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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
