If you crave all the goodness of a classic Italian grinder sandwich but want something a little lighter (and even a bit protein-packed), you’re going to fall head over heels for this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. Imagine juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, tangy pepperoncini, and a medley of cheeses and meats—every bite delivers savory satisfaction, crunchy veggies, and that signature zesty grinder dressing. It’s quick, utterly delicious, and feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any weekday lunch.

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this recipe is carefully chosen to bring the soul of an Italian deli right into your bowl. These ingredients play off each other, blending textures, flavors, and colors to create the ultimate Italian Grinder Chicken Salad experience.

Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Tender, juicy chicken sets a solid, protein-rich foundation for the salad.
Chopped romaine lettuce (1 cup): Adds a crisp bite and plenty of refreshing crunch.
Shredded iceberg lettuce (½ cup): Delivers extra crunch and that classic sandwich-shop vibe.
Cherry tomatoes, halved (½ cup): Bursts of sweetness and juiciness with every forkful.
Red onion, thinly sliced (¼ cup): Brings just the right amount of sharp bite and color.
Pepperoncini slices (¼ cup): Provide a tangy, zesty kick that truly makes it taste like a grinder.
Diced salami or pepperoni (½ cup): Adds a bold, savory note—almost like a treasure hunt of flavor throughout the salad.
Diced provolone cheese (¼ cup): Brings smoothness and that unmistakable Italian deli cheese flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (¼ cup): Adds creaminess and pulls all the flavors together.
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): For a final touch of salty, nutty depth.

Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Makes the dressing creamy and helps it cling to every ingredient.
Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and balances out the richness of the mayo and meats.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For richness and a hint of luxurious mouthfeel.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives the dressing a subtle zip and depth.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Lends savory warmth and complexity.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Delivers classic Italian herb flavor in every bite.
Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Adds a sweet, aromatic touch to the dressing.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Finish off and fine-tune the flavor.

How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Salad Base

Grab your largest salad bowl and start building your base. Tumble in the chopped or shredded chicken, both kinds of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, diced salami or pepperoni, provolone, mozzarella, and finish with the Parmesan. Admire your colorful pile—you’re halfway to a show-stopping Italian Grinder Chicken Salad.

Step 2: Make the Grinder Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, basil, plus a dash of salt and black pepper. Whisk until silky smooth and creamy; you want a dressing that will coat every single piece of this vibrant salad.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss generously to make sure everything is perfectly coated. Take your time here—it’s all about getting every bite drenched in that signature grinder flavor. Feel free to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

If you’re someone who adores bold flavors, pop the bowl in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to let everything mingle and intensify. Otherwise, dive right in! The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is just as tasty straight away, brimming with freshness and crunch.

How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A shower of extra Parmesan, a few more pepperoncini slices, or a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves can make your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad even more irresistible. You might even add a drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of black pepper for that finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with garlic knots, crunchy breadsticks, or even some crisp baked chips on the side for extra crunch. If you want to keep things on the lighter side, a cool fruit salad or simple citrus slices help round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad into a hollowed-out hoagie roll for an open-faced sandwich experience, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a playful party appetizer. For a true grinder sandwich illusion, toss in some crunchy croutons or crumbled toasted bread right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad stays fresh for up to 2 days—just be aware the lettuces will naturally lose a bit of their crunch over time.

Freezing

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as lettuce and fresh vegetables become quite soggy after thawing. If you’d like to prep ahead, you can freeze only the shredded chicken, salami, or pepperoni. Assemble the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If your chicken or meats were frozen, simply let them defrost in the fridge and then add to the salad before tossing with dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds a deliciously seasoned, juicy twist—a huge time saver that works perfectly in an Italian Grinder Chicken Salad.

What can I substitute for salami to make it lighter?

Feel free to swap salami or pepperoni for lean turkey, roast chicken, or even omit it altogether if you want a lighter, lower-fat version of the salad.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes—the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad works wonderfully for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and meats, and try adding chickpeas, white beans, or extra cheese for protein. All the other “grinder” flavors still shine brightly!

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely. Make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using to re-blend the flavors and enjoy that tangy grinder punch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a fun, flavor-packed spin on a classic deli favorite, you owe it to yourself to give Italian Grinder Chicken Salad a whirl. It’s hearty, fresh, and endlessly customizable—sure to win over anyone lucky enough to snag a forkful!

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines classic deli flavors in a fresh and satisfying salad. Tender chicken, crisp lettuce, savory salami, and tangy cheeses are tossed in a zesty dressing for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup pepperoncini slices
½ cup diced salami or pepperoni
¼ cup diced provolone cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Main Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, romaine, iceberg, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, salami, provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

For the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, or chill for 15–20 minutes for even more flavor.

Notes

For a low-carb version, skip the salami or sub with turkey.
This salad is great as a lettuce wrap filling or stuffed in a low-carb tortilla.
Add croutons or toasted hoagie bread cubes if you want the full ‘grinder’ sandwich feel.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian-American