Italian Grinder Salad Recipe

Introduction

The Italian Grinder Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish packed with classic deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing. It’s a perfect meal for lunch or a light dinner that captures the essence of an Italian sandwich in salad form.

Ingredients

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup chopped banana peppers
• 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes
• 1/4 lb salami, chopped
• 1/4 lb pepperoni, chopped
• 1/4 lb turkey, chopped
• 1/4 lb provolone cheese, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp banana pepper juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the iceberg lettuce, red onion, banana peppers, grape tomatoes, salami, pepperoni, turkey, provolone cheese, and parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl or jar, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. Mix until smooth, then season with black pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the lettuce mixture. Toss the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.
• Substitute turkey with ham or roast beef for a different deli meat option.
• Add a handful of black olives for extra depth and tang.
• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, toss the salad with the dressing again. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not reheat well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness.

What can I substitute for banana pepper juice?

If you don’t have banana pepper juice, a splash of pickle juice or a mild vinegar can work as a flavorful alternative.

Italian Grinder Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

This Italian Grinder Salad is a flavorful and hearty salad that combines crisp iceberg lettuce with a variety of classic Italian deli meats, cheeses, and tangy vegetables. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and aromatic spices, this salad is perfect as a main dish or side for any meal.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup chopped banana peppers
• 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes
• 1/4 lb salami, chopped
• 1/4 lb pepperoni, chopped
• 1/4 lb turkey, chopped
• 1/4 lb provolone cheese, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp banana pepper juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the finely chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, chopped banana peppers, chopped grape tomatoes, chopped salami, pepperoni, turkey, provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese into a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt until smooth. Season with black pepper according to your taste preferences.
3. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and well mixed.
4. Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or a bowl and enjoy immediately for the best freshness and flavor.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Make sure to finely chop the lettuce and deli meats for easy eating and better distribution of flavors.
• Adjust the amount of banana pepper juice to control the tanginess and spice level.
• This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one day.
• Add croutons or sliced olives for extra texture and flavor.

Keywords: Italian salad, grinder salad, deli meat salad, Italian dressing, easy salad recipe