If you’re craving a bold, flavor-packed meal that checks every box—fresh, hearty, and zesty—then this Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions is the answer. Imagine layers of tender chicken, vibrant baby spinach, tangy marinated artichokes, spicy salami, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, and sharp red onions, all united with creamy cheese and a lively Italian dressing. It’s not just a salad; it’s an irresistible Mediterranean feast you can toss together in moments, making it a go-to for lunch, dinner, or nutritious entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this colorful Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions couldn’t be easier. Each one brings something special, from crunchy greens to savory proteins, and together they create layers of texture and bright flavor in every bite.
- Baby spinach: Provides a fresh, slightly earthy base that’s both nutrient-rich and tender.
- Cooked chicken breast: Adds protein and makes the salad satisfying enough for a full meal—rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly.
- Marinated artichoke hearts: Give a delicious, tangy bite that pairs beautifully with the other Mediterranean flavors.
- Sliced salami: Brings a smoky, peppery kick and heartiness—cut into strips for easy eating.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): Offer chewy, sweet-tart pops that keep your tastebuds on their toes.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for just the right amount of sharpness and crunch.
- Shredded mozzarella or shaved Parmesan: Adds creaminess or bold, tangy notes depending on your cheese choice.
- Italian dressing: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version for zest and to tie everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing out all those beautiful flavors.
How to Make Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by getting everything ready—wash and dry your baby spinach, slice or shred the cooked chicken breast, and drain the artichoke hearts before quartering them. Slice the salami into strips, sun-dried tomatoes into slender pieces, and red onion into paper-thin half-moons. With all your ingredients prepped and ready, assembly will be a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Base
Grab the biggest salad bowl you have and toss in the spinach, chicken, artichokes, salami, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onion. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure each forkful will be loaded with a mix of flavors and textures—trust me, the combination is pure magic.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the Italian dressing evenly over the entire salad. Use tongs or clean hands to toss everything again, ensuring a light, even coat that brings out the flavors of each ingredient. The dressing mingles with the sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes, creating a vibrant tang that wakes up every bite.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle your salad with shredded mozzarella or shaved Parmesan, whichever speaks to your mood. The cheese melts into the salad just enough to mellow the sharper flavors and add a creamy, luxurious finish.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions straightaway if you like it fresh and lively, or chill for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld for an even more harmonious bite.
How to Serve Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions
Garnishes
I love finishing this salad with a sprinkle of crunchy croutons, a handful of toasted pine nuts, or a final flourish of extra shaved Parmesan. These little touches add another layer of texture and flavor, making the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This hearty salad is a meal on its own, but it pairs incredibly with warm baguette slices, classic garlic bread, or crispy breadsticks. For a more leisurely Mediterranean-style spread, consider adding a soup like minestrone or a plate of olives to complete the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions piled onto chilled plates for a beautiful starter, or arrange the ingredients on a platter antipasto-style for a dramatic centerpiece. You can even layer the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions in mason jars for outdoor picnics or office lunches on the go—presentation is half the fun here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best texture, keep the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat—this keeps the greens crisp and lively even after a day or two.
Freezing
This salad is at its best fresh, and freezing isn’t recommended. The spinach and artichoke hearts can lose their texture once thawed, so enjoy the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions within a few days of making it for optimal flavor and bite.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled, no-cook salad, there’s no reheating required! If you want a warm twist, you can gently heat the chicken and artichokes before tossing them into the salad, but the rest of the ingredients are happiest straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions ahead of time?
Absolutely, just keep the dressing separate from the salad until you’re ready to serve. This helps maintain the crispness of the greens and ensures vibrant flavors with every bite.
What protein alternatives can I use instead of chicken?
Feel free to substitute with grilled shrimp, turkey breast, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian spin—this salad is wonderfully adaptable to your fridge or pantry.
Is there a recommended homemade Italian dressing for this recipe?
A classic combo of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of honey or mustard makes a bright homemade dressing that complements all the robust flavors in this salad.
Can I use different cheeses?
Certainly! Mozzarella and Parmesan are favorites, but provolone, feta, or even an herbed goat cheese can add new personality to the Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your dressing and salami labels. If you want croutons for crunch, opt for a gluten-free variety to keep everything safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions is my go-to when I want something that feels special and nourishing, but is quick enough for a weeknight or perfect for sharing with friends. Give it a try and I’m sure it’ll earn a spot in your own roster of crowd-pleasers and easy favorite meals!
Print
Italian Salad with Chicken, Spinach, Artichokes, Salami, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian Salad featuring chicken, spinach, artichokes, salami, sun-dried tomatoes, red onions, and cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.
Ingredients
Fresh Baby Spinach:
4 cups;
Cooked Chicken Breast:
1 1/2 cups, sliced or shredded;
Marinated Artichoke Hearts:
1 cup, drained and quartered;
Sliced Salami:
1/2 cup, cut into strips;
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Oil-packed):
1/3 cup, drained and sliced;
Thinly Sliced Red Onion:
1/4 cup;
Shredded Mozzarella or Shaved Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup;
Italian Dressing:
1/4 cup (store-bought or homemade);
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix the spinach, chicken, artichoke hearts, salami, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Final Touches: Top with cheese, season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately or chill briefly to meld flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding croutons or toasted pine nuts.
- Pair the salad with warm baguette or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used for added convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
