It was a sunny afternoon when I first stumbled upon the concept of the Italian Grinder Chicken Salad. The flavor profiles danced around in my head as I walked through my local farmer’s market, breathing in the fragrant varieties of fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables on display. I could almost hear the laughter and chatter of families enjoying picnics while exploring the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. Inspired by these lovely scenes, I set out to create a salad that would capture that lively essence—a dish that embodies the spirit of togetherness and hearty, delicious food.
Picture this: a medley of shredded chicken, robust salami, savory ham, and creamy provolone cheese all mingling in a zesty, herbaceous dressing. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors that’ll make you want to share it with everyone you love.
## Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 0 minutes (no heat necessary!)
- Total Duration: 15 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
## Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 380 calories
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbs: 6 grams
- Fats: 26 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
## Why You’ll Love This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is perfect for busy weekdays and relaxed weekends alike. It’s an effortless dish that’s chock-full of flavor and nutrients, making it great for a light lunch or a hearty filling in a sandwich. Its versatility allows you to serve it on a crisp bed of greens, pile it between two slices of crusty bread, or even scoop it with crunchy pita chips for a delightful appetizer. The combination of salty meats and creamy cheese, balanced by fresh vegetables, will keep you coming back for more!
## The Complete Cooking Journey
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a colorful, savory dish ready to impress your family and friends.
## Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
## Method:
### Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salami, ham, provolone cheese, red onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, black olives, and basil.
### Step 2: Dress the Salad
Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and stir well to combine.
### Step 3: Season to Taste
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
### Step 4: Chill and Serve
Serve chilled on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.
## Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is best enjoyed chilled. To elevate your meal, serve it on a velvety bed of greens, topped with slices of avocado or some crunchy croutons. You could also layer it in a sandwich with slices of fresh baguette or toasted ciabatta for a satisfying bite. Fancy a picnic? Pack it up in mason jars for easy transport, topped with some extra herbs for a pop of color!
## Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This salad stays fresh and flavorful and makes for a great next-day lunch.
## Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Chicken Choices: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or cook chicken breast and shred it yourself for a home-cooked touch.
- Chill Time: For best results, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customization: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add some spice with pepperoncini for a kick!
## Flavor Variations & Adaptations
- Dairy-Free: Replace provolone with a plant-based cheese or leave it out altogether if you prefer a dairy-free option!
- Add Nuts: For an added crunch, throw in some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.
- Herbal Twist: Change up the herbs by adding fresh parsley, oregano, or dill for different flavor profiles.
## Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use different meats? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any of the meats for something you prefer, like turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian spin.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! It’s perfect for making ahead; just keep it stored in the fridge.
- How do I keep the salad from getting soggy? Allow the salad to chill before serving. Consider adding dressing only when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Can I freeze the salad? I don’t recommend freezing this salad as it may change the texture of the ingredients.
- What can I use if I don’t have Italian dressing? Olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs can quickly mix to create a similar flavor.
## Wrapping Up
Creating this Italian Grinder Chicken Salad at home feels like a journey through Italy, bursting with flavor at every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a joyful picnic meal, or a beautiful dish to share, this salad fits the bill perfectly. So gather your ingredients, let the magic happen, and embark on a delicious adventure. Enjoy the bliss of cooking, and remember, good food is best when shared! Happy cooking!
Print
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful salad combining shredded chicken, salami, ham, and provolone cheese in a zesty dressing, perfect for picnics or hearty sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salami, ham, provolone cheese, red onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, black olives, and basil.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.
Notes
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
