Bold. Savory. Packed with Italian deli vibes—minus the bread. This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad takes everything you love about a classic grinder sandwich and tosses it into one protein-packed, flavor-bursting bowl. If you’re a fan of cold cuts, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing, this one’s about to become your go-to lunch!

🥗 Why You’ll Love This Salad

High-protein & low-carb
Meal-prep friendly
Tastes like your favorite Italian sub—without the bread
Bold, tangy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite

🧾 Ingredients

For the Salad Base:

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked, chilled chicken breast)
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce (for extra crunch)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced pepperoncini
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
4 slices salami, chopped
4 slices turkey or ham, chopped
¼ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone

For the Creamy Grinder Dressing:

⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp grated parmesan for extra punch

🥣 How to Make It

Step 1: Make the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, red wine vinegar, mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Add a little grated parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy.

Step 2: Chop the salad ingredients.
Roughly chop your romaine and iceberg, slice the tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper, and chop your deli meats and chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Toss everything together.
In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, veggies, chicken, meats, and cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve immediately or chill.
This salad tastes amazing right away, but letting it chill for 15–20 minutes helps the flavors meld together even more.

🍴 Serving Ideas

Serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb “wrap”
Pile it onto a toasted hoagie roll for the full grinder experience
Enjoy as a standalone lunch bowl—it’s that satisfying

🧊 Meal Prep Tips

Store dressing separately if prepping ahead.
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days (best within 24 hours).
Great for work lunches—just shake and go!

💡 Recipe Tips & Variations

Add crunch: Toss in croutons or crispy onions right before serving.
Make it spicy: Add chopped banana peppers or a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing.
Swap the protein: Use canned tuna or grilled chicken for different variations.
Dairy-free? Use avocado instead of cheese and a dairy-free mayo.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is proof that salads don’t have to be boring. It’s crunchy, creamy, meaty, and fresh—with just enough tang to keep you coming back for bite after bite. Whether you’re eating low-carb or just love bold Italian flavor, this one’s a keeper!