This grinder salad takes all the bold, savory flavors of an Italian deli sandwich and transforms them into a crisp, refreshing, and satisfying dish. Packed with crunchy lettuce, zesty pepperoncini, tangy cherry tomatoes, and rich Italian meats, every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Tossed in a creamy, herby dressing with just the right amount of spice, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light yet filling dinner, or even a meal-prep option that stays fresh for days.
Ingredient Breakdown
This salad comes together with a combination of fresh, crunchy greens and robust, deli-style flavors. The romaine and iceberg lettuce offer a mix of crispness and tenderness, providing the perfect foundation for the toppings. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the meats and cheese. Thinly sliced red onions bring a sharp yet slightly sweet bite, while pepperoncini peppers contribute a tangy, mildly spicy kick that enhances every forkful. The provolone cheese, sliced thinly, introduces a creamy, slightly sharp element that pairs beautifully with the cured meats. A combination of soppressata and Genoa salami infuses the salad with rich, savory depth, while ham adds a milder, smoky contrast. The creamy Italian dressing ties everything together, made from a luscious blend of mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini liquid, creating a tangy yet smooth base. Parmesan cheese lends a salty, umami-packed richness, while minced garlic and Italian seasoning bring aromatic depth. A pinch of crushed red pepper and black pepper rounds out the flavors, offering a touch of heat that can be adjusted to taste. Every ingredient works harmoniously to create a salad that’s bold, satisfying, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making the Creamy Italian Dressing
Whisking together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings for a smooth consistency.
Adjusting the thickness with additional vinegar or pepperoncini liquid if needed.
Prepping the Ingredients
Slicing and chopping meats, cheeses, and vegetables for even distribution.
Properly shredding the lettuce for optimal texture and bite.
Assembling the Salad
Layering the ingredients in the correct order for the best presentation and taste.
Tossing everything with the dressing to ensure even coating.
Meal Prep Method
How to layer ingredients in mason jars to keep the salad fresh for up to five days.
Tips for storing and serving prepped salads for maximum flavor and crunch.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to keep lettuce crisp even after tossing with dressing.
How to adjust the dressing for a tangier, spicier, or creamier consistency.
Alternative meats and cheeses that work well in this salad.
Making the dressing in advance for deeper, well-developed flavors.
Can I use different meats?
Swapping out the salami or ham for turkey, roast beef, or even grilled chicken.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Substituting the meats with marinated chickpeas or roasted vegetables.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keeping ingredients separate and tossing right before serving.
Can I make the dressing dairy-free?
Omitting the parmesan or using a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread – A great way to scoop up extra dressing and salad toppings.
Soup Pairings – Minestrone, tomato basil, or Italian wedding soup for a complete meal.
Pasta Side Dishes – A light pasta salad or a small serving of penne with olive oil and herbs.
Wine Pairing – A crisp white wine or a light red complements the bold Italian flavors.
With its bold flavors and perfect balance of textures, this grinder salad is a fresh and satisfying twist on a classic Italian sandwich. Whether you enjoy it immediately or prepare it ahead for a hassle-free meal, this dish is packed with flavor and versatility. Pair it with your favorite sides, experiment with different meats and cheeses, and enjoy a salad that’s anything but boring.
Ingredients
Grinder Salad
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
½ head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
8 slices provolone cheese, thinly sliced
¼ pound thinly sliced soppressata salami, chopped
¼ pound thinly sliced genoa salami, chopped
¼ pound sliced ham, chopped
Creamy Italian Dressing
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
¼ cup pepperoncini liquid
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Crushed red pepper and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini liquid, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and cracked black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the vegetables and meats by slicing, chopping, and shredding as needed. In a large salad bowl, layer the shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce. Arrange the ham, soppressata salami, genoa salami, provolone cheese, red onion, sliced pepperoncini, and cherry tomatoes on top.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
For meal prep, divide the dressing into separate mason jars. Layer the salad ingredients in the jars, starting with the heartier components like tomatoes, onions, and peppers, followed by the meats and cheese. Finish with the shredded lettuce on top. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. When ready to eat, simply pour the contents into a bowl and toss before serving.
Grinder Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Grinder Salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce shredded
- ½ head iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 8 slices provolone cheese thinly sliced
- ¼ pound thinly sliced soppressata salami chopped
- ¼ pound thinly sliced genoa salami chopped
- ¼ pound sliced ham chopped
Creamy Italian Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup pepperoncini liquid
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Crushed red pepper and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini liquid, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and cracked black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the vegetables and meats by slicing, chopping, and shredding as needed. In a large salad bowl, layer the shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce. Arrange the ham, soppressata salami, genoa salami, provolone cheese, red onion, sliced pepperoncini, and cherry tomatoes on top.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
- For meal prep, divide the dressing into separate mason jars. Layer the salad ingredients in the jars, starting with the heartier components like tomatoes, onions, and peppers, followed by the meats and cheese. Finish with the shredded lettuce on top. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. When ready to eat, simply pour the contents into a bowl and toss before serving.
