Italian Grinder Chicken Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad: Prepare to be amazed! This isn’t your grandma’s chicken salad. We’re taking the iconic flavors of the Italian grinder sandwich – that symphony of savory meats, tangy vinegar, and crisp lettuce – and transforming it into a delectable, easy-to-make salad that will have everyone begging for the recipe.

The Italian grinder, a beloved deli staple, has roots that likely trace back to Italian-American communities in the Northeast. Think of it as a celebration of Italian cured meats and cheeses, all piled high on a crusty roll. But let’s be honest, sometimes you want those incredible flavors without all the bread. That’s where this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad shines!

What makes this salad so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Tender shredded chicken is tossed with salty salami, provolone cheese, crunchy lettuce, and a vibrant, tangy vinaigrette. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Enjoy it on crackers, in lettuce wraps, or even as a filling for a lighter sandwich. It’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the deliciousness!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Italian Grinder Salad:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced provolone cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced salami, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced pepperoni, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup banana peppers, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Optional additions:
• Chopped tomatoes
• Chopped cucumbers
• Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• Roasted red peppers, chopped
• For Serving:
• Crusty rolls or bread (hoagie rolls, ciabatta, or your favorite)

Preparing the Chicken:

First, we need to cook the chicken. This is the foundation of our delicious Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, so let’s make sure it’s perfectly cooked and flavorful. I prefer to pan-sear my chicken for this recipe, but you can also grill it, bake it, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. If you use rotisserie chicken, skip this step and shred the chicken.

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. I prefer using a cast-iron skillet for even cooking and a beautiful sear, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
4. Sear the Chicken: Once the pan is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
6. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also use your hands if the chicken has cooled down enough.

Making the Italian Grinder Salad Dressing:

The dressing is what really brings the “Italian Grinder” flavor to this salad. It’s tangy, zesty, and packed with herbs and spices. Don’t skip this step – it’s essential!

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more red wine vinegar for extra tang, or a pinch more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Set Aside: Set the dressing aside while you prepare the remaining salad ingredients.

Assembling the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where all the delicious ingredients come together to create a flavor explosion.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, shredded iceberg lettuce, red onion, banana peppers, and chopped parsley.
2. Add the Dressing: Pour the Italian Grinder Salad dressing over the chicken and salad mixture.
3. Mix Well: Gently toss everything together until the chicken and salad ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the lettuce wilt.
4. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. However, you can serve it immediately if you’re short on time.

Serving the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad:

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious Italian Grinder Chicken Salad! There are several ways you can serve it, so choose your favorite.

1. As a Sandwich: This is the most classic way to enjoy Italian Grinder Salad. Slice open your favorite crusty rolls or bread (hoagie rolls, ciabatta, or even croissants work well). Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad into each roll. You can add extra toppings like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or roasted red peppers if desired.
2. As a Salad: If you’re watching your carbs, you can serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce. Add extra vegetables like chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for a more substantial salad.
3. As a Dip: Serve the chicken salad with crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
4. In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the chicken salad into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce).

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: If you like a little more heat, add extra red pepper flakes to the dressing or use spicy salami and pepperoni.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives.
• Use Different Cheeses: If you don’t have provolone cheese, you can use mozzarella, Swiss, or any other cheese that you like.
• Make it Ahead: The Italian Grinder Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
• Use Different Meats: You can substitute the salami and pepperoni with other Italian meats, such as prosciutto, capicola, or mortadella.
• Add a Creamy Element: For an extra creamy salad, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad as much as I do! It’s a flavorful, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you make!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another chicken salad recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a lunch that’s anything but boring, or a quick and easy dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds, then this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is an absolute must-try. The combination of tender chicken, the tangy bite of the giardiniera, the creamy mayo, and that perfect blend of Italian herbs… it’s simply irresistible. I promise, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!

But what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. While I’ve given you my go-to version, feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Sandwich: My personal favorite is piled high on a toasted ciabatta roll with a sprinkle of provolone cheese. The crusty bread and melty cheese perfectly complement the creamy, flavorful filling.
* Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups. Romaine or butter lettuce work beautifully.
* Crackers and Crostini: This salad makes a fantastic appetizer or snack served with your favorite crackers or toasted crostini.
* Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: Hollow out ripe tomatoes or avocados and fill them with the chicken salad for a visually appealing and delicious dish.
* Pasta Salad: Toss the chicken salad with cooked pasta (rotini or penne work well) for a heartier meal. Add some extra veggies like chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.
* Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad.
* Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Instead of provolone, try mozzarella, parmesan, or even a little bit of crumbled feta for a salty kick.
* Herb Garden: Fresh herbs are always a welcome addition. Try adding chopped fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
* Vinegar Variety: While I love the red wine vinegar, you could also experiment with white wine vinegar or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different tang.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and adjust the ingredients to your liking. That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about making it your own!

I truly believe this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, picnics, or just a satisfying lunch.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below. Let’s create a community of chicken salad enthusiasts! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe. Enjoy!

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