Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Tender shredded chicken mingles with zesty Italian deli meats, sharp cheeses, and tangy vegetables in this bold twist on traditional chicken salad. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture and vibrant Mediterranean flavors reminiscent of your favorite Italian sub sandwich.

I discovered this recipe during a summer potluck where I needed something substantial that wouldn't wilt in the heat. The combination of tangy banana peppers, savory deli meats, and that distinctive vinegar-forward dressing proved irresistible. My sister-in-law, who typically avoids chicken salad, asked for the recipe before leaving - the ultimate compliment! What makes it truly special is how it captures that perfect Italian sandwich experience in a more versatile format.

Flavor Foundations

• Rotisserie chicken: Provides tender, juicy protein base that absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully
• Italian deli meats: Pepperoni and salami add authentic Italian sub flavor and satisfying texture
• Provolone cheese: Contributes mild creaminess that balances bolder ingredients
• Feta cheese: Delivers salty, tangy punch that enhances overall flavor profile
• Banana peppers: Create distinctive tanginess essential to authentic grinder flavor
• Red onion: Adds sharp bite and beautiful color throughout the mixture
• Cherry tomatoes: Contribute fresh juiciness that brightens each bite
• Parmesan cheese: Provides savory umami depth to both salad and dressing
• Red wine vinegar: Creates essential acidic tang that defines grinder dressing
• Mayonnaise: Binds ingredients while adding richness and creaminess

My personal preference is using a combination of both cheeses for maximum flavor impact. After experimenting with various deli meats, I've found the pepperoni-salami combination delivers the most authentic Italian grinder experience. The banana pepper juice from the jar is truly the secret ingredient - don't skip it! It adds that distinctive tanginess that separates this from ordinary chicken salad.

Creation Method

Craft the signature dressing:

Combine mayonnaise, parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, and seasonings until perfectly blended.

Prepare protein components:

Shred rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice deli meats into small, uniform pieces.

Prepare fresh elements:

Chop banana peppers, red onion, and halve cherry tomatoes into appropriately sized pieces.

Incorporate cheese components:

Dice provolone and crumble feta into small pieces that distribute throughout the mixture.

Combine primary ingredients:

Toss chicken, meats, vegetables and cheeses together in a large mixing bowl.

Add binding elements:

Pour most of the dressing over mixture, reserving some for potential additions later.

Integrate thoroughly:

Gently toss all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with dressing.

Allow flavor development:

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld completely.

What I appreciate most about this chicken salad is its incredible versatility. I've served it on croissants for an elevated lunch, with cucumber rounds for a low-carb option, and straight from the container with a fork when hunger strikes unexpectedly. The combination of protein sources makes it particularly satisfying - I can enjoy a modest portion and feel comfortably full for hours afterward.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

• Serve scoops atop toasted garlic bread slices drizzled with olive oil for an elegant appetizer presentation.
• Create Italian-inspired lettuce wraps using butter lettuce leaves as the vessel for this flavorful chicken salad.
• Hollow out tomatoes and fill with chicken salad for a beautiful, carb-free lunch option that looks impressive.

Creative Variations

• Add chopped artichoke hearts and olives for an even more robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Incorporate fresh basil leaves and sun-dried tomatoes for a summer-inspired version with intensified flavors.
• Swap the rotisserie chicken for Italian tuna packed in olive oil for a pescatarian option that maintains Italian character.

Storage Strategies

• Store in glass containers rather than plastic to maintain optimal freshness and prevent absorption of refrigerator odors.
• Keep reserved dressing separate to add just before serving if salad seems dry after refrigeration.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and food safety, refreshing with additional dressing as needed.

Pin it

The beauty of this Italian grinder chicken salad lies in how it transforms familiar ingredients into something that feels entirely new. It honors the beloved viral sandwich while creating something more versatile and perhaps even more flavorful. Every time I make it, I'm reminded that sometimes the best recipes are simply creative rearrangements of flavors we already love. This has become my signature contribution to gatherings - substantial enough for a meal, interesting enough for conversation, and delicious enough that there's rarely any left to take home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the deli meats?

Yes, you can use any combination of Italian deli meats you prefer - ham, prosciutto, capicola, or mortadella all work well.

→ How long does this chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?

It keeps well in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make this without banana peppers?

Yes, you can substitute with pepperoncini or even roasted red peppers for a different but still complementary flavor.

→ What's the best way to serve this salad?

It's versatile - serve with crackers or veggies for dipping, on a toasted croissant for a sandwich, or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

→ Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, well-drained canned chicken works as a substitute, though rotisserie chicken provides better flavor and texture.