Delicious Italian Grinder Chicken Salad with fresh ingredients

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of deli meats with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing. It’s an ideal meal for lunch or a light dinner, offering a mix of textures and tastes that everyone will enjoy. Plus, using rotisserie chicken makes it quick and easy to prepare, so you can enjoy this tasty salad without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

how to make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

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)

Directions:

  1. Start by making the dressing. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust if needed.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all of the toppings: rotisserie chicken, diced deli meats, red onion, tomatoes, banana peppers, and cheeses.
  3. Pour most of the dressing over the bowl of toppings, and toss well to coat, adding the remaining dressing if needed.
  4. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or on a sandwich.
  5. 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.

how to serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is very versatile. You can serve it on a bed of lettuce for a light meal, pile it onto a sandwich or wrap for a hearty lunch, or enjoy it with some crunchy crackers or tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a side of fresh veggies for a refreshing snack.

how to store Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

To keep your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days when properly stored. If you notice that the salad has absorbed some of the dressing during storage, feel free to add a little extra dressing before serving to keep it creamy and flavorful.

tips to make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

  • Use high-quality deli meats for extra flavor.
  • Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or cucumbers, to customize your salad.
  • For a spicier kick, try adding jalapeños or spicy pepperoni.

variation

You can easily turn this salad into a pasta salad by adding cooked pasta to the mix. Just cook some pasta, let it cool, and toss it with the salad for a hearty twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken for convenience, but rotisserie chicken adds more flavor and moisture.

2. How can I make this salad healthier?
You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing or add more fresh vegetables to increase the nutrient content.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. The flavors will meld together nicely!