why make this recipe
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together vibrant flavors and a variety of textures. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, snack, or even a picnic. It is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it great for busy days. The combination of meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables makes it a satisfying choice for anyone looking for a quick, tasty meal.
how to make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
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)
Directions:
- Start by making the dressing. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Taste and adjust if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the toppings: rotisserie chicken, diced deli meats, red onion, tomatoes, banana peppers, and cheeses.
- Pour most of the dressing over the bowl of toppings, toss well to coat, adding the remaining dressing if needed.
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve with veggies, crackers, or tortilla chips, or on a sandwich.
- If you have dressing leftover, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and add it to the chicken salad the next day if needed to rehydrate it. Some of the dressing gets absorbed as it sits in the fridge.
how to serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
You can serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in many ways. It is great on its own, or you can serve it on a bed of greens for a light meal. You could also enjoy it with crackers or tortilla chips for a crunchy experience. Another option is to make a sandwich with your favorite bread, which adds to its versatility.
how to store Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
To keep your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days. If you make too much dressing, you can keep it in a sealed container in the fridge as well. Simply add more dressing to the salad the next day if it needs rehydrating.
tips to make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or other deli meats.
- If you like it spicy, add some sliced jalapeños or spicy sausage.
- Using homemade dressing can enhance the flavors, but store-bought works just as well.
variation
You can make a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This will give it a tangy flavor while reducing the calorie count. You could also switch out the deli meats for grilled chicken or turkey for a different protein option.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, leftover chicken works well in this recipe. Just make sure it is shredded into similar-sized pieces.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meats and adding more cheese and vegetables, such as cucumbers or bell peppers.
3. Can I freeze Italian Grinder Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as the textures of the vegetables and mayonnaise may change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Equipment
- large bowl
- small bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced rotisserie chicken works great
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, diced
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, sliced black olives, and diced provolone cheese.
Make the Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Combine and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Serve immediately, or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy on its own, in a sandwich, or with crackers.