Why Make This Recipe
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines the best of deli meats and fresh ingredients. It is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be served in various ways. This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows you to use leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a convenient option. The blend of flavors from the meats, cheeses, and dressing creates a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
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, 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 enjoy Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in many ways. Serve it on a bed of greens, with crackers, in a wrap, or as a sandwich filling. The options are endless! This salad pairs well with crunchy vegetables, chips, or even crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
How to Store Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to four days. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for later to maintain freshness. If the salad seems dry after sitting, simply add a little more dressing before serving.
Tips to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preference. You can add more of your favorite vegetables or change up the deli meats.
- Use a combination of different cheeses for added flavor and variety.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store it separately to enhance the salad’s freshness.
Variations
You can switch up the meats or add roasted vegetables for a different twist. Using different types of cheese or adding olives could provide extra taste. You could also try different types of vinegar or mustard for the dressing to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use different meats?
Yes, you can use any deli meats you like. Turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken would work well.
2. How long does the salad last?
It can last up to four days when stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it may taste even better after it sits for a few hours or overnight in the fridge as the flavors meld together.