Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful, hearty dish packed with savory deli meats, cheeses, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or as a filling for sandwiches. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it brings all the classic Italian sandwich flavors into a fresh salad format.
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 banana peppers (mild)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced thin or diced)
- 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
- Salt to taste (about 1/4 tsp)
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by making the dressing. Combine mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and sliced or diced red onion.
- Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the combined ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly. Add the remaining dressing if needed to ensure all the salad is well dressed.
- Step 4: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled with crackers, tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or as a sandwich filling.
- Step 5: If there is any dressing left over, store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge. Add it to the salad when serving again, as the salad can absorb some of the dressing while refrigerated.
Tips & Variations
- Use soppressata or your favorite deli meats to customize the flavor profile.
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers.
- Adjust the banana pepper juice to make the salad milder or more tangy depending on your taste.
- Serve the salad over a bed of fresh greens for a lighter meal.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep any extra dressing separate in a sealed container. When reheating, this salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If it appears dry after refrigeration, stir in additional dressing before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this salad?
Yes, you can substitute provolone and feta with cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a sharp Italian blend to suit your preferences.
Is it necessary to use rotisserie chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but you can use any cooked chicken you prefer, such as grilled or baked chicken, shredded or chopped.
PrintItalian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
A flavorful Italian grinder chicken salad combining shredded rotisserie chicken with classic Italian deli meats, cheeses, and a tangy, herby red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a hearty salad, sandwich filling, or dip, this salad offers a versatile and savory meal option that can be prepared quickly and stored for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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 banana peppers (mild)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced thin 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: Combine all the dressing ingredients—mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt—in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Stir well to blend all the flavors. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning or acidity as needed to suit your preference.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and thinly sliced or diced red onion. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all components well. Add any remaining dressing if the salad feels dry or if you prefer more dressing.
- Store properly: Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve this Italian grinder chicken salad chilled alongside fresh veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or use it as a hearty sandwich filling. If dressing separates or absorbs into the salad during storage, stir in any leftover dressing before serving the next day to rehydrate.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked shredded chicken for best texture and flavor.
- Deli meats can be substituted or omitted to adjust flavor or dietary preference.
- Banana pepper juice adds acidity and tang; adjust quantity for desired brightness.
- This salad can be a great make-ahead option for quick lunches or picnics.
- Keeping the salad chilled ensures freshness and optimal texture when served.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for more crunch and nutrition.
Keywords: Italian chicken salad, rotisserie chicken salad, deli meat salad, easy chicken salad, Italian dressing, no-cook salad
