If you adore the bold flavors and comforting textures of Italian subs but want a fresh, protein-packed twist, this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need in your meal rotation. Combining shredded rotisserie chicken with classic Italian cured meats, tangy cheeses, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad bursts with vibrant colors and rich tastes that will brighten up any lunch or light dinner. It’s fresh, easy to whip up in minutes, and perfect for sharing with friends or packing for on-the-go meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe plays a vital role in bringing authentic Italian deli flavors together in a simple yet delicious salad format. From the savory meats to the crisp veggies and tangy dressing, every component adds its own unique texture and taste.
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded: Provides tender, juicy protein and a great base for the salad.
- 1/4 lb. salami or soppressata, diced: Adds a spicy, cured meat punch that’s essential for that grinder flavor.
- 1/4 lb. pepperoni, diced: Brings bold, smoky notes familiar in Italian sandwiches.
- 1/4 cup provolone, thick-sliced, diced: Offers a creamy, mild cheese contrast in both flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta: Introduces a tangy, salty bite that brightens the salad.
- 2/3 cup diced grape tomatoes: Adds freshness and juicy bursts of sweetness.
- 1/3 cup mild banana peppers: Lends a mild, vinegary kick and vibrant color.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced: Provides a bit of sharp crunch and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing, binding everything together.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan: Adds nuttiness and savory richness in the dressing.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Brings acidity to balance the richness of the meats and cheese.
- 1-2 tablespoons banana pepper juice: Enhances the dressing with an extra tangy, slightly spicy kick.
- 1 tsp oregano: Infuses the salad with classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds warm, savory depth.
- Freshly cracked pepper, to taste: Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
- Salt, to taste (about 1/4 tsp): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
The soul of the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its zesty dressing. Start by combining the 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 it and tweak the seasonings to your preference. The dressing should be tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor to tie all the salad ingredients together beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, pepperoni, provolone, feta, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion. This combination perfectly mimics the layers you’d find in a classic Italian grinder sandwich, but it’s lighter and super easy to customize.
Step 3: Combine and Coat
Pour most of your freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything to ensure every bite is coated in that delicious, creamy dressing. If you find it needs more moisture, drizzle on a bit more dressing—just avoid over-saturating the salad to keep those fresh textures intact.
Step 4: Store for Flavor Development
Once combined, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This resting time allows flavors to meld and intensify, making it even better the next day, although it’s wonderful fresh too!
Step 5: Keep Extra Dressing on Hand
Don’t toss out any leftover dressing! Seal it tight in the fridge and add a little extra when serving leftovers to refresh the salad’s creaminess and flavor profile.
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley adds a lovely herbal note and a pop of green that elevates the look and flavor. For a little crunch, consider some toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Side Dishes
Serve the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe alongside crunchy veggies like celery sticks or bell pepper strips for a light, healthy touch. It’s also fantastic with artisan crackers, toasted baguette slices, or tortilla chips to scoop up every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this salad into a satisfying sandwich filling by layering it inside a crusty hoagie roll with fresh lettuce and more banana peppers. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers for an elegant appetizer or light meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Flavors deepen with time, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen. Freezing the salad would affect the texture of the fresh veggies and creamy dressing, so it’s not recommended.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, no reheating is needed. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving, but keep in mind the fresh components shine best when chilled.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of salami and pepperoni?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite Italian deli meats like ham, capicola, or even mortadella for variety. The key is maintaining a balance of flavors so the salad stays hearty and satisfying.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can omit the provolone, feta, and parmesan or replace them with dairy-free cheese alternatives. The salad will still be flavorful thanks to the meats, veggies, and dressing.
Can I add vegetables other than the ones listed?
Definitely. This salad is quite versatile. Cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or olives can be great additions, adding more color and texture to the mix.
How spicy is the salad with banana peppers?
The banana peppers used here are mild with a pleasantly tangy flavor rather than overwhelming heat, making the salad approachable for those sensitive to spice.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken and deli meats with plant-based alternatives and swap out the cheeses and mayonnaise for vegan-friendly products. Customize the dressing with a vegan mayo base and verify all seasonings fit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the unbeatable taste of an Italian sub in a fun, fresh, and tunefully easy-to-make salad form, this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is here to steal the show. It’s bursting with flavor, easy to assemble, and perfect for any occasion where you want a meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious and crowd-pleasing it is!
Print
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad combines shredded rotisserie chicken with a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and tangy veggies, all tossed in a flavorful red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a hearty sandwich filling, this no-cook salad is bursting with savory and zesty flavors.
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 mild banana peppers
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 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 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- 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 to balance tang and spice.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion. Ensure each ingredient is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Mix in the Dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly. Add more dressing gradually if the salad appears too dry, adjusting to your preferred level of creaminess and tang.
- Store and Chill: Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors meld together beautifully after chilling and the salad can be stored for up to 4 days.
- Serve and Save Extra Dressing: Serve the salad with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or as a delicious sandwich filling. Store any leftover dressing in a sealed container in the fridge and add it again to the salad as needed to refresh flavors.
Notes
- This salad is best eaten chilled and can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors.
- Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice to control the tanginess and heat.
- Use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Store extra dressing separately to keep the salad from becoming soggy over time.
- Serve with crunchy sides like chips or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
