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

If you’re searching for your new go-to lunch or a party-ready crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. Imagine the best parts of your favorite grinder sandwich—bold deli meats, crisp veggies, creamy dressings—transformed into a salad that somehow manages to be both satisfying and light. Packed with savory rotisserie chicken, zesty banana peppers, flavorful cheeses, and a tangy homemade dressing, each bite delivers pure Italian-inspired joy. Whether piled on toasted bread, scooped with crackers, or simply devoured by the forkful, this recipe is destined to become a repeat request in your kitchen.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You wouldn’t believe how quick it is to throw together the most irresistible Italian Grinder Chicken Salad with just a handful of smart ingredients. Each element is chosen for maximum flavor, with plenty of texture—from the juicy chicken to the pops of feta and banana pepper.

Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, shredded): The shortcut hero—moist, flavorful, and instantly ready for salads.
Salami or soppressata (1/4 lb., diced): Adds that iconic Italian deli bite with plenty of savory depth.
Pepperoni (1/4 lb., diced): Brings a touch of spicy, smoky goodness to every mouthful.
Provolone (1/4 cup, thick-sliced and diced): Creamy and mild, it helps balance all the vibrant flavors.
Crumbled feta (1/4 cup): Tangy and salty, it sprinkles little moments of creaminess all through the salad.
Grape tomatoes (2/3 cup, diced): Fresh, juicy, and sweet, they brighten up the bowl.
Banana peppers (1/3 cup, mild): A classic for Italian grinders—these add zing without overpowering.
Red onion (1/2, sliced thin or diced): For crunch and a bit of sharpness; soak in cold water if you prefer it milder.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Makes the base of the creamy dressing that ties everything together.
Grated parmesan (1/4 cup): For a layer of salty, nutty flavor in the dressing.
Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons): Brings a tang that wakes up all the other ingredients.
Banana pepper juice (1-2 tablespoons, from the jar): Adds a tart, bright edge to the dressing—taste and adjust!
Oregano (1 tsp): The spice cabinet shortcut to that classic Italian grinder flavor.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): For mellow garlicky warmth in every bite.
Freshly cracked pepper: Builds subtle heat—freshly ground really makes a difference.
Salt (about 1/4 tsp, to taste): Essential to make every ingredient sing, but remember the meats and cheeses add some saltiness, too.

How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

Kick things off by making the creamy, zesty dressing that’s the heart and soul of this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, a few generous grinds of black pepper, and a sprinkle of salt. Taste as you go and feel free to adjust the tang or seasoning until it’s just right for you.

Step 2: Combine All the Good Stuff

Grab your biggest salad bowl—trust me, you’ll want some elbow room for tossing. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami (or soppressata), chopped pepperoni, red onion, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, provolone, and feta. Each addition adds its own personality, making the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad vibrant and irresistible.

Step 3: Dress It Up and Toss

Pour most of your homemade dressing over the salad mixture. Use tongs or two big spoons to toss everything together until every bite gets a little love from the dressing. If the salad looks a bit dry, drizzle on the rest of the dressing. Let it hang out for a few minutes—this helps all those flavors mingle and get cozy together.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

If you have time, cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This not only chills the salad for ultimate refreshment, but also lets the flavors meld into an even more crave-worthy mix. Otherwise, it’s ready to eat as soon as you are!

Step 5: Store or Enjoy as You Wish

If you’re prepping ahead, scoop the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for up to four days—perfect for lunches, snacks, or impromptu gatherings. If any dressing separates, just give it a quick stir before serving.

How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parmesan and a fresh scatter of oregano take your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad from delicious to absolutely swoon-worthy. Or for a pop of color and flavor, toss on some chopped fresh parsley or basil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread, crunchy breadsticks, or even a handful of crispy pita chips. Lighten things up with a side of simple mixed greens or sliced cucumbers. And for a nostalgic deli-style lunch, serve with kettle chips and a cold, bubbly drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad high on toasted ciabatta or baguette halves for open-faced sandwiches overflowing with flavor. Scoop it into mini lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb option, or stuff cherry tomatoes for bite-sized, party-ready nibbles that disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got some salad left? Lucky you! Pop any remaining Italian Grinder Chicken Salad into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It will stay bright-tasting and delicious for up to four days—just give it a stir before serving again to redistribute any dressing that might have settled.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for creamy salads like this (the mayo can separate and veggies can get watery), all is not lost! If you do need to freeze it, use air-tight containers and plan to drain off any excess moisture and add fresh dressing upon thawing. For best results, enjoy this one straight from the fridge.

Reheating

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, making it extra convenient for busy days or summer picnics. If it’s too cold from the fridge, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before digging in.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge helps the flavors blend beautifully. Make it up to 24 hours in advance, but give it a good toss before serving and add extra dressing if needed to freshen it up.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and so flavorful, but you can easily use any cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat—leftovers work great, and even grilled chicken adds delicious notes.

Are there meat or cheese substitutions?

Definitely! Swap salami for ham or turkey for a lighter twist, or use mozzarella instead of provolone if that’s what you have. The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is endlessly customizable to your tastes or fridge contents.

How spicy is this salad?

With mild banana peppers and classic deli meats, it leans more tangy than spicy. If you want extra heat, try adding a few chopped Calabrian chiles or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

You sure can—use your favorite dairy-free cheeses or simply leave them out. The bold flavors from the meats, veggies, and dressing will still shine through in your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad.

Final Thoughts

Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that’s as fun to make as it is to eat—and this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a total standout. Whether you’re packing lunches, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, the irresistible layers of flavor are sure to win you over again and again. Give it a try and see why it deserves a permanent spot in your salad rotation!

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of rotisserie chicken, salami, pepperoni, and cheeses with a tangy dressing. Perfect for a satisfying meal or a tasty sandwich filling.

Instructions

Start by making the dressing. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust if needed.
In a large bowl combine all of the toppings: rotisserie chicken, diced deli meats*, red onion, tomatoes, banana peppers, and cheeses.
Pour most the dressing over the bowl of toppings, toss well to coat, adding the remaining dressing if needed.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve with veggies, crackers or tortilla chips or on a sandwich.
If you have dressing leftover, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and add it to the chicken salad the next day if needed to rehydrate it. Some of the dressing gets absorbed as it sits in the fridge.

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