This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad transforms the classic Italian sub sandwich into a delicious, protein-packed salad that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Inspired by the beloved Italian grinder sandwich, this recipe combines tender rotisserie chicken with traditional Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and tangy vegetables, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing that captures the essence of Italy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect meal prep option that tastes even better after the flavors meld in the refrigerator
• Versatile serving options: enjoy as a dip, sandwich filling, or standalone protein-packed meal
• No cooking required – simply mix and serve for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch
• Loaded with protein from multiple sources, making it satisfying and filling
• Customizable to your taste preferences while maintaining authentic Italian flavors

Ingredients

• Rotisserie Chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor. Dark meat adds more moisture, but a mix of white and dark meat works perfectly.
• Salami or Soppressata: These Italian cured meats add depth and authentic flavor. Choose your preferred spice level – mild works well for family meals, while spicy varieties add extra kick.
• Pepperoni: Adds a distinctive spicy punch. Look for good quality pepperoni with visible spices and a rich red color for best flavor.
• Provolone: A semi-hard Italian cheese with a mild, smoky flavor. Use thick-sliced deli provolone for the best texture in the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Provides a tangy, salty counterpoint to the rich meats. Traditional Greek feta made from sheep’s milk offers the best flavor, but any variety works well.
• Grape Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes add freshness and a pop of color. Cherry tomatoes make an excellent substitute if grape tomatoes aren’t available.
• Banana Peppers: Mild banana peppers add tanginess without overwhelming heat. Their brine also flavors the dressing beautifully.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp flavor and crisp texture. Soak sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes to reduce their intensity if desired.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Choose a high-quality mayo for the best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth to the dressing. Freshly grated parmesan provides the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides acidity and brightness to balance the rich ingredients.
• Seasonings: A classic Italian blend of oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper ties all the flavors together.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist

Transform this salad with Greek-inspired ingredients. Add kalamata olives, cucumber, and roasted red peppers. Substitute the Italian deli meats with grilled chicken seasoned with oregano and lemon, and use more feta cheese instead of provolone for an entirely different flavor profile.

Vegetarian Option

Create a meat-free version by replacing the chicken and deli meats with a combination of chickpeas and white beans for protein. Add extra vegetables like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.

Spicy Italian

Kick up the heat by using hot capicola instead of salami, spicy pepperoni, and adding crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing. Include hot cherry peppers in place of mild banana peppers, and add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for those who enjoy bold flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, and garlic powder. Season with freshly cracked pepper and salt to taste. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed – adding more banana pepper juice for tanginess or an extra sprinkle of oregano for more herb flavor.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, diced provolone cheese, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and thinly sliced or diced red onion. Gently toss to distribute all ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Pour about three-quarters of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together until all components are well coated with the dressing. Add more dressing if needed, depending on your preference for creaminess. For best flavor development, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to several hours) before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dice all ingredients to roughly the same size for consistent texture and even distribution of flavors in each bite
• Save some of the dressing to refresh the salad if you’re planning to serve it over multiple days
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the dressing
• Pat the rotisserie chicken dry with paper towels before shredding to prevent excess moisture in the salad
• If your red onion is particularly strong, soak the sliced pieces in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad
• Let the finished salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together

How to Serve

This versatile Italian Grinder Chicken Salad shines in multiple serving options. For a low-carb meal, serve it atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce or baby spinach. Turn it into a hearty sandwich by piling it between slices of crusty Italian bread with extra provolone cheese and fresh arugula. For entertaining, serve it as a dip with sturdy crackers, crostini, or vegetable crudités arranged on a charcuterie board. It also works beautifully stuffed into hollowed tomatoes or avocado halves for an impressive presentation that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Make Ahead

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is ideal for meal prepping, as the flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator. Make the complete salad up to 4 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If making further in advance, prepare the dressing separately and store it in a jar, and dice and refrigerate all components separately, combining them within 24 hours of serving. The salad may need a refresh after sitting – simply stir in a tablespoon or two of reserved dressing to rehydrate if it seems dry after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, drained canned chicken can work in a pinch, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor as rotisserie chicken. If using canned chicken, consider adding a teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder to the dressing to enhance the flavor.

How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

To reduce costs, use home-cooked chicken instead of rotisserie, reduce the amounts of deli meats, or substitute less expensive alternatives like ham for the specialty Italian meats. You can also use all provolone and skip the feta cheese.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, making it suitable for ketogenic diets. Just be sure to serve it with keto-friendly accompaniments like cucumber slices or cheese crisps rather than crackers or bread.

How long does the chicken salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after the first day, making it ideal for meal prep. However, it’s not recommended for freezing as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate upon thawing.

Conclusion

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad brings all the bold flavors of a classic Italian sub sandwich into a convenient, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining. With its irresistible combination of savory meats, creamy cheeses, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing, this versatile recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether enjoyed as a sandwich filling, a topping for greens, or a hearty dip, this Italian-inspired chicken salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort—proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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