I know you guys love my famous grinder sliders. This grinder chicken salad brings all those bold flavors into one easy recipe. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for lettuce wraps or a quick lunch straight from the bowl.
Secret Ingredient: Pepperoncini juice is the secret! It makes the dressing tangy and gives it that classic grinder flavor.
Not Your Average Chicken Salad: A fun twist on chicken salad. It has meat, cheese, and a bold garlic dressing.
Made for Busy Lunch Days: This salad is quick and easy. It keeps well, so it is great for meal prep!
Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie or canned chicken works too.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These add the best grinder flavor! You can also use banana peppers. Save the juice for th
Pepperoncini Peppers Juice: The secret to the dressing! It adds to the grinder flavors!
The first time I made my grinder sliders, I knew I had to turn those flavors into a chicken salad. It has all the savory, tangy goodness I love, but it’s even easier to make ahead for quick lunches. Now it’s one of my favorite recipes to keep in the fridge all week. Check out my sub in a tub dip and grinder pasta salad too!
Combine: Add the chicken, provolone cheese, pepperoni, salami, pepperoncini, grape tomatoes, and red onion into a large bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, and pepperoncini brine, then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Serve: Pour the dressing over the mixture, then toss to coat. Top with red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve grinder chicken salad on croissants, lettuce, or crackers.
Large Bowl: You’ll need this to mix everything together.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Makes cutting the meats, cheese, and veggies quick and easy.
3 cups cooked and shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken½ cup chopped pepperoni½ cup chopped salami½ cup chopped provolone cheese⅓ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers½ cup halved grape tomatoes¼ cup chopped red onionred pepper flakes optional for garnish
1 cup mayonnaise1 tablespoon red wine vinegar1 teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper1 tablespoon Italian seasoning2 teaspoons minced garlic3 tablespoons pepperoncini pepper liquid½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Make-Ahead: Prepare it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy. Before serving, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to add moisture if the salad needs a refresh.
Fridge: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.
If you want more easy lunch ideas, my classic chicken salad is always a favorite, and I have plenty of other chicken salad recipes that are great for meal prep and quick lunches.