Description
This Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a fresh, hearty, and vibrant meal combining tender grilled chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, crisp mixed greens, savory veggies, and creamy plant-based cheese cubes. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it delivers the classic Italian sandwich flavors in a nutritious salad bowl with a zesty natural dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Cheese
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (natural), sliced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese cubes
Vegetables & Greens
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, radicchio)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion slices
- 1/4 cup banana peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the grilled chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (natural). Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges. Allow to cool, then slice into bite-sized strips.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: Using a non-stick pan over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon slices until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat and chop into smaller pieces.
- Mix the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, banana peppers, and black olives. Toss gently to evenly distribute colors and flavors.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), Italian seasoning (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: Add the grilled chicken slices, chopped smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese cubes to the salad base. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss carefully to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat dry chicken before cooking to ensure juicy, well-seared pieces.
- Chill the salad before serving to maintain a crisp crunch.
- Make the dressing ahead of time to let flavors meld nicely.
- If adding nuts as a variation, lightly toast them to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling and stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Italian salad, chicken salad, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, quick lunch, healthy salad, gluten free
