Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Welcome to your new favorite summer dish: the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad! This vibrant and refreshing salad takes the classic Italian grinder sandwich flavors and transforms them into a light yet satisfying meal. Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and zesty Italian dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or a quick weeknight dinner. The mixture of textures and flavors will tantalize your taste buds, making it a great option for those hot days when you want something cool and delicious.

Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just love a good salad, this recipe is sure to impress. It combines the heartiness of chicken with the crunch of fresh veggies and the creaminess of provolone cheese, all tossed together in a zesty dressing. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy it whenever you like. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is not just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of shredded chicken, fresh romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini creates a medley of flavors that dance on your palate. The addition of provolone cheese and black olives adds richness and depth that elevates this salad.
• Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal cooking required, this salad can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
• Customizable: This recipe is versatile! You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins. Want to make it vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu!
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the fresh vegetables, this salad is a nutritious option that keeps you feeling full without weighing you down.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even tastier the next day!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

There are countless reasons to give this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad a try. Here are some compelling motivations:

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a healthy meal at home, this salad fits right in. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and kids alike.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Say goodbye to boring salads! The combination of fresh ingredients, spicy pepperoncini, and creamy cheese makes this salad a delightful experience.
• Build Your Own Bowl: This salad can be served on its own or on a bed of your choice, such as quinoa or pasta. You can also serve it in sub or hoagie rolls for a sandwich-style meal!
• Seasonal Ingredients: With fresh veggies at your fingertips during the summer months, this salad is a great way to utilize seasonal produce. Feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables are fresh and available.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids often enjoy the familiar flavors of chicken and cheese, making this salad a great way to introduce them to more veggies without complaints!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make this delicious Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
• 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Sub or hoagie rolls, for serving (optional)

Recommended Tools or Utensils

• A large mixing bowl
• A sharp knife for chopping
• A cutting board
• A whisk or fork for mixing dressing
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Serving plates or bowls

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to make your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t done so already, cook the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken, poach it, or bake it. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced pepperoncini. The freshness of these ingredients is key!
3. Add Cheese and Olives: Gently fold in the cubed provolone cheese and sliced black olives to the vegetable mixture. These ingredients add a creamy and salty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
4. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. This dressing brings all the flavors together beautifully.
5. Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to mash the ingredients; you want to keep everything intact.
6. Serve: You can serve the salad immediately on its own or on sub or hoagie rolls as a sandwich. If you’re using rolls, scoop some salad into each roll and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
7. Enjoy: Take a moment to appreciate your creation! This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will become a staple in your home. With its easy preparation and nutritious ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, this salad is sure to impress. We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with your friends and family, and happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out this baked cod recipe that you might enjoy!

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delicious and fresh take on a classic sandwich, perfect for a light meal or picnic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Pepperoncini, sliced
• 1/2 cup Provolone cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup Black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Sub or hoagie rolls, for serving (optional)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, provolone cheese, and black olives.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• If desired, serve the salad on sub or hoagie rolls for a delicious sandwich option.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
• Enjoy your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.

Keyword chicken, delicious, easy, quick, salad