Grinder Salad Recipe | YumAndJoy

Grinder Salad Recipe

This Grinder Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful take on the viral grinder sandwich—minus the bread! Packed with deli meats, provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, and a creamy Italian dressing, this salad is a quick and easy meal that brings all the flavors of an Italian sub into a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or just a new way to enjoy your favorite deli ingredients, this salad is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All the flavors of a grinder sandwich—without the bread!
  • Quick & easy – Takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
  • Great for meal prep – Enjoy throughout the week.
  • Low-carb & keto-friendly – Perfect for those watching carbs.
  • Customizable – Use your favorite deli meats and cheeses.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dressing:

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ⅛ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Salad:

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • ¼ cup sliced red onion
  • 1 cup diced tomato
  • ½ cup pepperoncini
  • ½ cup diced provolone cheese
  • ½ cup chopped salami
  • ½ cup chopped deli turkey

Directions

  1. Make the dressing – In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Assemble the salad – Add the sliced red onion, pepperoncini, tomatoes, provolone, salami, and turkey.
  3. Toss & serve – Top with the chopped lettuce and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with dressing. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy kick – Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
  • Meat swap – Use ham, roast beef, or pepperoni instead of salami and turkey.
  • Dairy-free option – Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing.
  • Extra crunch – Add croutons or crispy chickpeas.
  • Lighter version – Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Best served fresh – Since iceberg lettuce wilts quickly, avoid adding dressing until ready to eat.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just store the dressing separately and mix before serving.

2. What other lettuce can I use?

Romaine or mixed greens work well as alternatives.

3. Can I add more protein?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs make great additions.

4. Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes! Just ensure the ingredients fit your macros.

5. What’s the best way to serve this salad?

Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or stuffed into a low-carb tortilla.

6. Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! Mozzarella, feta, or Swiss cheese all work well.

7. How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

Store the lettuce separately from the dressing and mix just before eating.

8. Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?

Yes! Use 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano in place of dried.

9. What if I don’t like pepperoncini?

You can substitute with banana peppers or omit them altogether.

10. Can I turn this into a sandwich?

Definitely! Serve it on a hoagie roll or in a wrap for a classic grinder experience.

Conclusion

This Grinder Salad is a quick, easy, and satisfying way to enjoy all the bold flavors of an Italian sub in a fresh, low-carb form. Whether served as a meal or side dish, this viral favorite is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy every bite!

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Grinder Salad Recipe

Grinder Salad Recipe


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

This Grinder Salad is a fresh and flavorful take on the viral grinder sandwich, featuring a creamy Italian dressing, crisp lettuce, deli meats, provolone cheese, and zesty pepperoncini. It’s a quick and easy salad perfect for lunch, meal prep, or as a side dish. Enjoy all the bold flavors of a classic Italian sub—without the bread!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dressing:

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Salad:

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion
  • 1 cup diced tomato
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped salami
  • 1/2 cup chopped deli turkey

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic, Parmesan, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  2. Assemble the Salad:
    • Add red onion, pepperoncini, tomatoes, provolone cheese, salami, and turkey to the bowl with the dressing.
    • Top with chopped lettuce and toss everything together until well coated.
  3. Serve & Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it Lighter: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative.
  • Extra Crunch: Add croutons or crushed toasted bread for a sandwich-like texture.
  • More Protein: Mix in grilled chicken or extra turkey for a heartier salad.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Main Course
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
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