If you’ve ever craved the bold flavors of a classic Italian grinder sandwich but wanted something a bit lighter and more refreshing, this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession. Bursting with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, zesty deli meats, tangy pepperoncini, and a creamy, herby dressing, it brings all the charm of the beloved deli sub—without the bread. Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a satisfying no-cook dinner, this salad is every bit as satisfying as it is colorful and crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this recipe is how approachable the ingredients are: just a handful of fresh staples and pantry favorites come together to create something truly special. Each one adds its own irresistible pop of flavor, crunchy texture, or creamy richness to the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped, this is your protein-packed base; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it brings gorgeous color and crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness balances out the salty, savory elements.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of zing and lovely purple flair.
- Pepperoncini peppers: Sliced for tangy, spicy pops that wake up the palate.
- Deli meats (salami or ham): Chopped for classic grinder flavor—mix and match as you like.
- Provolone cheese: Diced or shredded for a melt-in-your-mouth, creamy bite.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds cheesy depth and a hint of sharpness.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for our signature dressing.
- Red wine vinegar: This makes the dressing bright and tangy.
- Olive oil: For a silky, rich mouthfeel in each bite.
- Dijon mustard: Rounds out the dressing with gentle heat and tang.
- Italian seasoning: A burst of herby flavor that makes everything taste authentically Italian.
- Garlic powder: For a savory undertone without raw garlic pungency.
- Black pepper and salt: Seasons everything to taste and ties flavors together.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Grab a big cutting board and start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken breast. Next, chop the romaine lettuce, halve your cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice your pepperoncini peppers. Cube or shred the provolone cheese and roughly chop the deli meat. Getting everything prepped ahead means the salad will come together in minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chicken, romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, chopped deli meats, provolone, and grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad starts to show off all its colors and textures—seriously appetizing from the very first glimpse!
Step 3: Whisk together the Creamy Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and well blended—you want every bite of salad to get a bit of that rich, creamy, herby dressing.
Step 4: Toss and Combine
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using salad tongs or two big spoons, give it all a thorough toss until every morsel is glossy and coated. Take a moment to appreciate the irresistible aroma!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
If you love a super chilled salad, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes; otherwise, serve it right away. The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is irresistible straight from the mixing bowl, piled into lettuce wraps, or even stuffed into a crusty roll for a fun twist.
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle a dusting of grated Parmesan and black pepper over the top just before serving. A few sprigs of fresh basil or chopped parsley will make the colors pop and add a hint of freshness. If you want heat, add an extra handful of pepperoncini on the side.
Side Dishes
The wonderfully balanced Italian Grinder Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve with a basket of warm, crusty bread for traditionalists, or keep it light with a bowl of marinated olives, crispy roasted chickpeas, or a quick cup of minestrone soup. For a picnic, a fruit salad or cold pasta salad makes a festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t shy away from thinking outside the bowl! Try stuffing the salad into halved bell peppers, using it as a filling for lettuce wraps, or even spooning it over grilled vegetables. If you’re feeling playful, serve mini portions on toasted crostini for a chic party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Grinder Chicken Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 1 day. Because the lettuce softens over time, it’s best enjoyed soon after mixing, but the bold flavors come together even more as it sits.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad that loves the freezer. The crisp veggies and creamy dressing don’t thaw well, so for the best taste and texture, stick to refrigerating what you’ll eat within a day. It’s easy enough to whip up a fresh batch in minutes!
Reheating
Since the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a no-cook, cold dish, there’s no reheating necessary. If you’ve chilled it, just give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing before serving, and you’re good to go. If the salad has separated a bit, add a splash more dressing and toss again.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this salad?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, bringing both convenience and juicy flavor. Just remove the skin and bones, shred or chop, and you’re set!
What’s the best way to make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep all the components ahead and keep them separate in the fridge. Mix the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything extra crispy and fresh.
How spicy is the salad with pepperoncini?
Pepperoncini peppers add a mild, tangy kick rather than intense heat. If you love extra spice, toss in a few hot cherry peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Omit the provolone and Parmesan, and choose a dairy-free mayo for the dressing. The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is still crave-worthy without the cheese.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, with a small tweak—store the dressing separately and only toss everything together right before eating. This way, your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad will stay crisp, vibrant, and delicious all week long.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is the kind of crave-it-all-day dish that hits every note: bold, fresh, creamy, and a touch tangy. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly drool-worthy. If you’re looking for a new lunch or dinner hero, this salad just might become a star in your kitchen—so go ahead, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowlful of pure Italian-American happiness!
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Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, savory deli meats, and creamy cheeses, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers (sliced)
- 1/3 cup deli meats (such as salami or ham, chopped)
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese (diced or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Main Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, deli meats, provolone, and Parmesan.
- For the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 day before serving.
Notes
- This salad is great as-is or served in a wrap or sandwich.
- You can add cooked pasta to turn it into a pasta salad, or leave out the meat and cheese for a lighter version.
- Rotisserie chicken works well here for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
