If you love bold, zesty flavors and crave a meal that feels both nostalgic and fresh, the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is about to win your heart. Imagine all the best parts of a classic Italian grinder sandwich—savory meats, sharp cheeses, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing—tossed together into a hearty, high-protein salad. This recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, delivering a satisfying bite every single time. Whether you’re looking for a lighter take on a deli favorite or a show-stopping salad to share, this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad brings deli magic straight to your kitchen.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is there for a reason, contributing something special—crunch, creaminess, tang, or that irresistible Italian flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters.

Cooked Chicken Breast (3 cups, shredded): Choose juicy, tender chicken for protein and a satisfying bite.
Iceberg Lettuce (1/2 head, shredded): Adds cold, crisp crunch that’s essential for the salad’s texture.
Cherry Tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Brings a pop of sweetness and color.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Offers a sharp, peppery bite that balances the richness.
Pepperoncini (1/2 cup, sliced): Delivers that signature Italian deli tang and a little heat.
Roasted Red Peppers (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
Provolone Cheese (1/2 cup, diced): Melty, mellow, and totally necessary for that grinder flavor.
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): A salty, umami punch that ties everything together.
Salami Slices (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): For extra savoriness and a true Italian deli vibe.
Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Classic Italian herb for depth of flavor.
Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, herby freshness.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of heat that keeps things interesting.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a subtle kick and warmth.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Makes the dreamy, creamy base for the dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds zippy acidity that brightens the whole dish.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Smooths out the dressing and adds richness.
Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): For tang, depth, and a touch of sharpness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives the dressing a robust, aromatic backbone.

How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—this is where all the flavor magic happens. Combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy, and fragrant dressing that smells like an Italian deli in the best way.

Step 2: Add the Salad Ingredients

To your bowl of dressing, add the shredded chicken, shredded iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, chopped roasted red peppers, diced provolone, grated Parmesan, and chopped salami if you’re using it. Each ingredient plays its part, offering a fantastic mix of crunch, creaminess, and bold Italian flavors.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until every piece is coated in the luscious dressing. Make sure the chicken and veggies are evenly mixed, so each forkful tastes like a bite of your favorite Italian grinder sandwich.

Step 4: Adjust and Chill (Optional)

Give your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt, a crack of black pepper, or a few extra pepperoncini for good measure. If you have time, pop the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and develop even more depth.

How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Top your salad with a few extra shreds of Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a twist of freshly cracked black pepper. For a little drama, add a few whole pepperoncini or a drizzle of really good olive oil right before serving. These finishing touches make your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad pairs beautifully with a crusty piece of focaccia, some herbed breadsticks, or a handful of kettle-cooked chips for crunch. If you’re serving it for dinner, try it alongside a bowl of minestrone soup or a light vegetable antipasto platter for a full Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Pile your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad inside a toasted hoagie roll for the ultimate grinder sandwich experience. Or, serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb twist. For parties, scoop the salad into individual cups or mini jars for a fun, portable appetizer everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, you’re in luck—it keeps well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the fresh veggies and creamy dressing can lose their texture and separate. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you want to warm things up, use the filling in a hoagie roll and toast it under the broiler for a melty, grinder-style sandwich.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and brings extra flavor to your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. Just shred it and remove the skin for best results.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise to make this lighter?

You can swap half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter dressing that still feels creamy and satisfying.

Is the salami necessary, or can I skip it?

The chopped salami is optional and adds a classic grinder flavor, but you can leave it out for a lighter, chicken-forward salad, especially if you’re looking to cut back on cured meats.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Definitely! Just skip the provolone and Parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The salad will still be packed with flavor from the other ingredients.

How far in advance can I make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad?

You can make this salad up to a day ahead. If you want to keep the lettuce extra crisp, mix everything except the lettuce, then toss it in right before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a salad that’s equal parts satisfying, flavorful, and fun, give this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad a try. It’s the kind of dish that turns lunch into an event and leftovers into something you’ll actually look forward to. Grab your biggest bowl and dive in—you won’t regret it!

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful, hearty dish combining shredded chicken, crisp iceberg lettuce, tangy pepperoncini, and a blend of Italian cheeses and spices, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect served as a salad or in a hoagie roll for an authentic deli-style sandwich experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
1/2 head iceberg lettuce shredded
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
1/2 cup roasted red peppers chopped
1/2 cup provolone cheese diced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
1/4 cup salami slices chopped (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic minced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine salad ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, shredded iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, chopped roasted red peppers, diced provolone, grated Parmesan, and chopped salami (if using) to the bowl with the dressing.
Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing and well mixed.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Notes

This salad is hearty enough to be served on its own as a satisfying meal.
You can serve it inside a hoagie roll for a classic Italian grinder-style sandwich.
To lighten the salad, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option.
Make sure to shred the chicken finely so it blends well with the other salad ingredients.
Refrigeration helps deepen the flavors but serve within 1-2 days for best freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian-American