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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s already cooked and saves time. You could also use grilled or baked chicken breasts. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or marinated tofu.

Vegetables: Celery and red bell pepper add crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap in whatever crunchy veggies you have—like carrots or radishes. You could even toss in some spinach for added nutrients!

Olives and Pepperoncini: Black olives give a nice briny taste, but green olives work too. If you’re not a fan of pepperoncini, sliced jalapeños can add a kick, or you can simply leave them out.

Italian Dressing: Use your favorite store-bought dressing or mix olive oil, vinegar, Italian herbs, and a bit of mustard for a homemade version. Just a splash of red wine vinegar can work in a pinch too!

How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Flavorful?

The key to a flavorful chicken salad is balancing the ingredients well. Here’s how to do it:

• Mix your veggies with the chicken first before adding dressing. This way, you ensure everything is evenly coated.
• Let the salad sit for at least 15-30 minutes in the fridge before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Adjust your seasoning after mixing in the dressing. A little extra salt or pepper can enhance all those delicious flavors!

Easy Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced (optional for a bit of tang)
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Submarine sandwich rolls or Italian bread for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’d like to let the flavors mingle, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving. Overall, you’ll have a fresh, tasty meal ready in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, sliced pepperoncini (if using), cubed mozzarella cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix them all together until well combined.

2. Dress the Salad:

Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. If you prefer a creamier salad, you can add a little more dressing to taste!

3. Season and Prepare for Serving:

Give the salad a taste and season with salt and pepper as you like. Next, take your submarine rolls or Italian bread and cut them horizontally. If you want, you can toast the rolls lightly for extra crunch!

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Spoon the chicken salad generously onto the bread to make a delicious sandwich. You can also serve it on a bed of lettuce if you’d like a lighter option. Enjoy your meal immediately, or if you want to let the flavors mingle, refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

This easy Italian grinder chicken salad is perfect for a quick lunch or picnic, with its fresh vegetables and savory chicken flavors that everyone will love!

FAQ for Easy Italian Grinder Chicken Salad

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just shred or chop it and mix it in. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken from last night’s dinner!

How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider keeping the salad and bread separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?

Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with any crunchy veggies you like. Ideas include carrots, radishes, or even corn. You can also add diced avocado for creaminess or substitute the mozzarella with feta for a different flavor.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

The salad itself is gluten-free; however, if you use sandwich rolls or Italian bread, make sure they are gluten-free versions. You can also serve the salad over a bed of greens for a gluten-free option.