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)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine all the dressing ingredients—mayonnaise, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper—in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Stir well and taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.

Step 3: Pour most of the dressing over the combined ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Add any remaining dressing if you want it more moist.

Step 4: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days.

Step 5: Serve the salad with veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or use it as a flavorful sandwich filling. If the salad seems dry the next day, stir in some leftover dressing to refresh it.

Tips & Variations

Use mild or spicy banana peppers depending on your heat preference, and adjust the banana pepper juice accordingly for more tang.

For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayo.

Try adding chopped fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.

If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, cooked and shredded chicken breasts work just as well.

Storage

Store the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors develop more as it sits, but if it becomes dry, stir in any reserved dressing before serving. Leftover dressing can be kept separately in a sealed container for a few days to keep the salad moist on subsequent servings.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better after the flavors meld for a few hours or overnight. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container.

What can I serve with Italian Grinder Chicken Salad?

This salad pairs well with fresh vegetables, crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted bread for sandwiches. It also works as a hearty topping for greens if you want a lighter meal.