Italian Grinder Chicken Salad – Your New Obsession!

Hey, have you ever stared at your fridge and thought, “What the heck can I make that’s easy but also not boring?” Like, I’m talking about a dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Well, let me introduce you to my latest obsession—Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. It’s everything you love about those epic grinder sandwiches but in salad form! 🙌🏼

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, so let’s get into it.

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, grocery store trip time! Here’s the deal: you’ll need some *seriously* tasty stuff for this. I mean, who doesn’t love rotisserie chicken? It’s like a shortcut to flavor town. Grab about 2 cups of that, and then—wait for it—deli meats! Salami or soppressata works, but I prefer a mix of both. A little pep in your step with some diced pepperoni too (just like those spicy bites in a grinder).

And don’t forget the cheeses—provolone and feta, y’all! The provolone adds creaminess, while feta gives it that zing. Oh, and you’ll need grape tomatoes, banana peppers (the mild ones, please), and red onion. A bit of mayo, some parmesan, and a splash of vinegar, plus a sprinkle of herbs. BAM! You’re golden. 🥳

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, real talk. I whipped this up because I had a fridge full of leftover rotisserie chicken and was honestly tired of the same old boring chicken salad. I remember the first time I made it—my friend came over unannounced (classic), and I had nothing planned. So I just threw this together, and y’all, it was like magic! The flavors melded so well. My friend couldn’t stop eating it and kept asking for the recipe. It felt like a cooking win, ya know? Now, it’s on repeat in my kitchen. I mean, how could you not love a dish that’s so easy and delish?

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Listen up! Here’s the trick: make the dressing first. Seriously, it’s a game changer. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl, and let it sit for a hot sec while you prep everything else. That way, all those flavors have time to mingle and get all happy together. It makes the salad taste *so* much better when you let it chill for a bit before mixing it in. Just trust me.

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

Okay, so I’ve totally made some rookie mistakes before. Like, I once forgot to add the banana pepper juice and it was like a flavor party without the music! 😂 So, don’t skimp on that—it really brings the salad to life. And remember, always taste as you go! If you think it needs more salt or pepper, just add it! Also, don’t be shy with the veggies. More crunch is always better!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, if you actually manage to have leftovers, stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 4 days, but honestly, it’s so good that might be a stretch. If it starts looking a bit dry the next day, just splash a little more dressing on it. Easy peasy!

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

If you’re into this kinda vibe, you’ll probably dig my Buffalo Chicken Dip—it’s a party fave! Or maybe try my Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for something a lil lighter. Seriously, both are winners!

So, what’s the last thing you made that made you do a happy dance? I wanna hear all about it! 🍽️✨

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

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Savor the flavors of your favorite grinder sandwich transformed into a delightful chicken salad! This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad combines juicy rotisserie chicken, savory deli meats, and a tangy dressing for a quick and easy lunch option. Perfect for dipping with veggies or crackers, or piled high on a toasted croissant for an indulgent sandwich. Enjoy this vibrant dish that brings Italian-inspired flavors to your table!

Author: XXXXX
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Lunch, Main Course, Snack
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
4 oz salami or soppressata, diced
4 oz pepperoni, diced
1/4 cup provolone cheese, diced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2/3 cup grape tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup banana peppers, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp red apple cider vinegar
1–2 tbsp banana pepper juice (to taste)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Freshly cracked pepper and salt (to taste)

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Instructions

In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami/soppressata, pepperoni, red onion, grape tomatoes, banana peppers, provolone cheese, and feta cheese.
Pour most of the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until well coated. Adjust with remaining dressing if desired.
Serve immediately with veggies or crackers or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.
If needed later on, add leftover dressing to rehydrate the salad.