Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Recipe – Bold & Low-Carb Lunch Idea

Why Italian Grinder Chicken Salad Is a Flavor-Packed Favorite

If you love bold Italian flavors and creamy deli-style salads, Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s everything you crave in a grinder sandwich—savory meats, crunchy veggies, tangy dressing—transformed into a versatile, scoopable salad.

This recipe is perfect for lunch, meal prep, or sandwich fillings. It’s easy to throw together, packed with protein, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it in lettuce cups, pile it onto croissants, or enjoy it straight from the bowl with crackers, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.

With a creamy base and punchy Italian seasonings, this salad delivers big flavor in every bite. It’s a fun twist on a viral favorite that’s just as good chilled from the fridge as it is fresh off the cutting board. Let’s dig in.

What Is Italian Grinder Chicken Salad?

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a delicious spin on the viral TikTok grinder sandwich, which layers deli meats, cheese, and tangy dressing on crusty bread. This version takes all those flavors and turns them into a hearty, scoopable salad.

It combines shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped salami and pepperoni, crisp veggies, and a creamy, zesty dressing made with mayo and red wine vinegar. The result is a salad that’s bold, savory, and satisfying.

You can serve it as a standalone salad, use it as a dip with crackers or crostini, or spoon it into sandwiches and wraps. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and deli meats while creating something fresh and flavorful.

Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or prepping meals for the week, this grinder-inspired salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this flavor-packed salad:

Protein

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup chopped salami
• ½ cup chopped pepperoni

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella

Veggies

• 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• ¼ cup sliced banana peppers

Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Tip: Use high-quality deli meats and freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients Chop the salami, pepperoni, tomato, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Shred the chicken and lettuce. Grate or shred the cheese.
2. Make the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Salad In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, deli meats, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and banana peppers.
4. Add the Dressing Pour the dressing over the salad gradually, tossing gently to coat. Add more dressing to taste, but avoid over-saturating to keep the texture crisp.
5. Chill & Serve Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled with crackers, on croissants, in wraps, or in lettuce cups.

Tip: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning. A little extra vinegar or spice can elevate the whole dish.

Taste & Texture Profile

Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a creamy, tangy, and savory delight with layers of flavor and texture:

• The mayo-based dressing adds richness and smoothness, balanced by the acidity of red wine vinegar and banana peppers.
• Shredded lettuce and onions bring a satisfying crunch, while the cheese and meats add depth and umami.
• The combination of herbs and spices gives it that signature Italian deli flavor—bold, zesty, and crave-worthy.

It’s a salad that feels indulgent yet fresh, perfect for scooping, stuffing, or savoring straight from the bowl.