Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful twist on a classic deli favorite, combining shredded rotisserie chicken with a medley of Italian meats, cheeses, and tangy peppers. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or a light dinner served with crackers or fresh veggies.

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: 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. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.
3. Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the combined ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly. Add the remaining dressing if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve it chilled with crackers, tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or as a hearty sandwich filling.
5. Step 5: If you have leftover dressing, keep it sealed in the fridge and add a little to the salad before serving to rehydrate it, as some dressing gets absorbed during storage.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping the salami or soppressata with your favorite Italian deli meats like mortadella or capicollo for a different flavor profile.
• Use fresh mozzarella instead of provolone for a softer, creamier cheese texture.
• Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright herbal note.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of banana peppers or omit the pepper juice.

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. If the salad looks dry after refrigeration, add a bit of the reserved dressing and toss before serving to refresh the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, freshly cooked chicken works well. Just shred or dice it before mixing. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds extra flavor, but any cooked chicken will do.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just remember to store the dressing separately if you want to maintain a fresher texture longer.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 132 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish combining shredded rotisserie chicken with classic Italian deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a light meal served on its own, with crackers, veggies, or in a sandwich, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and savory flavors inspired by traditional Italian grinders.

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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)

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Instructions

1. Make the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients including mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt in a bowl or a liquid measuring cup. Mix thoroughly and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, pepperoni, diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and thinly sliced or diced red onion. Mix all toppings gently.
3. Toss with Dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss well until everything is evenly coated. Use remaining dressing as needed to ensure the salad is well dressed.
4. Store Properly: Transfer the salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld and the salad to remain fresh.
5. Serve and Rehydrate: Serve this versatile chicken salad with vegetables, crackers, tortilla chips, or as a sandwich filling. If the salad seems dry after sitting, add any leftover dressing stored in a sealed container to rehydrate it before serving again.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice in the dressing to control the tanginess and spice level.
• Use fresh rotisserie chicken for best flavor and texture.
• The salad keeps well in the fridge and flavors intensify after a day.
• Can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep or entertaining.
• Serve chilled for a refreshing meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Italian chicken salad, rotisserie chicken salad, deli meat salad, Italian grinder salad, easy no-cook salad, sandwich filling, chicken salad with Italian meats