also pairs well with fresh fruit or a simple antipasto platter for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful celebration of classic Italian deli flavors turned into a fresh, inviting salad that’s perfect any time of day. Its ease, versatility, and bold taste make it a recipe that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious comfort and flair it brings to your meals!
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Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish combining shredded rotisserie chicken, a mix of Italian deli meats, tangy cheeses, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a satisfying lunch or a sandwich filling, it requires minimal preparation and provides a delicious medley of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Meats and Cheeses
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/4 lb. salami or soppressata, diced
- 1/4 lb. pepperoni, diced
- 1/4 cup provolone, thick-sliced, diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
Vegetables
- 2/3 cup diced grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup mild banana peppers
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons banana pepper juice (from the jar, to taste)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste (about 1/4 tsp)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients—mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper—in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Whisk until smooth and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, mild banana peppers, and thinly sliced or diced red onion. Mix gently to combine the ingredients uniformly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated well. Add more dressing if necessary according to your taste preference.
- Storage: Transfer the chicken salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored safely for up to 4 days. Serve it chilled alongside vegetables, crackers, tortilla chips, or use as a flavorful sandwich filling.
- Leftover dressing: Keep any extra dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Use the leftover dressing to refresh the salad the next day or as a dip for other snacks.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, but leftover cooked chicken can also be substituted.
- Adjust the seasoning and banana pepper juice to your taste, adding more for extra tang and spice.
- This salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of serving options such as crackers or sandwich bread.
- Ensure all deli meats are fresh and stored properly to maximize flavor and safety.
- Leftover dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
