This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of chicken, veggies, and Italian flavors. It’s like a sandwich in a bowl! You’ll love the crunchy peppers and zesty dressing.
Honestly, it’s the perfect meal for warm days or a quick lunch. Plus, it’s so easy—just toss everything together and enjoy. Who doesn’t love a meal that tastes as good as it looks? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken breast is essential for this salad. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great! It adds a nice flavor and saves cooking time.
Mayonnaise: This is what makes the salad creamy. If you want a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be a fantastic substitute. It’s lower in calories and adds a nice tangy flavor.
Red Onion: The sharpness of red onion enhances flavor. If it’s too strong for your taste, you can swap it for green onions or shallots, which are milder.
Pepperoncini: These add a wonderful zesty kick. If you can’t find them, banana peppers or even pickles can work in a pinch to provide a similar tang.
Salami or Pepperoni: This adds an authentic Italian touch. For a healthier alternative, you could use turkey versions or skip it entirely for a lighter salad.
How Do I Get the Perfect Mix of Flavors?
Mixing the ingredients well is key to a balanced flavor in your chicken salad. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large bowl, start with the shredded chicken and add mayonnaise. Stir to coat the chicken evenly, as this forms the base of your salad.
- Add your diced veggies—red onion, celery, lettuce, and pepperoncini. These will add crunch and freshness. Stir gently to keep the veggies intact.
- Incorporate other flavors like tomatoes and salami last, folding them into the mixture to avoid crushing them too much.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing just until combined.
- Chilling the salad for 30 minutes lets the flavors blend beautifully, creating an even tastier dish!
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or pickled banana peppers
- 1/2 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced salami or pepperoni (optional for Italian flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Italian sandwich roll or hoagie bun
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time. If you want the flavors to meld together more, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. In total, you could enjoy this meal in about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, place the shredded chicken. Add in the mayonnaise, diced red onion, chopped celery, chopped iceberg lettuce, and sliced pepperoncini. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.
2. Add Flavor:
Next, fold in the halved grape or cherry tomatoes and diced salami or pepperoni if you’re using it. This will add a lovely Italian flair to your salad!
3. Season It Up:
Now, sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper onto the mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
4. Prepare the Roll:
Take the Italian sandwich roll and slice it lengthwise, but make sure to leave a hinge on one side to hold everything together.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad into the roll. If you’d like, you can add more lettuce or tomato on top for an extra crunch! Serve immediately, or let the salad chill in the fridge for around 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, zesty Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in a soft sandwich roll for a delightful meal!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor to the salad. Just make sure to remove any skin and bones before using it.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute! It will still give you a creamy texture while being a bit healthier. You could also try avocado for a different twist on creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just give it a good stir and enjoy it on fresh bread or lettuce wraps!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots can add extra crunch and flavor to your salad. Just make sure to chop them small so they mix well.
