Name: Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 (to taste); Salt to taste (about 1/4 tsp)

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Introduction

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish packed with a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Tossed in a tangy homemade dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty snack served with crackers or on a sandwich.

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy mixed salad showing three main visible layers: at the base, shredded white chicken, topped by diced bright red tomatoes and yellow corn kernels, all coated in a thick white creamy dressing with visible small bits of herbs and thin slices of red onion folded in. A golden spoon is partly submerged in the mixture, resting near the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Start by making the dressing. Combine mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and sliced or diced red onion.
Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the bowl of ingredients and toss well to coat evenly. Add remaining dressing if the salad needs more moisture or flavor.
Step 4: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or on a sandwich.
Step 5: If you have leftover dressing, store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge and add to the salad the next day if it seems dry, as some dressing is absorbed over time.

Tips & Variations

Swap out pepperoni or salami for your favorite deli meats like ham or turkey if preferred.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist.
Use different cheese combinations such as mozzarella or cheddar based on your taste.
For extra crunch, toss in some chopped celery or cucumber.
If you like a spicier salad, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy banana peppers.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep leftover dressing in a separate sealed container to preserve flavor. When ready to eat, stir the salad well and add any reserved dressing if it seems dry. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square golden brown cracker topped thickly with a creamy salad mixture that has visible pieces of white cottage cheese, small chunks of bright orange carrots, diced red onions, and yellow pepper pieces. The salad is sprinkled with coarse black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. The topping looks soft and chunky with some moisture. In the blurred background is a clear glass bowl filled with more of the same creamy salad, with a silver spoon sticking out. A woman's hand with pink nail polish decorated with small white snowflake patterns is holding the cracker delicately. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, cooked chicken breast or thighs shredded or diced work well as a substitute. Rotisserie chicken just adds extra flavor and convenience.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The salad itself is gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free deli meats and check the labels on the mayonnaise and any other packaged ingredients.