Description
This Grinder Salad is a fresh and crunchy twist on the classic Italian grinder sandwich. It features a combination of crisp shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced deli meats (turkey, ham, salami), provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, and a tangy, creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a high-protein, easy lunch or a light dinner, this salad offers bold flavors and satisfying textures without any cooking required.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4 oz sliced turkey
- 4 oz sliced ham
- 4 oz sliced salami
- 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced or chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup banana peppers, sliced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Grinder Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced turkey, ham, salami, provolone cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced banana peppers.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture and fresh flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add freshly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Adjust the amounts and types of deli meats (turkey, ham, salami) according to your taste preferences.
- For a lower-carb option, enjoy the salad without any bread or croutons.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1 day for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
