Name: Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

Jump to Recipe

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is what happens when a hearty deli sandwich sets aside the bread and gets reinvented as a zesty, mouthwatering salad. Packed with layers of savory rotisserie chicken, punchy salami and pepperoni, and just the right amount of cheese, it’s an addictively bold combination that delivers all the flavor of your favorite Italian grinder—in cool, satisfying salad form. Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping easy lunches, or just craving something different, this salad has you covered with crunch, tang, and a creamy dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is how simple the ingredients truly are—each one adds its own splash of flavor, color, or texture. For the best results, be sure to use good quality meats and cheeses, and don’t skimp on the tangy banana peppers!

Rotisserie chicken: Shredded for a juicy, protein-packed base that’s quick and easy.
Salami or soppressata: Diced up for a rich, savory bite with classic Italian flavor.
Pepperoni: Adds a spicy kick and chewy texture that mirrors your favorite grinder sandwich.
Provolone: Thickly sliced and diced for creamy, mellow sharpness in every forkful.
Crumbled feta: Offers salty, tangy pops that liven up each bite.
Grape tomatoes: Diced for bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
Banana peppers (mild): Sliced for crunch and a briny, slightly spicy zing.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and a touch of color contrast.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing that brings everything together.
Grated parmesan: For nutty depth and umami in the dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Adds tang and brightens up the rest of the ingredients.
Banana pepper juice: Use straight from the jar to layer in that irresistible grinder flavor.
Oregano: A must for that unmistakable Italian aroma.
Garlic powder: Enhances the savoriness throughout the dressing.
Freshly cracked pepper: For a bit of heat and sharpness.
Salt to taste: Just enough to balance the flavors—start with 1/4 teaspoon!

How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by gathering all your dressing components: mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, cracked pepper, and salt. Mix them in a bowl or large liquid measuring cup until smooth and creamy. Give it a little taste—don’t hesitate to tweak the salt, pepper, or acid until you hit that perfect tangy note. This zingy dressing is what transforms your ingredients into a true Italian Grinder Chicken Salad.

Step 2: Prep the Meats, Cheese, and Veggies

Get your biggest salad bowl ready! Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami (or soppressata), pepperoni, cubes of provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion. I like to dice everything into fairly even, bite-sized pieces so every forkful is well-balanced, just like a good grinder sandwich.

Step 3: Dress & Toss

Pour most of that beautiful dressing over your bowl of salad toppings. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together, making sure each ingredient is coated in the creamy, tangy dressing. If the salad looks a little dry, go ahead and add the rest of the dressing so every bite is luscious and flavorful. At this point, you can sneak a taste to see if it needs a little extra salt or pepper.

Step 4: Store or Serve

If you’re making the salad ahead of time, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. This also gives all the flavors a chance to mingle. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick toss; a little extra dressing (stored separately) can freshen it up if the salad has soaked up some moisture overnight.

How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil brings a vivid green pop to this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, while a final dusting of grated parmesan or even a drizzle of extra banana pepper juice boosts that Italian deli vibe and brightens up the finished dish.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a side of crisp veggie sticks, crunchy breadsticks, or thinly sliced toasted baguette. For a heartier meal, pair your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad with a cup of tomato basil soup or a handful of kettle-cooked chips—both excellent for scooping!

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the salad into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb twist, load it up in a hoagie roll for a truly over-the-top grinder experience, or spoon it into mini bell peppers for cheery, easy-to-carry appetizers. No matter which way you serve it, this salad always turns heads!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—the flavors actually get better as they mingle, making this salad perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

While some chicken salads freeze well, this one isn’t the best candidate due to the creamy dressing and variety of veggies. Freezing can cause the salad to become watery and change the textures, so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is made for enjoying chilled or at room temperature. If you like, simply let it sit out for 10–15 minutes after pulling it from the fridge to take the chill off, then give it a quick toss and dig in. No need for reheating!

FAQs

Can I make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, giving all the flavors time to blend. Just keep the dressing and salad separate if you plan to store it for more than a day, and toss together before serving.

What’s the best way to shred rotisserie chicken for this salad?

For fast, fluffy shreds, remove the skin and use your fingers or two forks to pull apart the warm rotisserie chicken. Aim for hearty but bite-sized pieces that hold up well next to the other robust salad ingredients.

Are there any good substitutions for the meats or cheeses?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in other favorite Italian deli meats like capicola or turkey for a lighter option. For cheese, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or even cubes of Swiss can bring their own twist to your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad.

How spicy is this salad?

The banana peppers add mild heat and tang rather than serious spice. If you like things milder, use fewer peppers; want it hotter? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or even some spicy giardiniera to turn up the heat.

Can I turn this into a sandwich or wrap?

Yes! Scoop your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad straight into toasted hoagie rolls, wraps, or pita pockets for a twist on the classic Italian grinder you can eat by hand. It makes a delicious, portable meal!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your lunch routine or impress friends at your next gathering, this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep on repeat. Gather your ingredients, toss everything together, and enjoy the lively flavors—one bite and you’ll see why this salad is destined to be a new favorite.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the delicious flavors of a classic Italian grinder sandwich into a hearty salad. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Instructions

Make the dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust if needed.
Combine toppings: In a large bowl, mix together rotisserie chicken, diced deli meats, red onion, tomatoes, banana peppers, and cheeses.
Add dressing: Pour most of the dressing over the bowl of toppings, toss well to coat, adding the remaining dressing if needed.
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 remaining dressing in a sealed container in the fridge and add it to the chicken salad the next day if needed to rehydrate it.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian