Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

I absolutely love this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad because it transforms all the delicious flavors of a classic grinder sandwich into a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This salad combines tender chicken with savory Italian meats and tangy dressing for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes.

Last summer, I was craving the bold flavors of my favorite Italian grinder sandwich but wanted something lighter for a hot day. That’s when I created this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, which quickly became a family favorite. The combination of shredded rotisserie chicken, savory deli meats, and zesty dressing creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. What I love most about this high-protein chicken salad is its versatility – serve it with crackers for dipping, on a toasted croissant for a sandwich, or enjoy it straight from the bowl. It’s the ideal meal prep solution that keeps well in the fridge for days, making busy weekdays so much easier.

Gather Your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Ingredients

I always recommend using high-quality ingredients for this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad to get the most authentic flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (Pro tip: Use thigh meat for extra moisture and flavor)
• 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

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for creaminess)
• 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)

How to Make the Perfect Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine all dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a bit more vinegar for extra tanginess.

Step 2: In a large bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.

Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until well-coated. Add the remaining dressing if needed for your preferred consistency.

Step 4: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad with crackers, fresh vegetables, tortilla chips, or on a toasted croissant for a delicious sandwich experience.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its bold Italian flavors.

Toasted Croissants: Split a croissant in half and toast lightly until golden. Fill with the chicken salad for a crunchy, buttery sandwich experience.

Fresh Vegetable Platter: Serve alongside crisp cucumber slices, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks for a refreshing contrast to the rich salad.

Tortilla Chips: The sturdy texture of tortilla chips makes them perfect for scooping up this hearty chicken salad.

Garlic Breadsticks: The garlic flavor enhances the Italian profile while the breadsticks provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up every bite.

Mixed Green Salad: Toss arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette to create a fresh bed for serving the chicken salad, adding extra nutrients and color.

For the best sides for Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, consider options that add crunch or freshness to balance the rich, savory flavors.

Complete Your Italian-Inspired Meal

Our Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is versatile enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other Italian-inspired dishes for a complete meal experience. For a satisfying dinner, serve alongside our Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread, which perfectly complements the tangy flavors of the salad. The warm, herb-infused bread is ideal for scooping up every last bite.

If you’re looking to create a full Italian-themed spread, consider adding our Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins as a side dish. For those who want to add a comforting soup to the meal, our Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup creates a nice balance to the robust flavors of the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. If you prefer another chicken dish to round out your meal, our Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls offer a fresh, healthy option that complements the rich flavors of the salad.

Keeping Your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Fresh

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and intensify over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, give the salad a quick stir as the dressing may settle at the bottom. If it seems a bit dry, I recommend adding a small dollop of mayonnaise or a splash of red wine vinegar to refresh the flavors.

Pro tip: This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep – make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for quick lunches or easy dinners. It also makes an excellent appetizer when served in small cups with crackers for dipping.

Your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Questions Answered

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