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This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a flavor bomb! Imagine tender rotisserie chicken tossed with savory salami, pepperoni, provolone, feta, and a vibrant mix of fresh veggies, all coated in a tangy, herby dressing. This isn’t your average chicken salad – it’s a taste adventure! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a flavorful appetizer. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. It’s so easy to make and the results are absolutely unreal.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
- Flavor Fiesta: This salad is bursting with Italian-inspired flavors – salty, savory, tangy, and fresh. It’s a delicious medley that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast and satisfying meal.
- Versatile Delight: Enjoy it on its own, with crackers, in a sandwich, or even as a topping for your favorite greens. The possibilities are endless!
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad is even better after it’s had a chance to sit and let the flavors meld. It’s ideal for meal prepping or making ahead for a party.
- Customizable Creation: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add your favorite cheeses, veggies, or even a touch of heat.
Ingredients: The Key to Italian Grinder Goodness
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed Italian Grinder Chicken Salad:
- Rotisserie Chicken: The star of the show! It’s quick, easy, and adds a ton of flavor. Shredded, of course.
- Salami or Soppressata: Adds a savory, salty bite. Diced, please!
- Pepperoni: Brings a touch of spice and familiar flavor. Diced, just like the salami.
- Provolone: Creamy and mild, it complements the other flavors beautifully. Thick-sliced and diced for best results.
- Feta: Adds a tangy, salty counterpoint to the other cheeses. Crumbled, not diced.
- Grape Tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and sweetness. Diced for easy mixing.
- Banana Peppers: Adds a touch of mild heat and tang. Mild, diced.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor. Thinly sliced or diced, your preference.
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing.
- Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. Grated.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy kick.
- Banana Pepper Juice: Adds a unique flavor and a touch of heat. From the jar of banana peppers.
- Oregano: A classic Italian herb.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth.
- Freshly Cracked Pepper: For a touch of spice.
- Salt: To taste, about 1/4 tsp to start.
Note: The full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the recipe card below.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad: A Simple Guide
Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing
In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine all the dressing ingredients. Give it a good whisk or shake. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a little more banana pepper juice for extra tang!
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients: shredded rotisserie chicken, diced salami or soppressata, diced pepperoni, diced provolone, crumbled feta, diced grape tomatoes, diced banana peppers, and sliced or diced red onion.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour most of the dressing over the bowl of ingredients. Toss everything well to coat, adding the remaining dressing if needed. You want the salad to be nicely dressed but not swimming in dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Store the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills. Serve with your favorite veggies, crackers, tortilla chips, or on a sandwich.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe: Italian Grinder Genius
- Use a Good Quality Rotisserie Chicken: It makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the salad.
- Don’t Overdress: Start with most of the dressing and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients you love, such as artichoke hearts, olives, or roasted red peppers.
- Toast the Bread (for Sandwiches): If you’re using this salad for sandwiches, toast the bread for a little extra crunch.
- Rehydrate the Salad: If you find that the salad is a bit dry after being in the fridge, add a little bit of the leftover dressing to rehydrate it.
How to Serve: Italian Grinder Inspiration
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:
- On its own: Enjoy it as a light and flavorful lunch or dinner.
- With crackers or tortilla chips: Perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
- In a sandwich or wrap: A delicious and satisfying meal.
- On top of a salad: Adds protein and flavor to your favorite greens.
- Stuffed in bell peppers or avocados: A creative and healthy option.
Make Ahead and Storage: Italian Grinder Planning
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Italian Grinder Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the mayonnaise and some of the ingredients may change.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs: Your Italian Grinder Questions Answered
1. Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken, but rotisserie chicken adds a lot of flavor and convenience.
2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Of course! Feel free to add your favorite Italian-inspired ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or pepperoncini.
4. How can I make this salad spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot banana peppers instead of mild.
Conclusion
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures. It’s the perfect marriage of tender chicken, savory deli meats, tangy cheeses, and crisp veggies, all brought together by a zesty, herb-infused dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a flavorful appetizer, or a light yet satisfying dinner, this recipe has you covered. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and customizable, so you can easily adapt it to your own taste preferences. So, ditch the boring salads and embrace this Italian-inspired delight. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget!
Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot for Boiling Pasta
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casing removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.