Grinder Chicken Salad

Name: Grinder Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni; 1/2 cup chopped salami; 1/2 cup chopped provolone cheese; 1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers; 1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 3 tablespoons pepperoncini pepper liquid; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; Red pepper flakes for garnish

This flavorful chicken salad brings all the zesty, tangy goodness of a classic Italian grinder sub into one easy, refreshing bowl.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian American· July 18, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

0 minutes

Total

15 minutes

Serves

If you love a classic grinder sandwich, you are going to fall in love with this salad. It is packed with savory meats, melty cheese, and that signature tangy dressing, making it the perfect choice for a busy lunch or a quick dinner on a warm day.

My secret to getting that authentic deli flavor is using a splash of juice from the pepperoncini jar. It gives the dressing a nice zip that ties all the ingredients together perfectly. Keep this in your fridge for easy meal prep during the week.

🧺 Ingredients

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup chopped salami
1/2 cup chopped provolone cheese
1/3 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons pepperoncini pepper liquid
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes for garnish

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pepperoni, salami, provolone cheese, pepperoncini peppers, grape tomatoes, and red onion.
2
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, and the pepperoncini liquid.
3
Stir the parmesan cheese into the dressing until combined.
4
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5
Garnish with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat and serve immediately on croissants, lettuce wraps, or with your favorite crackers.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the salad seems a bit dry after sitting, simply stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise before serving to refresh it.

#chicken salad #lunch #easy recipe #high protein #low carb

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