Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
If you crave a vibrant, satisfying salad that bursts with flavors reminiscent of your favorite deli sandwich, then you’re going to love this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender chicken, zesty pepperoncini, savory salami, and creamy cheeses, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette that brings every bite to life. Whether you want a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad combines familiar Italian-American ingredients into a fresh, no-cook meal that’s both comforting and invigorating. You’ll feel like you’re enjoying a classic grinder sandwich in salad form, making it a perfect go-to recipe whenever hunger strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to capturing the true essence of this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe. Each item adds a crucial layer of texture, flavor, or color, transforming simple components into a mouthwatering dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: The hearty, protein-packed foundation of the salad, use shredded or chopped for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup sliced salami: Adds a savory, slightly spicy depth that echoes classic Italian deli flavors.
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini: Brings tangy, mildly spicy notes that awaken the palate and brighten the salad.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Fresh bursts of sweet juiciness that lighten and color the dish beautifully.
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Provides a sharp bite and crunch to balance the creaminess of the dressing and cheeses.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts the flavors together with its mild, creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese: Offers a subtle smoky flavor that enriches the salad experience.
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce: The crisp, fresh base that gives the salad structure and a refreshing crunch.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy dressing base that holds all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds a sharp, tangy kick that balances the richness of the mayo and cheese.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Lends a touch of spice and depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses classic Italian herb aromatics into the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory background notes without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out and elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Salad Ingredients
Start by gathering your cooked chicken, sliced salami, pepperoncini, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella, provolone, and chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. The freshness and variety here are key, so make sure your ingredients are well-prepared — juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and nicely shredded chicken create the perfect canvas for your salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what truly ties the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe together, adding a luscious, tangy coating that enhances every ingredient.
Step 3: Toss and Combine
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in your large bowl and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Take time to mix thoroughly so every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You can serve this immediately for a chilled, refreshing salad or let it rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavors — either way, it’s a delicious winner.
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe even more inviting, sprinkle a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a glossy finish, while a few shaved Parmesan curls can amp up the richness without overshadowing the crunch and freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or a warm garlic focaccia to sop up any extra dressing. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple soup like minestrone or tomato basil, creating a balanced and satisfying Italian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the salad in hollowed-out artisan rolls or as a filling in a wrap for an on-the-go delight. Alternatively, layer it in a Mason jar for a grab-and-go lunch or build colorful salad bowls by arranging ingredients separately before tossing at the table — it’s fun and allows everyone to customize their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the crispness of the lettuce and freshness of the toppings, consider storing the dressing separately and tossing just before serving.
Freezing
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes do not freeze well and can become soggy or lose their texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook salad, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. If you prefer warmed chicken, heat the chicken separately before mixing with the fresh ingredients and dressing for a different but equally tasty take.
FAQs
Can I use deli rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor, making this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe even quicker to prepare.
Is this salad suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, it’s a great low-carb option especially if you skip or reduce the tomato and onion amounts. The combination of proteins, cheeses, and veggies make it a satisfying keto-friendly choice.
Can I turn this salad into a sandwich?
Definitely! This salad makes a perfect filling for sandwiches or wraps. Just layer it on your favorite bread or tortilla and enjoy a delicious deli-style meal on the go.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free dressing. Both options will keep the creamy texture and tang essential to this recipe.
How long does this salad stay fresh after tossing with dressing?
Once tossed with dressing, consume within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor. Storing the dressing separately and combining just before eating helps maintain crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful tribute to classic deli flavors in an easy, refreshing salad format. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying without heating up the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how simple ingredients come together in such a wonderfully uplifting way. Trust me, this salad will become a new favorite for lunches and light dinners alike!
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Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken breast with savory salami, tangy pepperoncini, fresh cherry tomatoes, and crisp romaine lettuce, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This no-cook, flavorful salad captures the essence of a classic Italian grinder sandwich in an easy-to-make, protein-packed salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup sliced salami (cut into strips)
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the shredded chicken, salami strips, sliced pepperoncini, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, shredded mozzarella, shredded provolone, and chopped romaine lettuce. Gently mix all these components together evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing will provide a tangy and flavorful coating to the salad ingredients.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure that each component is evenly coated with the dressing for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness, or chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy as a nutritious main course salad or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut that adds extra flavor with minimal prep.
- For a low-carb variation, omit the cherry tomatoes or reduce the amount of red onion.
- This salad makes a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps, offering versatile serving options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
