why make this recipe
Grinder Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that combines fresh vegetables with savory deli meats and cheeses. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner. The creamy dressing ties everything together, providing a burst of flavor with every bite. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover deli meats or veggies in your fridge!
how to make Grinder Salad
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large jarred pepperoncini, diced with juices reserved
- 1/4 cup of red onion, sliced thin
- 1/8 cup of sliced jarred banana peppers
- 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, washed and completely dried
- 5 slices of deli turkey
- 5 slices of deli ham
- 5 slices of deli salami
- 5 slices of provolone cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for topping
Directions:
- In a large bowl, make the Grinder Salad Dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, garlic powder, pepperoncini with juices, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Thinly chop up the iceberg lettuce and slice the red onion as thin as possible.
- Add the lettuce, onion, and banana peppers over the grinder dressing and toss to combine.
- Chop the turkey, ham, salami, and provolone into small squares. Toss in the meats and cheese into the salad.
- Top with parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes if desired and serve! Enjoy.
how to serve Grinder Salad
Grinder Salad can be served right away, making it a fresh and vibrant dish. You can serve it in bowls or on plates. For a fun twist, try serving it inside a pita or wrapped in a tortilla. It goes well with crusty bread or as a side dish at your next barbecue!
how to store Grinder Salad
If you have leftover Grinder Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2 days. The dressing may make the lettuce soggy over time, so it’s best to eat it sooner rather than later.
tips to make Grinder Salad
- To save time, use pre-sliced deli meats and cheese.
- You can add other toppings like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers to customize the salad.
- To keep the salad crisp, store the dressing separately until you are ready to serve.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version of the Grinder Salad by omitting the meats and adding more vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or chickpeas for protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like such as cheddar or mozzarella.
2. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you want a lighter dressing.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or include jalapeños for an extra kick.
Grinder Salad
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large jarred pepperoncini, diced with juices reserved
Salad Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin
- 1/8 cup sliced jarred banana peppers
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, washed and completely dried
- 5 slices deli turkey
- 5 slices deli ham
- 5 slices deli salami
- 5 slices provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, garlic powder, pepperoncini with juices, sea salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Set aside.
- Thinly chop the iceberg lettuce and slice the red onion as thin as possible.
Assembly
- Add the chopped iceberg lettuce, sliced red onion, and banana peppers over the grinder dressing and toss to combine.
- Chop the turkey, ham, salami, and provolone into small squares. Toss the meats and cheese into the salad.
- Top with parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes if desired and serve.