If you are on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying salad that packs a punch, you have to try this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. This dish brings together tender shredded rotisserie chicken, a medley of Italian deli meats, sharp cheeses, tangy banana peppers, and a zesty homemade dressing that perfectly blends red wine vinegar and seasonings. Every bite bursts with the familiar bold flavors of an Italian sandwich, but in a fresh, salad form that’s perfect for lunch, light dinners, or even entertaining. The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a fast favorite to whip up during busy days or whenever you crave a taste of Italy at home.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the rich, savory deli meats adding depth, the crispness of fresh vegetables providing texture, or the creamy cheese and tangy dressing that unite all the flavors beautifully.

2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds juicy, tender meat packed with flavor.
1/4 lb. salami or soppressata, diced: These add a savory, slightly spicy depth that’s classic in Italian-style dishes.
1/4 lb. pepperoni, diced: Pepperoni offers a smoky, bold flavor that complements the other meats harmoniously.
1/4 cup provolone, thick-sliced and diced: Provolone adds a mild, creamy texture with a subtle tang.
1/4 cup crumbled feta: The salty bite of feta brings an exciting contrast to the moist chicken and meats.
2/3 cup diced grape tomatoes: These juicy tomatoes add sweetness and a burst of color.
1/3 cup banana peppers (mild): The banana peppers introduce gentle heat and tanginess, crucial for that classic grinder flavor.
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced: Red onion gives a sharp, fresh crunch that balances the richer ingredients.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides creamy richness and helps bind everything together.
1/4 cup grated parmesan: Parmesan adds a nutty, umami punch to the dressing.
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: This brings bright acidity that wakes up the whole dish.
1-2 tablespoons banana pepper juice: Adjust this to taste for an extra tangy kick in the dressing.
1 tsp oregano: Dried oregano adds an earthy, herbaceous note essential for Italian flavor.
1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder introduces savory warmth without overpowering.
Freshly cracked pepper: For that hint of spice and freshness.
Salt to taste (about 1/4 tsp): Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

Start by combining the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Taste your dressing and adjust the seasoning or add more banana pepper juice if you want a little extra tang. This dressing is the heart of the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, tying all the flavors together with that perfect creamy yet zesty balance.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion. Take a moment to appreciate these vibrant ingredients—they create the perfect blend of textures and tastes that make this salad unforgettable.

Step 3: Toss Everything with the Dressing

Pour most of the dressing over the mixed ingredients, reserving a little for later. Gently toss everything together until every bite is coated with the luscious dressing. If it looks a bit dry, add more dressing until it reaches your desired creaminess. Letting the salad sit for a few minutes will help meld the flavors wonderfully.

Step 4: Store for Up to Four Days

Transfer your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, which makes this a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Step 5: Save Extra Dressing

If you have leftover dressing, store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge. When you reheat or serve the salad later, feel free to add a little more dressing to keep it moist and fresh since the salad will absorb some while storing.

How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Garnishes

To elevate the experience, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of fresh green and an herbal aroma. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few more banana pepper rings add a lovely finishing touch and a hit of brightness with every bite.

Side Dishes

This salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think crisp veggie sticks like celery or cucumber for crunch, crunchy crackers or pita chips to scoop it all up, or even a crusty Italian bread to make a satisfying open-faced sandwich. Lighter sides like a simple arugula salad also complement the richness of the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress friends or family? Serve the salad inside hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for a beautiful edible bowl. Alternatively, use it as a filling for wraps or pita pockets to create handheld delights. It also shines when layered inside a hearty sandwich roll for a traditional Italian grinder twist—just without all the bread carbs if you want to keep it lighter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Grinder Chicken Salad keeps very well in the refrigerator inside an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors develop even more over time, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that has settled.

Freezing

Freezing Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is generally not recommended. The fresh vegetables and cheeses can lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. For the best quality, enjoy the salad fresh within a few days of preparation.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature to enjoy the crisp textures and bold flavors. If you prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit out for a while instead of microwaving, or remove any fresh veggies and add them back after gently warming the chicken and dressing separately. This way, you preserve the delightful contrasts that make the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad so enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use different meats in the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! While the classic combination calls for salami, soppressata, and pepperoni, you can substitute or add other Italian deli meats like capicola, mortadella, or even ham to suit your preferences.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Yes! Simply skip the deli meats and add more veggies like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, olives, or chickpeas to keep it hearty and flavorful while maintaining the spirit of the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad.

How long does the salad stay fresh in the fridge?

You can safely store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just remember to give it a good toss before serving if the dressing has settled.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

For sure! The dressing can be made up to a week in advance and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. This makes assembling the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad even quicker when you’re ready to enjoy it.

What can I serve with this salad for a light meal?

Pair it with fresh veggie sticks, crusty bread, or a simple side salad for a balanced, lighter meal that highlights the delicious flavors of the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad without feeling heavy.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that I find myself making again and again because it’s just that good. The bold Italian flavors, the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, and the satisfying texture from the meats and veggies come together effortlessly. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving something delicious and different, this salad will quickly become a favorite go-to. Give it a try—I promise, your taste buds will thank you!

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful Italian-inspired chicken salad that combines shredded rotisserie chicken with classic deli meats, cheeses, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a refreshing salad on its own.

Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed for a balanced, tangy dressing.
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, sliced banana peppers, and thinly sliced or diced red onion. Gently stir to combine all toppings evenly.
Toss with dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the bowl of combined ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly. Add any remaining dressing as needed to achieve your desired level of moisture and flavor coverage.
Storage: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving and leftover tips: Serve the Italian grinder chicken salad alongside fresh veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or pile it onto a sandwich for a delicious meal. If there is dressing leftover, keep it refrigerated in a sealed container to add back in when reheating or refreshing the salad, as some dressing is absorbed by the ingredients over time.

Notes

Adjust banana pepper juice to taste to control the acidity and heat level of the dressing.
Use thick-sliced provolone for better texture and flavor contrast.
This salad works well as a sandwich filling or served over leafy greens for a lighter option.
Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness; salad flavors intensify after resting in the fridge.
Substitute or omit any deli meats to make it more suitable for dietary preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No cook, Mixing
Cuisine: Italian-American