Dive into this flavor packed Grinder Salad. Everything you love in a Grinder Sandwich wrapped up in a beautiful salad that comes together in only 15 minutes!
This Italian Grinder Salad is simply life changing! It’s a salad that has more ingredients than it does lettuce. It is slam packed with meats, cheeses, veggies, and spices coated in a delicious and creamy homemade dressing. It is everything you love about the Italian Grinder Sandwich without the bread.
A grinder sandwich is a classic Italian sub sandwich. But the reality is that all the flavor is on the inside! So I thought, why not make it into a salad? If you love Italian inspired salads then you will also love my Italian Chopped Salad and my Italian Pasta Salad.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Salad
- This recipe comes together in only 15 minutes!
- It tastes just like a Grinder Sandwich but with no bread, which means less carbs and completely guilt free.
- This recipe is gluten-free!
Recipe Ingredients
Mayo – The perfect base to create a delicious creamy dressing for this Grinder salad.
Italian Meats and Cheeses – Flavor packed salad with all of the deli meats and cheeses that really makes it feel like you’re eating a sandwich.
Banana Peppers/Pepperoncini Peppers – Adds in a small kick of spice to the dish.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts see the recipe card below.
How to Make Grinder Salad
Step #1: In a small bowl combine all of the dressing ingredients and whisk together until combined. Then place in the fridge to chill until you are ready to serve.
Step #2: In a large mixing bowl combine all of the salad ingredients and toss together.
Step #3: Next, pour half of the prepared Grinder salad dressing onto the salad and toss together. Leave the other half on the side for serving.
Step #4: Finally top with red pepper flakes and additional dressing if you desire, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Balance Textures: To add more texture to the salad, consider including some crunchy elements such as croutons, toasted pine nuts, or even some crispy bacon bits. These will contrast nicely with the soft cheese and tender meats.
Marinate Onions: To soften the sharpness of the red onions, you can marinate them in jar combined with vinegar, water, and a pinch of sugar and oregano for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
FAQs
You can use any cheese you prefer! Some I would recommend would be cheddar cheese, Colby jack, or even Havarti.
I like using Italian deli meats since this is an Italian recipe but you can use other such as turkey, roast beef, capicola, or even prosciutto.
Storage Information
You can store this Grinder Salad in an airtight container in your fridge for 2-3 days. Tip: If you haven’t added the dressing to the salad it can stay fresh for 3-4 days.
More Delicious Salad Recipes
Grinder Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For The Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 3 Tbsp pepperoncini pepper liquid
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese - grated
For The Salad
- 8 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 12 oz salami - sliced
- 8 oz deli ham - sliced
- 8 slices provolone cheese - sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes - halved
- 1/2 cup red onion - sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers - sliced
- red pepper flakes - optional garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine all of the dressing ingredients and whisk together until combined. Then place in the fridge to chill until you are ready to serve.
- In a large bowl combine all of the salad ingredients and toss together.
- Next, pour half of the prepared dressing onto the salad and toss together. Leave the other half on the side for serving.
- Finally top with red pepper flakes and additional dressing if you desire, and enjoy!
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NOTES
Nutrition
