Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad combining shredded rotisserie chicken with savory deli meats, cheeses, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad can be eaten on its own, with crackers, or as a sandwich filling.
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 (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)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, freshly cracked pepper, and salt in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Mix well and taste, adjusting seasoning or banana pepper juice as desired.
- Combine toppings: In a large bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and thinly sliced or diced red onion.
- Toss with dressing: Pour most of the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly, adding the remaining dressing if needed for extra moisture and flavor.
- Store and serve: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept for up to 4 days. Serve chilled alongside veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or use as a sandwich filling.
- Store leftover dressing: Keep any unused dressing in a sealed container in the fridge. When ready to eat the salad again, add some of the reserved dressing to rehydrate and refresh the flavors, as some dressing may be absorbed during storage.
Notes
- This salad combines multiple deli meats, so it’s best to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust banana pepper juice carefully to control the level of tang and mild heat in the dressing.
- For gluten-free options, serve with gluten-free crackers or use the salad as a lettuce wrap instead of bread.
- The salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days, making it suitable for meal prep.
- You can swap provolone for mozzarella or another favorite cheese based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Italian chicken salad, deli meats salad, rotisserie chicken salad, easy chicken salad, no-cook salad, Italian deli meat salad
