Italian Grinder Chicken Salad filled my kitchen with lively conversation during a sunny Saturday lunch prep session. My sister arrived after a long grocery trip, my neighbor stopped in to return a baking pan, and my husband was slicing tomatoes for sandwiches at the counter. The kitchen quickly transformed into a busy lunch station filled with deli meats, fresh vegetables, and containers of shredded rotisserie chicken.
The aroma of oregano and parmesan drifted through the air as I whisked together a creamy dressing in a glass measuring cup.
My sister diced salami while my neighbor sliced red onions paper thin, and the entire room buzzed with conversation about weekend plans and spring picnics. The bowl grew more colorful with every ingredient added, turning into a vibrant mix of reds, greens, and creamy whites.
Once the dressing coated the salad, the flavors came together instantly. We spooned generous portions onto crackers and toasted bread, and the first bites sparked immediate smiles around the table. Lunch felt effortless, fresh, and satisfying, exactly the kind of meal that fits perfectly into a busy weekend.
Short Description
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a creamy, protein packed salad made with shredded chicken, deli meats, cheese, and tangy grinder dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or serving with crackers.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ¼ lb salami or soppressata, diced
- ¼ lb pepperoni, diced
- ¼ cup provolone, diced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- â…” cup diced grape tomatoes
- â…“ cup banana peppers
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- For the Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise - ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons banana pepper juice
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly cracked pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Large serving bowl
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the dressing
Whisk mayonnaise, parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
Add shredded chicken, salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, banana peppers, onion, provolone, and feta to a large bowl.
Step 3: Toss the salad
Pour dressing over ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill before serving
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend, then serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High protein and filling
Bold deli style flavors
Perfect for meal prep
Quick and easy to prepare
Versatile serving options
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Adding too much dressing
Excess dressing can overpower flavors.
Solution: Add dressing gradually and toss before adding more.
Skipping chill time
Flavors need time to blend.
Solution: Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cutting ingredients unevenly
Large pieces affect texture.
Solution: Dice ingredients into bite sized pieces.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve in lettuce wraps
Use as sandwich filling
Pair with crackers or pita chips
Serve family style in a large bowl
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in airtight container up to 4 days
Stir before serving
Keep extra dressing for refreshing leftovers
Do not freeze
FAQs
1. Can I use grilled chicken?
Yes, grilled or baked chicken works well.
2. Can this be made ahead?
Yes, prepare up to 2 days in advance.
3. Is there a lighter dressing option?
Use half mayo and half Greek yogurt.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Add hot banana peppers or chili flakes.
5. Can I serve this warm?
This salad is best served chilled.
Tips & Tricks
Chill the bowl before mixing for extra freshness
Dice ingredients evenly for balanced bites
Add dressing gradually for best texture
Recipe Variations
Turkey Grinder Salad
Replace chicken with cooked turkey breast.
Low Carb Version
Add chopped lettuce and cucumber for extra crunch.
Mediterranean Twist
Add olives and roasted red peppers for new flavor.
Final Thoughts
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad brings bold deli inspired flavors into a simple homemade dish. The creamy dressing, savory meats, and crisp vegetables create a balanced and satisfying meal that feels both fresh and hearty.
Sharing this salad during a relaxed weekend lunch turned an ordinary day into a lively gathering. Recipes like this bring convenience and flavor together in a way that fits easily into everyday cooking.
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
- ¼ lb salami or soppressata diced
- ¼ lb pepperoni diced
- ¼ cup provolone diced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- â…” cup diced grape tomatoes
- â…“ cup banana peppers
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons banana pepper juice
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly cracked pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk mayonnaise, parmesan, vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine chicken, salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, banana peppers, onion, provolone, and feta in a bowl.
- Add dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving.
