Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously satisfying meal that combines fresh ingredients with a burst of Italian flavor, look no further than this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. This delightful dish is not just a salad; it’s a culinary experience that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing that tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a picnic favorite, this salad is both versatile and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad is sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing the perfect Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, share why you’ll love it, and provide handy tips to make your cooking experience delightful. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this vibrant dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures, making it a joy to eat. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Fresh Ingredients: This salad is packed with fresh produce, including crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty pepperoncini. Not only does it taste great, but it’s also loaded with vitamins and nutrients.
• Versatile Serving Options: You can enjoy it on its own, as a filling for sub or hoagie rolls, or even wrapped in a tortilla for a delicious sandwich alternative. This flexibility caters to various dietary preferences.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: With only a few steps to follow, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal. It takes just 20-30 minutes from prep to plate!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy red wine vinegar, and aromatic herbs like oregano and garlic powder creates a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prep. You can easily prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors and fresh ingredients, and this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad truly embodies those qualities. Here’s why you should definitely give this recipe a try:

• Health-Conscious Choices: This salad is a healthier alternative to traditional sandwiches, as it incorporates lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, and plenty of veggies. You can enjoy it guilt-free!
• Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste! Add your favorite vegetables, substitute different cheeses, or even include nuts for an added crunch.
• Great for Gatherings: Hosting a picnic or a gathering? This salad is an excellent option that can serve a crowd. Just double or triple the recipe, and you’re good to go!
• Family-Friendly: With its appealing flavors and textures, this dish is likely to be a hit with the whole family, making it easier to encourage your loved ones to eat their greens.
• Affordability: Most of the ingredients are budget-friendly and can easily be found at your local grocery store. This makes it an economical meal choice without compromising on taste.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

To make the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad, you will need the following 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

Having the right utensils can make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some recommended tools for this recipe:

• Large mixing bowl – for combining all the ingredients.
• Cutting board and sharp knife – essential for chopping vegetables and cheese.
• Tongs or salad servers – perfect for tossing and serving the salad.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Storage containers – if you plan to meal prep or store leftovers.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the preparation steps for your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t done so already, cook the chicken. You can use leftovers, rotisserie chicken, or poach chicken breast until fully cooked. Once cooked, 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, sliced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, and sliced black olives. These fresh veggies will add crunch and flavor to your salad.
3. Add the Chicken: Gently fold the shredded chicken into the bowl with the vegetables. Ensure everything is well mixed so that each bite is flavorful.
4. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy dressing is what ties all the ingredients together.
5. Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Serve: For an extra touch, serve the salad on sub or hoagie rolls or in a bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.

**Tips for Success:**

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian herbs before cooking.
• Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, cucumbers, or even some red bell pepper for additional color and crunch.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or serving it at a gathering. With its versatility and health-conscious ingredients, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Now that you have the recipe, why not give it a try? Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and feel free to share this article with friends and family. For more delicious recipes, check out our other favorites like Smokey Sausage Potato Kale Soup and Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce. Happy cooking!

For more recipe inspiration, visit our Pinterest page!

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish, perfect for lunch or dinner, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty dressing.

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

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 smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
• If serving immediately, garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy as a salad. Alternatively, you can serve it in sub or hoagie rolls for a delicious sandwich.
• Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing before cooking. You can also customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or using different cheeses.

Keyword chicken, delicious, easy, quick, salad