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
- 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).
- Assemble the salad – Add the sliced red onion, pepperoncini, tomatoes, provolone, salami, and turkey.
- 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!
Print
Grinder Salad Recipe
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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