Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a savory deli salad packed with shredded chicken, creamy mozzarella, tangy pickles, and zesty meats all tossed in a rich, herby dressing. It deliciously combines the flavors of a classic Italian sub with the creamy comfort of chicken salad. Perfect for meal prepping or gatherings, it upgrades any lunch or weeknight dinner with hardly any cooking.

The first time I made this, my family went back for seconds and begged for the recipe. Now I keep these ingredients on hand for quick and impressive entertaining.

Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken: adds protein and soaks up dressing beautifully choose a well-cooked rotisserie for best flavor and ease
• Marinated mozzarella balls: give creaminess and a punch of Italian herbs look for fresh mozzarella in seasoned oil
• Peperoncini peppers: provide tangy heat buy pre-sliced for convenience
• Cherry tomatoes: add a juicy burst and bright color aim for ripe but firm tomatoes
• Pickled red onions: balance the richness with sharpness make or buy your favorite jarred version
• Deli Genoa salami: brings salty depth select thinly sliced, high-quality salami for best results
• Deli ham: layers a savory note with leaner texture stick to traditional boiled ham for true grinder flavor
• Pepperoni: intensifies the spice and gives authentic Italian sub vibes choose a classic thin sliced pepperoni cup for texture
• Crumbled feta cheese: offers an optional tangy finish use for extra saltiness and creaminess or skip for less richness
• Mayonnaise: creates a creamy dressing base full-fat versions work best for consistent texture
• Red wine vinegar: gives tang and balances fat select a bright, well-rounded vinegar
• Peperoncini pepper juice: enhances brininess use juice straight from your peppers for extra punch
• Marinade oil from mozzarella balls: infuses more herby notes do not skip this for an extra flavor upgrade
• Ground black pepper: seasons and brings gentle heat grind fresh for the best aroma
• Salt: heightens every other ingredient use kosher or flaky salt for best effect
• Oregano: adds fragrant Italian herbaceousness select dried or fresh based on what you love
• Garlic powder: brings a subtle aromatic flavor be sure it is fresh for strongest taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Assemble the Salad:

In a spacious mixing bowl combine shredded chicken marinated mozzarella balls sliced peperoncini cherry tomatoes pickled red onions deli salami deli ham pepperoni and crumbled feta cheese Arrange each ingredient so every bite gets a bit of everything This makes the texture and flavors balanced throughout

Make the Dressing:

In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise red wine vinegar peperoncini juice marinade oil black pepper salt oregano and garlic powder Whisk until smooth Taste and adjust seasoning if desired The dressing should be tangy and boldly flavored

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl Gently toss everything together making sure all components are well coated Use a spatula and fold carefully to avoid crushing the cheese and tomatoes

Chill to Marinate:

Cover the salad securely with plastic wrap or a lid Place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours This chilling step is essential as it helps the flavors meld and the meats and cheese absorb the dressing for a richer overall taste

Serve:

When ready to eat fluff and toss the salad again Serve piled onto croissants hoagie rolls or nestled in butter lettuce leaves Add crackers on the side if you like the crunch

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I have a soft spot for those marinated mozzarella balls The oil and herbs left in the container liven up the salad and bring it all together My kids always try to steal a few right from the bowl during prep and we laugh about it every time

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Stir well before serving as some dressing may settle at the bottom The salad is not freezer friendly but it usually disappears too quickly to need freezing

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out deli turkey for ham if you want it lighter or add sliced black olives for more tang Mozzarella pearls can substitute the marinated balls if needed Just drizzle extra olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor

Serving Suggestions

Pile this salad high on toasted ciabatta buns for hearty sandwiches or wrap it in tortillas for easy lunch roll ups A big scoop over crunchy Romaine lettuce also works wonders for a lighter meal

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Cultural Connection

Inspired by the classic Italian American grinder sandwich this salad brings together meats cheeses and pickles in a portable picnic ready format While chicken salad is often Southern the grinder flavors are pure Northeastern deli

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What meats work best in this Italian chicken salad?

A combination of Genoa salami, ham, and pepperoni offers a classic flavor. You can include or substitute other deli favorites like turkey or mortadella for variation.

→ How can I serve this dish for a party?

Serve chilled on a platter with croissants, hoagie rolls, or alongside sturdy lettuce leaves and crackers for guests to build their own sandwiches or lettuce wraps.

→ Is the mozzarella marinade used in the dressing?

Yes, use the oil from the marinated mozzarella containers to add depth and creamy texture to the dressing.

→ Can shredded rotisserie chicken be used?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds savory flavor, making preparation simple and quick.

→ How long should the salad chill before serving?

Chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld fully. Longer chilling makes the taste even more robust.