Italian Grinder Salad

Italian Grinder Salad is a bold, flavor-packed dish inspired by the classic grinder sandwich. This salad combines crisp lettuce, savory deli meats, tangy pepperoncini, and a creamy Italian-style dressing that ties it all together. It’s perfect as a main course, side dish, or even as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.

If you love the zesty flavors of Italian cuisine, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Its versatility makes it easy to customize to your preferences, and it’s quick to prepare for any occasion!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large salad bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk or fork
• Small bowl (for dressing)
• Tongs or salad serving utensils

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup black or green olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup salami, chopped
• 1/2 cup deli-style ham, sliced (optional, see substitutions below)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, cheese, olives, salami, and optional ham.
3. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Serve: Plate the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

None

Total Time

15 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

Expert Tips

• Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling main dish.
• Customize the Crunch: Add croutons or sliced cucumbers for extra texture.
• Chill for Flavor: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I use other greens besides romaine or iceberg lettuce?
Absolutely! Mixed greens, arugula, or spinach work well too.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, omit the meats and add more vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts, or include a plant-based protein.

What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, pasta dishes, or as a side to grilled chicken or fish.

Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, for less spice, reduce the pepperoncini or choose a mild variety. For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy banana peppers.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is necessary.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese: Swap mozzarella for Parmesan or feta for a different flavor profile.
• Dressing: Use a store-bought Italian dressing for convenience.
• Toppings: Include sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or fresh basil for added flavor.
• Meat-Free Option: Substitute the deli meats with marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas.

Italian Grinder Salad

Italian Grinder Salad is a bold, flavor-packed dish inspired by the classic grinder sandwich. This salad combines crisp lettuce, savory deli meats, tangy pepperoncini, and a creamy Italian-style dressing that ties it all together.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large salad bowl
• - Knife
• - Cutting board
• - Whisk or fork
• - Small bowl (for dressing)
• - Tongs or salad serving utensils

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Salad:
• - 6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce chopped
• - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• - 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
• - 1/3 cup pepperoncini peppers sliced
• - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• - 1/4 cup black or green olives sliced (optional)
• - 1/2 cup salami chopped
• - 1/2 cup deli-style ham sliced (optional, see substitutions below)
• #### For the Dressing:
• - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• - Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
• **Assemble the Salad:** In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, cheese, olives, salami, and optional ham.
• **Toss the Salad:** Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
• **Serve:** Plate the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving.