Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite, combining tender shredded chicken with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. It captures that satisfying sandwich flavor but served in a light, chopped salad form that’s perfect for warmer days or when you want something easy to put together.
I love making this salad when I want the flavors of an Italian sub without the bread. Mixing everything together gives each bite a little bit of everything—from the savory chicken to the zesty vinaigrette. I usually add some sliced olives or banana peppers for a fun punch, and a little shredded cheese always makes it better in my book.
This salad is great for a quick lunch or packed in a picnic basket for a day out. I often serve it with some crusty bread or crunchy crackers on the side, but it’s totally good on its own too. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is quick and simple enough for any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast gives a tender, lean protein base. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for ease. For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu cubes.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add juicy sweetness and a fresh pop. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes work well too.
Black Olives & Peppers: These bring a nice tangy, salty bite. If you can’t find pepperoncini, banana peppers are a good mild alternative. You can also try pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This combo makes the creamy dressing that ties the salad. You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or use all mayo for a richer taste.
How Do You Make the Perfect Creamy Dressing for This Salad?
Getting the dressing right is key to balancing the Italian flavors with creaminess. Here’s how I do it:
- Whisk mayo and sour cream until smooth for a creamy base.
- Add dried Italian seasoning and garlic powder for classic herby flavor.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice to add brightness and cut through the richness.
- Season with salt and pepper carefully, tasting as you go — you want enough to lift the flavors without overpowering the mild ingredients.
- After tossing dressing with the salad, chill for at least 20 minutes. This step helps flavors blend and the salad tastes fresher.
My tip? Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best zing. And always taste your dressing before mixing — it’s easy to adjust brightness or seasoning to your liking!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – Perfect for tossing all the ingredients together easily. I like it because it makes mixing so simple.
- Small whisk or fork – For blending the dressing ingredients smoothly. It keeps things quick and mess-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Helps you keep the ingredients in perfect balance for the best flavor.
- Knives and chopping board – For slicing cherry tomatoes, olives, peppers, and chopping lettuce and onion.
- Refrigerator – To chill the salad before serving, so it tastes fresh and flavorful.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for canned chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version that’s just as delicious.
- Add sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers to boost the tangy, spicy notes.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese instead of cheddar for a more classic Italian cheese flavor.
- Try adding fresh basil or parsley for extra herby brightness and color.
How to Make Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini or banana peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- 1 slice garlic bread or toasted Italian bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and a quick 20 minutes chilling time in the fridge to let flavors meld together. Overall, you should have this fresh and tasty salad ready in about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Start by placing the shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, pepperoncini or banana peppers, chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped romaine lettuce into a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir to mix them evenly.
2. Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and all the flavors are blended well.
3. Toss and Chill the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that the dressing coats all the pieces evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors get cozy together.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
When ready, dish out the salad into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Serve with a slice of garlic bread or toasted Italian bread on the side for a delicious and complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Salad?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before shredding to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Italian Grinder Chicken Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the entire salad and dressing up to a day in advance. Just keep it chilled and toss it gently before serving for the best flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise and Sour Cream?
You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing or use all mayonnaise if you prefer a richer taste. Both options work well without changing the flavor too much.