Italian Grinder Chicken Salad 

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad transforms the beloved Italian grinder sandwich into a flavorful, deconstructed chicken salad. Combining rotisserie chicken with tangy banana peppers, savory deli meats, creamy cheeses, and a zesty homemade dressing, it captures the essence of the classic sandwich in a convenient, no-cook format. Whether served with crackers, veggies, or stuffed in a toasted croissant, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for a quick lunch, appetizer, or picnic dish. 

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2½ cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
  
  

• ½ cup deli meats (pepperoni, Genoa salami, or soppressata), diced
  
  

• ½ cup provolone cheese, diced
  
  

• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  
  

• ¼ cup banana peppers or pepperoncini, chopped
  
  

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  
  

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  
  

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
  
  

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  
  

• 1–2 tablespoons banana pepper juice (to taste)
  
  

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  
  

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
  

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  
  

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   
   

   • In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
     
     

2. Assemble the Salad:
   
   

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced deli meats, diced provolone, crumbled feta, chopped banana peppers, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
     
     

3. Combine:
   
   

   • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
     
     

4. Serve:
   
   

   • Serve immediately with crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks. Alternatively, spoon the salad onto toasted croissants for a hearty sandwich.
     
     

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 25g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 5g
  
  

• Fat: 25g
  
  

• Fiber: 1g
  
  

• Sodium: 800mg
  
  

• Cholesterol: 50mg