If you crave all the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite Italian sub, but love the idea of a fresh, filling salad, this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is absolutely about to become your new obsession! It’s got tender rotisserie chicken, savory deli meats, punchy banana peppers, and a creamy, tangy grinder-inspired dressing—basically, it’s everything you adore about an Italian grinder sandwich, minus the bread (but with all the crunch).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Deli Dream: All the classic flavors of your favorite sub shop grinder, tossed together in a bowl for easy eating any day of the week.
- Meal Prep Magic: This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making lunches totally effortless.
- Endlessly Customizable: Mix and match cheeses, meats, and veggies to suit your tastes—there’s no wrong way to build your dream salad!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you serve it at a gathering or fill up lunch containers for the family, this salad is a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what brings this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad to life! Every ingredient is hand-picked for maximum flavor, crunch, and that unmistakable deli vibe—don’t be afraid to use your favorites or tweak to your own taste. Each component adds color, texture, and personality to every single bite!
- Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken keeps prep ultra easy, plus it soaks up that tangy dressing like a dream.
- Salami or Soppressata: Diced salami brings classic Italian spice and a wonderful meaty bite.
- Pepperoni: For a warm, peppery pop that’s impossible to resist—choose regular or turkey, if you prefer.
- Provolone: Thick-sliced and diced, provolone melts slightly into the salad and adds creamy, mild sharpness.
- Crumbled Feta: For salty tang and melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skip it!
- Grape Tomatoes: These sweet little bursts balance the rich meats and add juicy color throughout.
- Banana Peppers: Mildly spicy, tangy, and crunchy—these are the “grinder” must-have for that signature flavor.
- Red Onion: Slice these paper-thin for gentle sharpness and a pop of color.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the unforgettable grinder-style dressing.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds depth, savoriness, and a touch of nutty umami in the dressing.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Key for bright, tangy zip that keeps everything light.
- Banana Pepper Juice: A dash of the brine from your pepper jar boosts the salad’s tang.
- Oregano & Garlic Powder: These pantry heroes add signature Italian seasoning notes.
- Freshly Cracked Pepper & Salt: A final sprinkle wakes up all the other flavors—season to taste!
Variations
One of the best things about Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is how easy it is to play with the mix-ins based on what you love (or have on hand in your fridge). Feel free to swap, add, or simplify—this recipe is incredibly forgiving and inviting to customizations!
- Go Low-Carb or Keto: Skip any sugary deli meats and use extra cheese or veggies to boost protein without the carbs.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the meats for chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even roasted mushrooms for savory heft.
- Adjust the Spice: Like it hotter? Add pickled jalapeños, calabrian chiles, or a dash of red pepper flakes to your dressing.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in chopped romaine, sliced cucumbers, or even shredded carrots to make it heartier and extra crisp.
- Switch the Cheese: Mozzarella, fontina, or even sharp cheddar can all step in if you prefer a different flavor twist.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing
Start by grabbing a bowl or a large liquid measuring cup. Combine mayo, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, a splash of banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, a good crank of black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together until silky-smooth and taste to see if you want more zip (add a little extra vinegar or banana pepper juice if you do!).
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
Now for the main event! In a spacious bowl, add your shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami, pepperoni, provolone, feta, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and zippy red onion. This is your flavor-packed base, and the colors are irresistible.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour most of the dressing over the salad base, then toss everything thoroughly to make sure each bite is coated and every ingredient gets a kiss of flavor. Hold back a little dressing to add before serving, in case the salad absorbs more as it chills.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
If you can resist, chill the salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and intensify (but honestly—it’s still awesome immediately). Otherwise, load it up onto your plate, and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
- Best Chicken Choice: Rotisserie chicken is the MVP here for convenience and moisture—if you use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, add a little extra dressing.
- Chop Like a Pro: Dice meats, cheeses, and veggies into even, bite-sized pieces so every forkful gets a little bit of everything (and it’s way easier to eat!).
- Flavor Boost: Don’t underestimate the banana pepper juice; it’s the secret “grinder” flavor that keeps the salad lively and addictively tangy.
- Dress Just Before Serving: If making ahead, keep a little dressing reserved—add before serving to freshen up the salad if it’s absorbed too much in the fridge.
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Finish your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad with an extra sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, some additional parmesan shavings, fresh oregano or basil, or even more sliced banana peppers for colorful flair and big deli energy.
Side Dishes
This salad truly stands alone but shines with crunchy crudités, a basket of garlic bread, roasted veggies, or even a cup of minestrone for balance. For a lighter pairing, try seasoned cucumber salad or fresh fruit on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad inside butter lettuce leaves for easy, hand-held wraps, scoop it onto toasted ciabatta for a true “grinder salad sandwich,” or spoon it into mini jars or bowls for a party-ready appetizer platter. For picnics, layer it in a mason jar!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, stash leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays vibrant and delicious for up to four days. The salad may absorb some of the dressing, so just give it a stir and add a touch more dressing or a squeeze of lemon to reawaken it before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, and unfortunately doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing and delicate veggies. For best results, make only as much as you’ll eat within a few days.
Reheating
Since Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is intended to be served cold (or at cool room temp), there’s no need to reheat. If you like, bring the salad out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving so it’s not too chilly.
FAQs
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Can I use a different kind of chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken adds fantastic flavor and is super convenient, you can use any cooked chicken—grilled, poached, leftover roast. Just be sure it’s shredded or chopped so it soaks up the dreamy grinder dressing.
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How spicy is Italian Grinder Chicken Salad?
The salad is lightly tangy with a gentle kick from banana peppers, but it isn’t overly spicy. If you love heat, feel free to toss in some hot peppers or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes!
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Can I make this salad ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Prep the salad and dressing separately, or toss together the salad and reserve a little extra dressing on the side. It keeps well for 3–4 days and makes the best make-ahead lunch ever.
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What’s the best way to serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad for a crowd?
Spoon the salad into a large serving platter surrounded by small buns, crisp lettuce leaves, or crackers. Let your guests make their own mini sandwiches, wraps, or salad bowls—everyone will love the interactive, shareable vibe!
Final Thoughts
This outrageously satisfying Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is proof that fresh, feel-good food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s colorful, brimming with deli-inspired flavors, and totally irresistible—just waiting for you to dig in. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your kitchen’s rotation!
Print
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Packed with rotisserie chicken, salami, pepperoni, cheeses, and a zesty dressing, it’s a delicious twist on a classic salad.
Ingredients
Main 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, 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 in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the rotisserie chicken, diced deli meats, red onion, tomatoes, banana peppers, and cheeses.
- Add dressing: Pour most of the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss well to coat, adding more dressing if necessary.
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or on a sandwich.
- Leftover dressing: Store any extra dressing in a sealed container in the fridge. Add it to the chicken salad the next day if needed to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: approx. 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
