Description
Italian Grinder Salad is a vibrant, hearty salad inspired by the flavors of a classic Italian grinder sandwich. Packed with crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy banana peppers, a variety of deli meats, and melty provolone cheese, this salad is tossed in a zesty homemade red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for a quick, satisfying low-carb lunch or a flavorful salad option, it offers the taste of an Italian sub in a refreshing bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup banana peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped deli meats (ham, salami, pepperoni)
- 1/4 cup sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix together the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced banana peppers, chopped deli meats, sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and salt and black pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing meal on its own, or scoop onto sub rolls to enjoy as a deconstructed Italian grinder sandwich.
Notes
- This salad is an excellent low-carb option and can be used as a filling for sandwiches.
- For extra tang, add chopped pickles or olives to the salad mix.
- To make it more filling, mix in cooked pasta for a heartier version.
- Use gluten-free bread to keep the sandwich variation gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
