Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Transform the viral Italian grinder sandwich into a protein-packed chicken salad! This easy recipe combines rotisserie chicken, Italian deli meats, and tangy vegetables with a creamy grinder-style dressing for the perfect lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
- 1/4 lb salami or soppressata diced
- 1/4 lb pepperoni diced
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese thick-sliced and diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2/3 cup grape tomatoes diced
- 1/3 cup banana peppers mild
- 1/2 red onion sliced thin or diced
- For the Grinder Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon banana pepper juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, and banana pepper juice. Add oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine the meats: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken with diced salami and pepperoni. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Add cheese and vegetables: Add diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and sliced red onion to the meat mixture.
- Dress the salad: Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the mixture. Toss everything together until well coated. Add more dressing as needed.
- Rest and serve: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with crackers, on croissants, or with fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
Storage: Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reserve extra dressing separately and add as needed.
Make-ahead tip: This salad tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
Serving suggestions: Serve on toasted croissants, with crackers, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Variations: Add chopped green olives for extra briny flavor, or use hot banana peppers for more heat.
Substitutions: Use any cooked chicken if rotisserie isn't available. Genoa salami works perfectly in place of soppressata.
Make-ahead tip: This salad tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
Serving suggestions: Serve on toasted croissants, with crackers, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Variations: Add chopped green olives for extra briny flavor, or use hot banana peppers for more heat.
Substitutions: Use any cooked chicken if rotisserie isn't available. Genoa salami works perfectly in place of soppressata.