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
Scale
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.
