If you ever crave a salad bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and hearty textures, this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing that brings a perfect harmony of Italian herbs and olive oil. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly, delivering a satisfying meal that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that shine individually but combine for an unforgettable bite. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy roasted red peppers that add a subtle sweetness to the sharp cheeses that bring depth and richness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: The protein-packed base that makes this salad hearty and filling.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a crisp, slightly spicy crunch to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced: Provides refreshing coolness and a satisfying crispness.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Brings sweetness and juiciness with every bite.
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced: Adds a smoky, tender texture with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: Introduces salty, briny notes that brighten the dish.
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese, shredded: Melted richness that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire salad.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds zesty acidity that ties the dressing together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, imparting smooth, fruity richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: For that classic Italian herb aroma and flavor punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the salad with its sweet, peppery undertones.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): A vibrant touch of color and mild herbaceous freshness.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by gathering your cooked shredded chicken, which forms the hearty base of the salad. Into a large bowl, add the chicken along with the thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, black olives, and both shredded provolone and grated parmesan cheese. Mixing these ingredients now sets the stage for those vibrant, Italian-inspired flavors to mingle and complement each other beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. This simple but flavorful dressing brings all the ingredients to life. The acidity from the vinegar combined with the herbaceous notes of oregano and basil makes this dressing perfectly balanced, hugging every piece of chicken and veggie with tasty goodness.
Step 3: Toss to Combine
Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the bowl of mixed salad ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each bite bursts with flavor. This step is critical because it allows the dressing to coat each element evenly, infusing the salad with tangy and herbal notes that make this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
For a fresh, colorful finish, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top, if you like. This also adds a subtle brightness to offset the richness. You can serve the salad immediately for a refreshing lunch or cover and refrigerate it for later—both ways guarantee a delightful experience every time.
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a lovely green pop and a mild, herby aroma that elevates the salad visually and taste-wise. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten each bite further.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own as a light meal, but pairing it with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread makes it feel even more indulgent. Alternatively, a side of roasted vegetables or a simple minestrone soup complements the salad perfectly, creating a balanced Italian-inspired dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or on a bed of mixed baby greens for a fresh, elegant presentation. Another fun idea is to stuff it inside hearty sandwich rolls or pita bread for a handheld, satisfying lunch that captures the essence of an Italian grinder sandwich without the bread calories.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps well for up to 2 days. Because the ingredients are fresh and the dressing is light, the textures hold up nicely without becoming soggy.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended since many of the fresh ingredients—like cucumber, tomatoes, and cheese—lose their texture and flavor when frozen. For best results, prepare fresh or keep the dressing and salad separate if you want to make it ahead.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm meal, consider separating the chicken and gently warming it before mixing it with the fresh veggies and dressing just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavorful, shredded chicken without extra effort, making the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe even easier to whip up.
What if I don’t have provolone cheese?
You can swap provolone for mozzarella or even mild cheddar. Each brings a different flavor profile but still complements the other ingredients nicely.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply omit the cheeses and substitute the chicken with chickpeas or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use a plant-based cheese if desired, and the dressing ingredients are naturally vegan.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and crunchy. This makes it great for quick lunches or packed dinners.
What does the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe taste like?
It has a delightful balance of savory, tangy, fresh, and herby flavors, reminiscent of an Italian sandwich but in a refreshing salad form. The cheeses and olives add depth, and the dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for busy weeknights or vibrant weekend lunches. The easy preparation, stunning flavors, and wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish that feels special without any stress. Grab your ingredients, mix up this salad, and share a delicious moment with friends or enjoy a nourishing solo meal—you won’t regret it!
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
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Italian Grinder Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken breast mixed with fresh vegetables, olives, and cheeses, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinegar and herb dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, this no-cook salad balances savory and tangy flavors with an easy preparation.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cooked chicken, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, sliced black olives, shredded provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it to enjoy chilled later.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the provolone and parmesan cheeses or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Adjust the salt and pepper in the dressing according to your taste preferences.
- You can add a handful of chopped fresh basil or oregano for extra herbaceous flavor.
