Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is loaded with flavor from salami, pepperoni, chicken, provolone cheese, tomatoes, banana peppers & red onion, all drizzled with a tangy dressing!
This Italian Chicken Salad is the most flavorful chicken salad you will ever have. Shredded chicken, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese & veggies all come together in a delicious Italian dressing and will be your new favorite flavor combination!
Highlights of this Chicken Salad Recipe
- It’s loaded with protein! The shredded chicken combined with the cured meats, make it a satisfying meal or hearty side dish. The variety of ingredients keeps it filling without being heavy.
- This chicken salad is simple to serve and can be prepared ahead of time. It works well for quick lunches, potlucks, or family dinners. No complicated steps or unusual ingredients are needed.
- So much flavor!! Regular chicken salad will seem tame compared to this one!
Ingredients for Italian Chicken Salad
Chicken: You will need 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken for the base of this recipe.
Sausage: Add ¼ lb. of BOTH salami and pepperoni, diced, for amazing taste & texture.
Cheese: Using diced provolone in this dish adds more amazing flavor.
Veggies: For nutrition and color, add in ½ cup of EACH diced cherry tomatoes and banana peppers, sliced. As well as half a red onion.
Dressing
Mayonnaise: For the creamy consistency, use 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Italian dressing: You’ll need 2 cups of Italian dressing to give the salad a zesty, tangy taste.
Italian seasoning: Add some Italian seasoning for more great flavor.
Key Tips for making Flavorful Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
- Use what you like and/ or what you have on hand! Only have string cheese? That’s fantastic. Mini pepperonis for the kids? Perfect. Feel free to make this recipe work for you!
- Do not skip the chill time after mixing. It allows the flavors time to meld.
- Adjust the amount of banana peppers and red onion depending on your spice and sharpness preference.
Creative ways to serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
This salad works well as a hearty sandwich filling. Use a crusty roll or soft baguette to hold the flavors together. For a lighter option, toss the salad on a bed of mixed greens. It makes a quick, satisfying lunch or side dish.
Another idea is to serve it stuffed inside hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers. This creates a visually appealing and easy-to-eat dish for gatherings. It can also be wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal or snack.
How long is this Chicken Salad good for?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and it will keep up to 3 days but is best enjoyed within 24-48 hours for optimal flavor and texture. If the salad becomes too dry after refrigeration, a light drizzle of Italian dressing or olive oil can help restore moisture.
You can freeze left over chicken salad, even with may, but it’s not idea for the best quality. Freezing it can cause the mayo to separate and change the texture of the other ingredients.
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken shredded cooked
- ¼ lb salami diced
- ¼ lb pepperoni diced
- ¼ lb provolone diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes diced
- ½ cup banana peppers sliced
- ½ red onion sliced
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups italian dressing
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
Instructions
- Slice & dice the vegetables before assembling the salad.
- Add the chicken, salami, pepperoni, provolone, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers and red onion to a large salad bowl.
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, italian dressing and italian seasoning.
- Drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to combine. Refrigerate for an hour before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Can you suggest an alternative cheese for this Chicken Salad?
Mozzarella is a mild alternative that adds creaminess. Fontina or Asiago provide a richer, slightly sharper flavor while keeping the Italian character.
What modifications can I make for a healthier version?
Use Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise instead of full-fat mayonnaise for fewer calories. You can also reduce the amount of salami and pepperoni or replace them with lean turkey or chicken breast slices.
Also, adding extra vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for more fiber and volume.
How can I adjust the recipe to cater to a larger crowd?
Multiply all ingredients proportionally based on the number of servings you need. Prepare the salad one day ahead to allow flavors to blend, which also simplifies serving.
Is there a vegetarian option for the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad?
Omit salami, pepperoni, and chicken and substitute with marinated artichoke hearts, olives, or chickpeas. Add extra provolone or a sharp cheese like Parmesan for deeper flavor. You can also incorporate roasted vegetables and a good amount of Italian seasoning to enhance the taste.
Try more of our flavorful chicken salad recipes here:
- Short on time? No problem! Try our recipe for 5-Minute Chicken Salad! Made with simple ingredients, it comes together fast and the results are simply delicious.
- Our Basil Chicken Salad is a healthy dish that is a great twist on a classic recipe. It’s simple, refreshing flavors are always satisfying.
- A family favorite snack is this Chicken Salad Apples recipe. With a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a dish the whole family will love!
- Bring this Avocado Chicken Salad to the next potluck you are invited to and watch how quickly it disappears.
- This Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans is a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner. It’s a classic dish that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is packed with incredible flavor! The chicken combined with salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese drizzled with a zesty Italian dressing is absolutely heavenly.
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