Description
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish combining tender shredded chicken, crispy smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. This salad captures all the bold flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich while being light, nutritious, and perfect for any meal occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup plant-based cheese cubes (e.g., mozzarella (plant-based) or cheddar-style)
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and combine with the cooled bacon pieces to form the protein base.
- Mix the Fresh Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss together the fresh mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions. This mixture provides a refreshing crunch and juicy sweetness to balance the proteins.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), Italian seasoning, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the natural gelling agent. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Add the shredded chicken and crispy bacon pieces, then gently fold in the plant-based cheese cubes. Mix once more to evenly combine all flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs such as oregano or basil to enhance flavor and aroma.
- Cook turkey bacon to a crisp but avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness.
- Dress the salad immediately before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar in the dressing to your preferred tanginess.
- Keep cooked chicken and bacon refrigerated until ready to assemble for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Italian salad, chicken salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, apple cider vinegar dressing, healthy lunch, gluten free
