This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s light, crunchy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for lunch!
I love serving it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich! Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, making it a great choice for those busy days. Who doesn’t love an easy meal with a kick? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped chicken breast is the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover grilled chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or chopped tofu.
Roasted Red Peppers: These add a sweet, smoky flavor. If you don’t have them, fresh bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can work well. Just roast fresh peppers on a grill or in the oven for a similar taste.
Mayo and Sour Cream: This combo creates a creamy dressing. Greek yogurt can replace both for a lighter option. If you’re dairy-free, try avocado mayo or a dairy-free yogurt.
Cheese: Mozzarella adds a mild, creamy texture. You can swap it for provolone, feta, or omit it entirely for a dairy-free salad.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil can brighten up the flavors. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs work too, but use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Make the Creamy Dressing Just Right?
The dressing is key to this salad, and getting it creamy and flavorful is essential. Start by mixing your mayonnaise and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) in a bowl. Add your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed; you might want a bit more garlic or seasoning to fit your preference.
- For a tangy twist, squeeze a little lemon juice into the dressing.
- Mix until smooth and well combined, then pour over your chicken and veggie mix. This ensures every bite is delicious and creamy!
Let the salad chill to allow the flavors to meld, making it a refreshing dish when served cold. Enjoy your Italian Grinder Chicken Salad!
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup croutons or cubed Italian bread, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prep. Plus, give it 30 minutes to chill in the fridge for the best flavor. Altogether, you’re looking at about 50-60 minutes from start to finish, including chill time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add your shredded or chopped cooked chicken along with the sliced roasted red peppers, halved tomatoes, finely chopped celery, and cubed mozzarella cheese. Give it a stir to mix everything together nicely.
2. Whip Up the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s all smooth and well blended. This will add a rich, creamy texture to your salad!
3. Combine and Chill:
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
4. Add the Crunch:
Once you’re ready to serve, fold in the toasted croutons or cubed Italian bread for that delightful crunch. The croutons give the salad an excellent texture that complements the creaminess.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, feel free to sprinkle some extra cracked black pepper and fresh herbs on top for added flavor and color. Serve the salad chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich roll, or alongside your favorite crackers. Enjoy!
This creamy Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a perfect picnic dish, lunch option, or party appetizer. Dig in and relish every bite of this delicious mix!
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works great. Shred or chop it up, and you’re good to go!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor or avocado for a creamier, healthier alternative. Just make sure you adjust the seasoning to taste!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and it’ll taste even better the next day!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives for extra crunch and flavor. Just be sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces for even mixing.
