Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delightful medley of rotisserie chicken, cured meats, and tangy cheeses, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, it captures the flavors of a classic Italian sandwich in a fresh, easy-to-serve salad form.
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 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly cracked pepper
- Salt to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the dressing by combining 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 and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and sliced or diced red onion.
- Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Add the remaining dressing if more moisture is desired.
- Step 4: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or as a sandwich filling.
- Step 5: If you have leftover dressing, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Add it to the salad when serving to rehydrate and refresh the flavors after storage.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, try using hot banana peppers or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Swap out the provolone for mozzarella or another mild cheese if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of banana pepper juice for a different tangy twist on the dressing.
- Add some chopped fresh basil or parsley for extra herbaceous flavor.
Storage
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but if it becomes dry, stir in some of the reserved dressing. Leftover dressing should be stored separately in a sealed container and can be added as needed when serving or reheating the salad.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of deli meat instead of salami or pepperoni?
Yes, you can substitute with your favorite deli meats like ham, turkey, or mortadella for a different flavor profile.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This salad holds up well in the fridge for several days and makes a convenient, flavorful meal prep option. Just keep the dressing separate if you prefer it less moist initially, and add it before serving.
PrintItalian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying cold salad that combines shredded rotisserie chicken, a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and tangy vegetables all tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar and banana pepper dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a filling for sandwiches, this salad offers a delicious blend of savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors with a delightful Italian deli-inspired twist.
- 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
Meat and Cheese
- 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 banana peppers (mild)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced thin 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
- Prepare 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. Taste and adjust seasoning or acidity as needed to balance the flavors.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all of the toppings including shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and the sliced or diced red onion. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Add the Dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the combined ingredients in the bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat all the components with the dressing evenly. If necessary, add the remaining dressing to ensure everything is well dressed.
- Storage: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead meal option.
- Serving Suggestions and Leftover Dressing: Serve the salad chilled with fresh veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or as a hearty sandwich filling. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge. Add to the salad when reheating to rehydrate and maintain moistness, as the dressing gets absorbed over time.
Notes
- The choice of deli meats (salami or soppressata) can be adjusted based on preference or availability.
- Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice depending on your desired level of tang and heat.
- This salad is ideal for meal prep as the flavors deepen after resting overnight.
- Can be served as a sandwich filling using hoagie rolls or Italian bread for a classic Italian grinder experience.
- Salad stays fresh in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Keywords: Italian chicken salad, Italian grinder salad, rotisserie chicken salad, deli meat salad, no-cook salad, sandwich filling, cold salad
