I eat a lot of salads this time of year. In reality, I eat salads In most seasons! This Italian chopped salad skips the lettuce and adds the flavors of the Italian grind to the chicken instead. It’s high in protein and my family can’t get enough of it!
Chopped Italian mill salad
If you’ve ever been to an Italian sub shop or restaurant, you’ve probably had an Italian grinder sandwich. They’re known for their tangy, salty flavor with satisfying fats and plenty of crunchy veggies. And while I do Take some pills Now, anytime I can eat vegetables or protein instead, I enjoy it.
This Italian chopped salad recipe is similar to all the flavors of the sandwich, but without the bread. Some recipes I’ve seen add meat, banana peppers, and sauce to the chopped lettuce. Although I prefer vegetables and eat a lot of salads, I wanted to try something a little different.
The result is this spin on chicken salad. It still has a mayonnaise base, but it has Italian flavors instead.
Prepare Italian minced chicken salad
At first glance, the ingredient list may seem a little long, but in fact, this recipe comes together quickly. It does require a little work with the knife (it’s called minced, after all!), but this helps the flavors combine better. You won’t get a huge chunk of anything, but a variety of flavors packed throughout.
Shredded chicken absorbs the chicken well to give more of the classic shredded grinder texture.
Tweak to taste
If you’re like me you might like Pickled things And the tastes are refreshing. Feel free to add an extra splash of banana pepper juice or red wine vinegar if you want a little more flavor here. If you don’t have salami, any similar meat will do. Pork, prosciutto, or spicy pepperoni are all great ideas.
I’ve also included two different types of cheese. I recommend using both feta and provolone because they offer subtly different flavors and textures that add to the overall flavor bomb here. Or you can just use one of the two and double the amount if you prefer.
I also like to use freshly ground black pepper for this. When peppercorns are cracked fresh, they release their volatile aromatic oils that give dishes a huge boost of flavor. Sometimes I’ll also finish with flaky Maldon sea salt for more texture and enhanced flavour.
How to serve chopped Italian salad
You can eat this with a fork (it’s so good!). However, it also works as a filling or dip. Serve over chopped leafy greens or even iceberg lettuce for maximum crunch. It also works well for filling out a file Lettuce wrap Or in a sandwich with sourdough bread.
Or just use it as a dip with some healthy crackers or fresh vegetables like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, or celery sticks.
Here’s how to make it!
Italian minced chicken salad
This tastes just like an Italian grinder sandwich but without the bread! High in protein and full of flavour.
- 2 Cups Cooked and chopped chicken
- ¼ pound Salami or soppressata (cubes)
- ¼ pound Pepperoni (cubes)
- ¼ cup Provolone cheese (thick slices and cut into cubes)
- ¼ cup Crumbled feta cheese
- ⅔ cup Grape tomatoes (cubes)
- ⅓ cup Banana pepper (cubes)
- ½ Red onion (cut into thin slices or cubes)
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In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk all sauce ingredients together until smooth.
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Taste and adjust as needed. The dressing should have a refreshing kick.
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In a large bowl, combine chicken, salami, pepperoni, provolone, feta, tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onion.
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Pour most of the dressing over the salad and toss well to evenly coat. Add remaining dressing if necessary.
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Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition facts
Italian minced chicken salad
Amount Per Serving (1 Serving)
Calories 442
Calories from fat 324
% Daily Value*
fat 36g55%
Saturated fat 11 grams69%
Trans fats 0.3 grams
Polyunsaturated fats 11 grams
Monounsaturated fat 12 grams
Cholesterol 88 mg29%
Sodium 1157 mg50%
Potassium 332mg9%
Carbohydrates 4 grams1%
Fiber 1 gram4%
Sugar 1 gram1%
protein 24 grams48%
Vitamin A 306 IU6%
Vitamin C 9 mg11%
Calcium 146 mg15%
iron 1 mg6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Shelf life and storage
The salad absorbs the dressing as it sits. Stir and add a little extra dressing before serving if necessary. It will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More variations on chicken salad
What are some of your favorite recipes that reinvent classic foods? Share in the comments!
