If you’re craving a delightful salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, look no further than this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a fresh, colorful mix that perfectly balances tender shredded chicken with crisp veggies, savory cheeses, and a zesty herb-infused dressing. Each bite feels like a celebration of classic Italian deli flavors, but in a light, salad form that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a summer gathering. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for an easy, yet impressively tasty meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe, the ingredients are refreshingly simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create a harmony of taste, color, and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy cherry tomatoes adding a pop of sweetness to the sharp cheeses bringing depth and richness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a gentle pungent crunch that brightens the salad.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced: Brings a refreshing, crisp bite.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts with sweet juiciness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced: Gives smoky sweetness that balances savory notes.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: Adds a briny depth and Mediterranean flair.
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese, shredded: Creamy and mild, perfect for Italian vibes.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp, nutty, and ideal to elevate the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: The acidic kick that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Smooth, fruity richness that balances the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds an aromatic earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Sweet and slightly peppery, enhancing freshness.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring harmony.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Brightens and refreshes with its herbal note.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing your shredded cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl. This chicken is the hearty base for your salad. Add to it the thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, black olives, provolone cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mixing these ingredients together ensures that when you add the dressing later, every bite will be packed with flavor and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This dressing carries the bright, herby, and slightly tangy notes that define the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s simple but powerful, and it will bring out the best in every ingredient.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Pour your homemade dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with that flavorful dressing. This step is where all the flavors marry and the textures mingle perfectly, making your salad irresistible. Be careful not to overmix; just a gentle toss will do the trick.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
If you love fresh herbs like I do, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. It adds a lovely pop of green and a refreshing aroma. You can serve the salad right away or refrigerate it for a bit to let the flavors meld even more. Either way, it’s delicious!
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my favorite garnish for this salad, bringing a cheerful herbal brightness. You could also add a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a few more slices of black olives for presentation. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds a silky finish that makes every mouthful shine.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile as a main or a side. Pair it with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up any leftover dressing. For a heartier meal, a simple bowl of minestrone or a refreshing caprese salad complements it beautifully without overpowering those delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or as a filling for pita pockets. It also works brilliantly as a layered salad in a clear glass bowl for a beautiful presentation at parties. Whatever way you choose, it’s sure to catch eyes and appetites alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh vegetables, the salad tastes best when eaten within this time frame to maintain its crispness and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh veggies and cheese, which can change texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days as mentioned above.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a warm protein option, you can gently warm the shredded chicken separately and then mix it in fresh just before serving to keep the veggie crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe and adds great flavor, making your preparation even easier.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the salad itself is gluten-free as long as you serve it without bread or any gluten-containing sides. Always check your cheese and other ingredients to be safe.
Can I swap the cheeses?
Sure! While provolone and parmesan give a nice Italian touch, you can experiment with mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How long does the salad keep its freshness?
Best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when stored properly in the fridge to ensure the veggies stay crisp and the flavor stays bright.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some pepperoncini can add exciting twists and extra color to your salad.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is such a joyful, easy-to-make dish that brings vibrant deli flavors right to your table with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch or sharing it at a casual get-together, this salad never fails to impress and satisfy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—happy eating!
Print
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and refreshing Italian Grinder Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken breast, fresh vegetables, olives, and a zesty herb dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad combines classic Italian ingredients with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced roasted red peppers, black olives, shredded provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese to create the salad base.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and flavorful.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor if desired. Serve the salad immediately for best taste, or refrigerate to serve chilled later.
Notes
- For added texture, consider including some chopped celery or bell peppers.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use leftover roasted chicken for convenience and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs according to your taste preference.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure that all cheese and olives are free from additives containing gluten.
