Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
If you love a vibrant, flavorful salad that brings together the bold tastes of Italian deli meats, sharp cheeses, and tangy pickled peppers, then you are going to adore this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe. This dish is a fantastic way to reinvent leftover rotisserie chicken, transforming it into a hearty, satisfying salad packed with texture and zest. Each bite bursts with a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and bright flavors that capture the essence of a classic Italian grinder sandwich—but in a refreshing salad form that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender shredded chicken to the punchy banana peppers and the melty provolone cheese, every item plays a vital role in creating this delightful Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe.
- Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, shredded): Provides juicy, tender protein that forms the heart of the salad.
- Salami or soppressata (1/4 lb, diced): Adds a spicy, savory depth with that unmistakable Italian cured meat flavor.
- Pepperoni (1/4 lb, diced): Brings in a smoky, slightly spicy contrast to the other meats.
- Provolone cheese (1/4 cup, thick-sliced, diced): Offers a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor that melts slightly into the salad.
- Feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Gives a tangy, salty kick that brightens every spoonful.
- Grape tomatoes (2/3 cup, diced): Inject fresh juiciness and a dash of vibrant red color.
- Mild banana peppers (1/3 cup): Add a perfect touch of piquant crunchiness and zest.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced or diced): Infuses gentle sharpness and crunch to balance the richer ingredients.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creates a luscious, creamy dressing base that pulls it all together.
- Grated Parmesan (1/4 cup): Intensifies the umami flavor like a secret flavor booster.
- Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons): Injects acidity that cuts through the richness and lifts the salad.
- Banana pepper juice (1-2 tablespoons, to taste): Enhances the tangy, slightly spicy notes with a punch of brightness.
- Oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy Italian herb aroma that rounds out the seasonings.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory warmth without overpowering.
- Freshly cracked pepper (to taste): Provides a mild heat and lively finish to the dressing.
- Salt (about 1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors perfectly in the salad and dressing.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together 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. This dressing will be rich and creamy with a hint of tang and aromatic herbs, perfectly complementing the bold flavors in the salad. Taste it as you go to adjust the seasoning, making sure it’s balanced and vibrant.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, thick-sliced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion. By layering these ingredients, you build the signature texture and taste contrast found in an Italian grinder, but with a fresh, salad twist.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing
Pour most of the dressing over the combined ingredients. Give everything a good toss so that every bite will be coated with that luscious dressing. If it seems a bit dry, add a little more until you reach your preferred level of creaminess. The dressing binds all the flavors together and makes this salad truly addictive.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Although you can serve the salad immediately, letting it chill for about 15 minutes in the fridge allows all those flavors to mingle and develop. The result is a harmonious blend that tastes even better the next day.
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves brightens the salad and adds a beautiful pop of green. For an extra savory touch, a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil works wonders. These small garnishes make the salad visually inviting and elevate the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks like celery and carrots, or with buttery crackers to scoop it up. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up every bit of that delicious dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe stuffed inside hoagie rolls or pita pockets for a fun, sandwich-style meal. You can also pile it on top of mixed greens for a heartier salad or use it as a topping for flatbreads to impress your guests at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, store the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
While the salad itself does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, you can freeze leftover shredded chicken separately if you want to prep in advance. Thaw it fully before mixing into the salad.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Since it contains mayonnaise and fresh veggies, reheating isn’t recommended. Simply give it a stir and maybe add a bit more dressing if it’s dried out after chilling.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone and feta provide distinct flavors and textures, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, asiago, or even a sharp cheddar if you want to tweak the flavor to your liking.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping lunches or quick meals throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit all deli meats and substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative. For vegan, also swap the cheeses and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives to keep the creamy texture.
What can I substitute for banana peppers if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have banana peppers on hand, mild pickled pepperoncini or even a few slices of pickled jalapeño (for some heat) can work well to maintain that tangy, slightly spicy crunch.
How spicy is the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe?
This salad is gently spiced thanks to the pepperoni and banana peppers; however, you can adjust the heat level by adding more pepperoncini juice or including hotter pepper varieties as desired.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is a wonderfully flavorful and easy dish that screams comfort with a crisp, fresh punch. It’s an ideal way to breathe new life into rotisserie chicken and deli meats while treating yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — trust me, it’s going to become your next favorite go-to salad!
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Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish combining shredded rotisserie chicken with savory Italian deli meats, tangy cheeses, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad features bold flavors and a satisfying mix of textures.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 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
- 2/3 cup diced grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup mild banana peppers
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced
Dressing Ingredients
- 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: In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt. Stir everything together well until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine 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 all ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Add more dressing if you prefer a wetter salad or stronger flavor.
- Storage: Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad is delicious served with fresh veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or as a hearty sandwich filling.
- Leftover dressing: Keep any leftover dressing in a sealed container in the fridge. You can add extra dressing to the salad the next day if it seems dry or could use more flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or roasted chicken if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice for acidity and heat to your preference.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or bread.
- Leftover dressing can also be used as a dip for veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
