why make this recipe
Italian Grinder Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish, perfect for any occasion. It combines fresh veggies, deli meats, and a creamy dressing that makes it exceptionally delicious. This salad is not only a great way to enjoy your greens, but it also makes for a satisfying meal that can be ready in no time.
how to make Italian Grinder Salad
Ingredients:
- 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, sliced or chopped
- 1/3 cup banana peppers or peperoncini, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped deli meat of choice (I used salami and turkey)
- 1/2 cup cheese of choice (parmesan, smoked cheddar, mozzarella pearls, or provolone work well)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasonings, and oregano.
- Add the remaining ingredients (lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, deli meat, and cheese) to the dressing.
- Mix everything well to combine.
how to serve Italian Grinder Salad
You can serve Italian Grinder Salad right away, or let it chill for a bit to enhance the flavors. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or can stand alone as a light lunch.
Enjoy it with crusty bread or in a sandwich for an extra treat!
how to store Italian Grinder Salad
If you have leftovers, you can store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within 1-2 days, as the ingredients can become soggy over time. Give it a good stir before serving again.
tips to make Italian Grinder Salad
- Use fresh and crisp ingredients for the best flavors.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to your taste.
- Experiment with different types of deli meats and cheeses to find your favorite combination.
- Add extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers if you like!
variation
For a vegetarian version, skip the deli meat and add more protein like chickpeas or beans. You can also try different dressings, such as a vinaigrette, for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of lettuce?
Yes! You can use romaine, spinach, or any greens you prefer.
2. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just store the dressing separately and mix everything when you are ready to eat to keep it fresh.
3. What can I serve with Italian Grinder Salad?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, or can be enjoyed on its own as a fulfilling meal.
Italian Grinder Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon oregano
For the salad
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced or chopped
- 1/3 cup banana peppers or peperoncini, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped deli meat of choice e.g. salami and turkey
- 1/2 cup cheese of choice e.g. parmesan, smoked cheddar, mozzarella pearls, or provolone
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasonings, and oregano.
- Add the remaining ingredients (lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, deli meat, and cheese) to the dressing.
- Mix everything well to combine.