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Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make cold salad combining shredded rotisserie chicken, Italian deli meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a light meal or sandwich filling, this salad offers robust Italian flavors with a creamy, zesty dressing and plenty of texture from crunchy banana peppers and crisp onions.

Ingredients

Scale

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 and diced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta
  • 2/3 cup diced grape tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup mild banana peppers
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced thin or diced

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1–2 tablespoons banana pepper juice (from the jar), to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • About 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt. Whisk well to blend all ingredients evenly. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed, for balance between tanginess and saltiness.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, mild banana peppers, and thinly sliced or diced red onion. Gently toss these ingredients to evenly distribute.
  3. Add Dressing and Toss: Pour the majority of the prepared dressing over the bowl of combined ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients well. If necessary, add the remaining dressing to achieve your desired creaminess and flavor balance.
  4. Store and Serve: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 4 days. Serve chilled alongside fresh vegetables, crackers, tortilla chips, or use as a flavorful filling for sandwiches.
  5. Save Extra Dressing: Any leftover dressing should be stored separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When reheating or eating leftovers, add additional dressing as needed to rehydrate the salad, since some dressing is absorbed during storage.

Notes

  • This salad is best served chilled and can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep.
  • Use fresh rotisserie chicken for best texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer, substitute the banana peppers with pickled pepperoncini or mild pickled jalapeños.
  • Adjust the dressing’s seasoning by adding more vinegar or pepper juice if you want extra tanginess and heat.
  • Serve with crusty Italian bread or on a hoagie roll for a classic Italian sub experience.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Italian chicken salad, deli meat salad, rotisserie chicken salad, quick Italian salad, cold chicken salad

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/italian-grinder-chicken-salad-recipe/