I eat a lot of salad this time of year. Actually, I eat salad most of the time during the season! Skip the lettuce in this Italian chopped salad and instead add Italian grinder flavor to the chicken. It’s so high in protein that my family can’t get enough of it!
Italian Grinder Chopped Salad
If you’ve ever been to a sub shop or Italian restaurant, you’ve probably tried an Italian grinder sandwich. It is famous for its salty and tangy taste combined with the satisfying fat and crunchy taste of vegetables. And now I eat some grains, but whenever I can supplement with vegetables or protein instead, I’m all in.
This Italian Chopped Salad recipe is similar to all the flavors of a sub sandwich, but without the bread. Some recipes I’ve seen add meat, banana peppers, and dressing to chopped lettuce. I love vegetables and eat a lot of salads, but I wanted to try something a little different.
The result is a spin on chicken salad. It still has a mayonnaise base, but instead has an Italian flavor.
Making Italian Minced Chicken Salad
At first glance, the ingredient list may seem a little long, but this recipe actually comes together in no time. It takes a bit of knife work (you’ll be mincing it, after all!), but it helps the flavors combine better. It’s not a big chunk, but it’s packed with a variety of flavors overall.
Shredded chicken absorbs well into the chicken, giving it more of that classic minced grinder texture.
Adjust to your taste
If you’re like me, you love things pickled and tangy. For more tanginess, add Banna pepper juice or red wine vinegar. If you don’t have salami, any similar meat will work. Ham, prosciutto, or spicy pepperoni are all great ideas.
I also added two types of cheese. We recommend using both feta and provolone because they offer subtly different flavors and textures that add to the overall flavor bomb. Or you can use just one of the two and double the amount if you wish.
I also like to use freshly cracked pepper. When peppercorns are freshly cracked, they release aromatic volatile oils that greatly enhance the flavor of dishes. Sometimes I finish it with Maldon flaky sea salt to add even more texture and flavor.
How to Serve Italian Chopped Salad
You can eat it with a fork (it’s so delicious!). But it also serves as a filling or dip. To maximize the crunch, serve on top of chopped leafy greens or iceberg lettuce. Great as a filling in lettuce wraps or in a sandwich with sourdough bread.
Or try using it as a dip with healthy crackers or fresh vegetables like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, or celery sticks.
Here’s how to make it!
Italian Grinder Chopped Chicken Salad
This tastes similar to an Italian grinder sandwich, but without the bread! It’s high in protein and full of flavor.
- 2 cup shredded chicken
- ¼ pound salami or sopressata (dice)
- ¼ pound pepperoni (dice)
- ¼ cup Provolone Cheese (Cut it thickly and dice it)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅔ cup grape tomatoes (dice)
- ⅓ cup banana pepper (dice)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced or diced)
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Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or glass measuring cup and mix until smooth.
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Taste and adjust as needed. The dressing should have a tangy flavor.
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In a large bowl, combine chicken, salami, pepperoni, provolone, feta cheese, tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.
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Pour most of the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly. Add remaining dressing if needed.
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Eat immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Italian Grinder Chopped Chicken Salad
Amount per serving (per serving)
calorie 442
Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
province 36g55%
11g saturated fat69%
Trans fat 0.3g
11g polyunsaturated fat
12g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 88mg29%
sodium 1157mg50%
potassium 332mg9%
carbohydrate 4g1%
1 gram of fiber4%
1g sugar1%
protein 24g48%
Vitamin A 306IU6%
Vitamin C 9 mg11%
calcium 146 mg15%
steel 1mg6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Expiration date and storage
The salad absorbs the dressing as soon as it sits. If needed, add a little dressing and stir before serving. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for up to 4 days.
Different Chicken Salad Variations
What is your favorite recipe that reinvents a classic? Please share in the comments!
