Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful twist on classic deli flavors combined into a hearty, satisfying salad. Packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami, pepperoni, cheeses, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/4 lb. salami or soppressata, diced
• 1/4 lb. pepperoni, diced
• 1/4 cup provolone, thick-sliced and 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:
• 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
• Salt to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)

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 seasonings as needed for a tangy kick.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, 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 you want a wetter salad.
4. Step 4: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or on a sandwich.
5. Step 5: If you have any leftover dressing, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and add it to the salad later to refresh and rehydrate it, as some dressing is absorbed over time.

Tips & Variations

• Add extra red wine vinegar if you prefer a more tangy dressing flavor.
• Swap deli meats like ham, prosciutto, or spicy pepperoni based on your preference.
• If you like just one cheese, use either provolone or feta, and double the quantity for more flavor.
• Serve this salad as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep leftover dressing separate if possible, or add extra dressing when serving to keep the salad moist. Reheat is not recommended as it is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs as a substitute. Rotisserie chicken simply adds convenience and extra flavor.

What if I don’t have banana peppers or their juice?

You can substitute mild pickled peppers or a splash of pickle juice for a similar tangy flavor. Adjust the amount to taste to avoid overpowering the salad.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish combining shredded rotisserie chicken with a mix of Italian deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, served with crackers, veggies, tortilla chips, or as a sandwich filling.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 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 and diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 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 cheese
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1–2 tablespoons banana pepper juice (from the jar), to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Salt, about 1/4 teaspoon or to taste

Instructions

1. Make the dressing: In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, thoroughly combine mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed to achieve a tangy, balanced flavor.
2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and thinly sliced or diced red onion. Mix together gently.
3. Toss with dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients. Toss everything well to coat evenly. If necessary, add the remaining dressing to achieve desired moisture and flavor balance.
4. Store and serve: Transfer the Italian grinder chicken salad into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Serve chilled with fresh vegetables, crackers, tortilla chips, or use as a delicious sandwich filling.
5. Manage leftover dressing: If there is leftover dressing, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Add some of the reserved dressing to the salad the next day to rehydrate and refresh the flavors, as some dressing is absorbed during refrigeration.

Notes

• For extra tanginess, add a few more splashes of red wine vinegar to the dressing if desired.
• Feel free to customize deli meats by choosing your favorites such as ham, prosciutto, or different types of pepperoni.
• If you prefer, use only provolone or only crumbled feta cheese, but double the quantity if you opt to use just one type instead of both.

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