If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It’s a beautiful medley of tender shredded chicken, crisp veggies, savory cheeses, and a perfectly tangy herb dressing that all come together in about 10 minutes. Whether you’re packing lunch, feeding a small gathering, or just want a delicious, wholesome meal without fuss, this salad makes it incredibly easy and rewarding to eat well with an Italian flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to making this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe so irresistibly fresh and flavorful. Each component plays a vital role: from the juicy chicken to the sharp provolone and the briny olives, these ingredients balance texture, taste, and color beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Offers a tender protein base that’s mild and ready to soak up the dressing.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp bite and vibrant purple hue to brighten the salad.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced: Brings a refreshing crunch and cool moisture for balance.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Injects sweet juiciness and a pop of red color.
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced: Delivers smoky sweetness that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: Adds salty, tangy richness that is classic in Italian flavors.
- 1/4 cup provolone cheese, shredded: Provides creamy, slightly tangy notes and a melty texture.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkles a nutty, sharp finish to round out the cheeses.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Offers a bright acidity that cuts through richness and ties flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Ensures a silky texture and helps meld all salad ingredients harmoniously.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives an earthy, aromatic touch that sings Italian authenticity.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds sweet-herbal notes complementing the fresh veggies and cheeses.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances all flavors without overpowering the salad’s freshness.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Sprinkles a lively green contrast and fresh herbal zing on top.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing your shredded chicken, thinly sliced red onion, crisp diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, black olives, shredded provolone, and grated parmesan into a large mixing bowl. This colorful mix gives you a wonderful base full of textures and inviting flavors that set the stage for the salad’s bright character.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. The combination of vinegar’s tang with the smooth olive oil and fragrant herbs will become the magic glue that binds the salad’s flavors into one harmonious bite.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Pour the zesty dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture and toss gently yet thoroughly. This ensures every piece is beautifully coated, marrying all the ingredients so each forkful bursts with balanced flavor profiles. You’ll notice how the colors stay vivid and the textures remain crisp – perfect for a fresh, bright salad experience.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top the salad with a sprig or two of fresh parsley if you like, adding a lovely green touch that enhances visual appeal and adds a subtle herbal pop. Now your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy immediately or chill for an hour if you prefer it extra refreshed and melded.
How to Serve Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my favorite finishing touch for this salad, but you can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan or even some crumbled crispy pancetta for added texture and a salty kick. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving adds a silky richness that elevates the dish instantly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks that are perfect for scooping up every last bite. If you want something light, grilled or roasted vegetables are a great companion, as are simple sides like a lemony quinoa salad or roasted potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out crusty rolls or pita pockets, turning it into a handheld meal reminiscent of an Italian sub. Alternatively, layer it over a bed of mixed greens for a larger composed salad or even stuff it into bell pepper halves for a colorful, eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Because the veggies retain their crunch and the chicken stays tender, it’s a perfect make-ahead option for quick lunches or dinners during the busy week.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since fresh vegetables and cheese can lose their texture and flavor upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh or store leftovers refrigerated only.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer it warm, remove the cheese and fresh veggies beforehand, heat just the chicken with a little dressing, then recombine with the chilled ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time, making your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe even easier to put together.
What can I substitute for provolone if I don’t have it?
Mozzarella or fontina cheese work well as substitutes, offering mild but creamy textures similar to provolone without overpowering the other flavors.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if desired.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some sun-dried tomatoes would all complement the existing flavors and add interesting new dimensions.
How long does it take to make this salad?
It takes about 10 minutes to assemble, making it an excellent choice when you want something fresh, tasty, and satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a quick, simple salad packed with Italian-inspired flavors and fresh ingredients, the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe is your perfect match. It’s nutritious, delicious, and effortlessly elegant—just the kind of dish that brightens up any meal and keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try and watch how it transforms your lunchtime or dinner routine into something truly special.
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 combining shredded chicken breast with fresh vegetables, olives, and cheeses, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Salad 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 Ingredients
- 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 Salad Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced roasted red peppers, sliced black olives, shredded provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined, balancing the acidity and herbs.
- Toss Salad with Dressing. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and Serve. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the salad for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for best taste, or refrigerate to let flavors meld and serve chilled later.
Notes
- Use leftover or freshly cooked chicken breast for convenience.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese.
- Can be served as a main dish or as a hearty side salad.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days; dressing may be added just before serving to keep vegetables crisp.
- Feel free to add other Italian herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.
