Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful, hearty dish combining tender rotisserie chicken with savory Italian deli meats, cheeses, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.

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 the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.
3. Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the bowl of toppings and toss well to coat everything evenly. Add any remaining dressing if necessary to ensure the salad is well coated.
4. Step 4: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve it chilled with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or use it as a sandwich filling.
5. Step 5: If you have leftover dressing, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Add it to the chicken salad the next day if it appears dry, as some dressing gets absorbed after sitting for a while.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute turkey or ham for a different deli meat flavor, or omit the meats to make a lighter chicken and cheese salad.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
• Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice to control the tangy heat in the dressing.
• Serve the salad atop greens for a low-carb option.

Storage

Store the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep any leftover dressing separately in a sealed container for up to one week. When ready to eat, stir in extra dressing if the salad has dried out. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld nicely after a few hours, but be sure to keep any extra dressing separate to refresh the salad when serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Provolone and feta provide a nice mix of creamy and tangy, but you can substitute mozzarella, cheddar, or even a sharp Asiago to suit your taste.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

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A flavorful and hearty Italian Grinder Chicken Salad combining shredded rotisserie chicken with classic Italian deli meats, cheeses, and tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick meal served with crackers, veggies, or as a sandwich filling.

• Author: Ria
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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 well and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed to your preference.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and sliced or diced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients to mix thoroughly.
3. Add Dressing to Salad: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Add the remaining dressing if necessary to reach desired consistency.
4. Store and Serve: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 4 days. Serve chilled alongside veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or use it as a hearty sandwich filling.
5. Save Leftover Dressing: If any dressing remains, keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Add it back to the salad before serving the next day to rehydrate and freshen the flavors, as some dressing may absorb into the salad over time.

Notes

• This salad is very versatile and can be served as a main dish or a sandwich filling.
• Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice for desired heat and tanginess.
• Use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken for best flavor, but leftover cooked chicken will also work.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
• Adding the dressing gradually ensures the salad doesn’t become overdressed or soggy.

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