Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish inspired by classic deli sandwiches. Packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, cured meats, cheeses, and a tangy dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack.

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

1. 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.
2. 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 thinly sliced or diced red onion.
3. Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the combined ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly. Add any remaining dressing as needed to ensure it’s well mixed.
4. Step 4: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Serve chilled with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or use as a sandwich filling.
5. Step 5: If you have leftover dressing, store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge. Add it to the chicken salad as needed to rehydrate before serving, since some dressing will be absorbed over time.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite Italian deli meats or substitute with cooked ham or turkey for a milder flavor.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
• For extra crunch, top with sliced pepperoncini or chopped celery just before serving.
• Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice to balance the salad’s tanginess to your taste.

Storage

Store the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep any leftover dressing separate in a sealed container. When ready to eat, stir the salad and add extra dressing if it has absorbed too much moisture. This salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh ingredients.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually benefits from some time in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs well with crunchy veggies like celery or bell peppers, crackers, tortilla chips, or piled inside a sandwich roll for a hearty meal.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 51 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Italian Grinder Chicken Salad loaded with shredded rotisserie chicken, diced Italian deli meats, cheeses, and zesty vegetables, tossed in a tangy red wine vinegar and banana pepper dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a standalone salad, this make-ahead dish stores well and bursts with classic Italian deli flavors.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 cheese

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 cheese
• 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

1. Make 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. Mix thoroughly and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed for the perfect tang and balance.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone cheese, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and sliced or diced red onion. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
3. Toss with Dressing: Pour most of the dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss well using a spatula or salad servers to coat evenly. Add any remaining dressing to reach your desired flavor and consistency.
4. Store and Serve: Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 4 days. Serve chilled as a hearty salad with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or as a filling for sandwiches.
5. Save Extra Dressing: If you have leftover dressing, keep it stored separately in a sealed container in the fridge. You can add it back to the salad the next day to rehydrate and refresh the flavors, as the salad tends to absorb the dressing over time.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice based on your preferred spice level.
• Using a rotisserie chicken saves preparation time and adds great flavor.
• The salad can be served on sandwich rolls for a classic Italian grinder experience.
• Store the salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
• If you prefer, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing variation.

Keywords: Italian chicken salad, grinder salad, deli meat salad, rotisserie chicken recipe, Italian deli salad, easy no cook salad