Why Make This Recipe
The Easy Italian Grinder Salad is a delicious twist on traditional sub sandwiches. It combines all your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables into a vibrant salad. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is not only satisfying but also super easy to throw together. It’s a great way to serve a crowd or to meal prep for the week. Plus, it’s loaded with flavor and texture that everyone will love!
How to Make Easy Italian Grinder Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce (chopped)
- 2 oz pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni) (chopped)
- 12 slices salami (chopped)
- 10 slices turkey (chopped)
- 10 slices black forest ham (chopped)
- 8 slices provolone cheese (chopped)
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup banana peppers (chopped)
- 1/2 medium red onion (chopped)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp banana pepper juice
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
- Combine all chopped salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour prepared dressing into the large bowl with the salad ingredients. Toss gently until the dressing coats all salad ingredients. Serve immediately.
- Salad ingredients can be prepared a few hours early. If preparing ahead of time, do not add dressing until ready to serve.
How to Serve Easy Italian Grinder Salad
Serve this salad on its own or as a side dish with crusty bread or garlic knots. It’s perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. Add extra olives or nuts on top for a little crunch or serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
How to Store Easy Italian Grinder Salad
To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to 2 days in the fridge without the dressing. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately to keep the salad crisp.
Tips to Make Easy Italian Grinder Salad
- Chop all ingredients evenly for a more appealing presentation.
- Use fresh herbs for a boost of flavor.
- Try different types of cheese or deli meats based on your personal preference.
- If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Variation
You can easily customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the salad ingredients a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any meats, cheeses, or veggies that you prefer or have on hand.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
You can replace the meats with extra cheese, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based proteins for a hearty vegetarian option.
Easy Italian Grinder Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 oz pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni), chopped
- 12 slices salami, chopped
- 10 slices turkey, chopped
- 10 slices black forest ham, chopped
- 8 slices provolone cheese, chopped
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup banana peppers, chopped
- 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp banana pepper juice
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
- Combine all chopped salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour prepared dressing into the large bowl with the salad ingredients. Toss gently until the dressing coats all salad ingredients. Serve immediately.