Description

The Italian Grinder Salad is a delicious, bold twist on the classic sub, packed with crisp lettuce, savory deli meats, juicy tomatoes, and sharp cheeses, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for a quick meal, a side dish, or meal prep, this salad delivers crunch and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or iceberg for extra crunch)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup banana peppers, sliced

1/4 cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced

4 oz salami, chopped

4 oz ham, chopped

4 oz turkey, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup provolone cheese, diced or shredded

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, and olives.
- Dice or shred the provolone and shave the Parmesan cheese.
- Cut the salami, ham, and turkey into small, bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, olives, meats, and cheeses.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
Toss and Serve:
- Using tongs or salad servers, toss the salad thoroughly to coat all the ingredients in the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra black pepper or Parmesan.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Category: Salad