Easy Italian Grinder Salad Recipe
I’ve always loved a good Italian sub—the layers of deli meats, crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and creamy cheese make every bite irresistible. But sometimes, I don’t want the bread; I just want the flavors. That’s when I started making this Italian Grinder Salad—a fresh, crunchy, and satisfying dish that gives you all the taste of a classic Italian grinder sandwich without the heaviness of the bread.The first time I made this salad, I had leftover sandwich ingredients from a deli meat platter. Instead of making a sandwich, I decided to chop everything up, toss it with some lettuce and a creamy, zesty dressing, and call it lunch. One bite in, and I knew I had something special. It had all the bold flavors I love in a grinder but in a lighter, more refreshing way.Now, this Italian Grinder Salad is a regular in my meal rotation. It’s perfect for lunch, an easy side dish, or even a low-carb dinner. If you love Italian subs but want something a little lighter, this salad is the perfect solution.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (for tossing the salad)
- Small bowl or jar (for making the dressing)
- Cutting board and knife for chopping ingredients
- Tongs (for mixing everything together)
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup banana peppers, sliced
- ½ cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- ¼ lb sliced salami, chopped
- ¼ lb sliced ham, chopped
- ¼ lb sliced turkey, chopped
- ½ cup croutons (optional)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, shredded cheese, salami, ham, and turkey.
- Toss everything together to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Add the croutons if using, and give it one final mix.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 days for meal prep.
- Enjoy as a main dish or alongside your favorite meal!