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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.
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Ingredients Equipment Method

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

Equipment

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

Method
 

  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.