Name: Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

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Introduction

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying twist on a classic deli favorite. Packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, cured meats, cheeses, and tangy banana peppers, it’s perfect for a quick meal or party snack. A zesty homemade dressing ties all the ingredients together deliciously.

A close-up image of a rectangular golden toasted cracker held by a woman's hand with pink nails decorated with white snowflakes. On top of the cracker, there is a thick layer of creamy chicken salad mixed with visible pieces of shredded white chicken, orange carrot slices, purple-red onion chunks, yellow pepper bits, and small specks of black pepper. The background shows a white marbled texture with a blurred white bowl that holds more chicken salad. 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 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Freshly cracked pepper
Salt to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)

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 as needed.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.
Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the combined ingredients. Toss well to coat everything evenly, adding the remaining dressing if needed for desired consistency.
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, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Add extra dressing to the chicken salad before serving the next day to rehydrate the flavors, as some dressing will be absorbed during storage.

Tips & Variations

Use different cured meats like capicola or ham for variety.
Swap banana peppers for pepperoncini for a slightly different tang.
For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add fresh basil or parsley for an herbal boost.
Toast the provolone lightly for a warm, melted flavor.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld nicely over time, but if it becomes dry, simply stir in a bit of reserved dressing before serving. Leftover dressing should be kept separately in a sealed container and can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a rectangular toasted cracker with a rough, lightly browned surface, topped with a mixed salad layer. The salad is creamy and light beige with visible scattered black pepper, chunks of red onion, small pieces of yellow bell pepper, and bits of carrot adding pops of red, purple, yellow, and orange colors. Crumbled white cheese is sprinkled throughout the salad, giving a slightly crumbly texture contrast. A woman's hand with pink nails and white snowflake designs is holding the cracker gently on the lower right edge. The background is softly blurred with another white bowl visible, all 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, any cooked shredded chicken will work well in this salad. Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor, but grilled or poached chicken are great alternatives.

Is this salad suitable for sandwiches?

Absolutely! This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad makes a flavorful sandwich filling. Pile it onto your favorite bread or rolls for a quick and tasty meal.