Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a creamy, tangy, flavor-packed twist on the viral grinder sandwich—loaded with shredded chicken, salami, pepperoni, cheeses, and a bold Italian dressing. It’s quick, high-protein, and perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or easy lunches.
Servings 5
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
- 1/4 lb salami or soppressata diced
- 1/4 lb pepperoni diced
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2/3 cup grape tomatoes diced
- 1/3 cup banana peppers mild, sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced or diced
For the Creamy Grinder Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 –2 tablespoons banana pepper juice to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Finely dice the salami, pepperoni, provolone, tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion. Shred the rotisserie chicken into small pieces for the best texture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, diced meats, cheeses, tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Video
Notes
Chop everything small for authentic texture - The key to a true grinder-style chicken salad is finely chopped ingredients so every bite has a perfect mix of flavor and texture.
Use rotisserie chicken for best flavor - It’s juicy, seasoned, and saves time, making this recipe quick and reliable.
Adjust the tang to your preference - Add more banana pepper juice or red wine vinegar if you love that bold, zesty grinder flavor.
Balance the salt carefully - Since deli meats and cheeses are naturally salty, taste before adding extra salt.
Let it chill before serving - This step makes a huge difference—the flavors deepen and the dressing fully coats every ingredient.
Add lettuce right before serving - If you want that classic grinder crunch, mix in shredded iceberg lettuce at the end so it stays crisp.
Make it lighter if needed - Swap half of the mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping it creamy.
Prevent excess moisture - If your tomatoes are very juicy, lightly pat them dry before adding to avoid a watery salad.
Best served cold - This salad tastes best chilled and slightly thickened after resting in the fridge.
Use rotisserie chicken for best flavor - It’s juicy, seasoned, and saves time, making this recipe quick and reliable.
Adjust the tang to your preference - Add more banana pepper juice or red wine vinegar if you love that bold, zesty grinder flavor.
Balance the salt carefully - Since deli meats and cheeses are naturally salty, taste before adding extra salt.
Let it chill before serving - This step makes a huge difference—the flavors deepen and the dressing fully coats every ingredient.
Add lettuce right before serving - If you want that classic grinder crunch, mix in shredded iceberg lettuce at the end so it stays crisp.
Make it lighter if needed - Swap half of the mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping it creamy.
Prevent excess moisture - If your tomatoes are very juicy, lightly pat them dry before adding to avoid a watery salad.
Best served cold - This salad tastes best chilled and slightly thickened after resting in the fridge.