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.
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.