Looking for a show-stopping dish that delivers zesty flavors, bold colors, and hearty textures all in one bowl? The Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions is your ticket to an irresistible mealtime experience. This salad expertly weaves together savory chicken, briny artichokes, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, peppery salami, and the vibrant bite of red onion over a bed of fresh spinach, all dressed in a garlicky vinaigrette. It’s bright, satisfying, and turns any ordinary lunch or light dinner into a celebration of Italian flavors!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those brilliant salads where the ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Each element is carefully chosen to bring out the best in flavor, texture, and color, making the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions greater than the sum of its delicious parts.
- Baby spinach: Tender leaves form a lush, vitamin-rich base that’s both mild and nutritious.
- Cooked chicken breast: Choose sliced, shredded, or even rotisserie chicken for protein and heartiness.
- Marinated artichoke hearts: These bring briny brightness and an irresistible tang—be sure they’re well drained.
- Salami: Thinly sliced and cut into strips for savory depth and a hint of spice.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): Their intense flavor and chewy texture give the salad a punchy, slightly sweet note.
- Red onions: Sliced thin for crunch and a pop of sharp color and taste.
- Shaved Parmesan cheese: Big shavings rather than grated bits add rich, salty flavor and elegant presentation.
- Black olives (optional): For extra savory bite and classic Mediterranean character.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to bring out the best in all the ingredients.
- Olive oil (for dressing): The luscious base for your vinaigrette.
- Red wine vinegar: A splash of tartness to balance the rich flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Emulsifies the dressing and adds subtle heat.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a pungent, aromatic kick to the dressing.
- Dried oregano: Adds warm, herby notes for that unmistakable Italian flair.
How to Make Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Blend until everything is perfectly combined and creamy. The dressing might look simple, but it packs a whole lot of vibrant, zesty flavor that will tie your Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions together beautifully!
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
Add the fresh baby spinach to a large serving bowl. Layer in the cooked chicken breast, chopped marinated artichoke hearts, strips of salami, sun-dried tomatoes, and paper-thin slices of red onion. If you love olives, now’s the time to add those in as well. Each layer brings vibrant colors and textures, setting your Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions up for success.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing generously over your salad ingredients. Using salad tongs (or your clean hands), gently toss everything together so each bite is coated in the zippy vinaigrette. The flavors really sing when every ingredient is lightly dressed, ensuring you get a bit of everything in every forkful.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan
Scatter the shaved Parmesan cheese right on top. The shavings slowly melt into the other ingredients and offer beautiful salty bursts of flavor. Just before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss or leave the cheese as a striking finishing touch.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
Your masterpiece is ready! Serve the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions immediately if you like it fresh and crisp. For a more melded, intense flavor, cover and refrigerate for about 15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions
Garnishes
Take your salad to the next level with a flourish of garnishes. A final dusting of extra Parmesan, a scatter of fresh basil leaves, or even a few crunchy croutons make each serving look and taste irresistible. Cracked black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can provide that final gourmet touch to your Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions.
Side Dishes
This salad is satisfying on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want an Italian-inspired spread, it pairs beautifully with some warm, crusty ciabatta, a comforting bowl of minestrone, or a rustic tomato-basil soup. Serve with a light Pinot Grigio or frizzante mineral water for a refreshing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Pile individual portions of the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions into oversized martini glasses for a chic appetizer. For picnics or meal prep, layer the ingredients in mason jars (with the dressing at the bottom and spinach at the top) for easy, elegant grab-and-go salads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. For best freshness, store the dressing separately when possible and combine just before eating. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well; leafy greens and marinated vegetables tend to lose their texture and become mushy. Instead, assemble fresh whenever possible. However, you can freeze cooked chicken and even strips of salami separately, thawing and adding them to fresh salad ingredients when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
No need to reheat! The Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions is designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for easy lunches, picnics, or a fuss-free dinner. If you’re using cold chicken from the fridge and prefer it warm, gently heat it before adding to the salad.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, pan-seared tofu, or even canned tuna are fantastic swaps if you want a twist on the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions. Just be sure to keep the rest of the flavors balanced for best results.
How do I keep spinach from wilting after dressing?
For the freshest texture, add the dressing right before serving and toss lightly. If you’re prepping ahead, store the greens and dressing separately, and combine only when you’re ready to eat your Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions.
What other add-ins could work well with this salad?
Roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, or toasted pine nuts all add exciting flavors and new textures. A sprinkling of capers or a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley can make your Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions truly your own.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it makes an excellent meal prep option! Keep the spinach, dressing, and topping ingredients separate until you’re ready to assemble for the freshest, most satisfying bite every time. The chicken, salami, and artichoke hearts can be prepped in advance.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Without a doubt! The homemade vinaigrette can be mixed up to four days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk or shake before dressing your Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly joyful about sharing a generous bowl of Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions. Whether you’re pulling it together for a quick lunch or bringing it to a festive gathering, this salad is bound to impress. Give it a try—you may just find it becomes your new favorite go-to for vibrant, Italian-inspired meals!
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Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying meal. Packed with flavorful ingredients and topped with a tangy dressing, it’s a great option for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Baby Spinach Salad:
- 4 cups baby spinach (washed and dried)
Chicken Salad:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded)
Artichoke Salad:
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
Salami Salad:
- 1/3 cup sliced salami (cut into thin strips)
Sun-Dried Tomatoes Salad:
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
Red Onion Salad:
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup black olives (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, chicken, artichokes, salami, sun-dried tomatoes, red onions, and olives if using.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Top with shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- This salad is hearty enough for a full meal and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
- You can substitute grilled chicken thighs for extra flavor or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add croutons for crunch if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
