This Italian Grinder Salad is a vibrant and flavorful twist on a classic Italian sub. All the delicious elements of an Italian grinder—crunchy vegetables, savory deli meats, and tangy cheese—are combined in a refreshing salad that’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch or a light dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Satisfying: This salad is packed with the bold flavors of an Italian grinder, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad comes together in minutes.
Versatile: You can customize this salad with your favorite Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious salad:

For the Dressing:

Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess and balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Italian seasonings: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the dressing.
Oregano: Adds a classic Italian flavor.

For the Salad:

Iceberg lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
Cherry tomatoes: Sliced, for juicy sweetness.
Red onion: Sliced or chopped, adds a bit of bite and sweetness.
Banana peppers or peperoncini: Chopped, adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
Deli meat of choice: I used salami and turkey, but you can use any of your favorite Italian meats, such as ham, mortadella, or pepperoni.
Cheese of choice: Parmesan, smoked cheddar, mozzarella pearls, or provolone all work well in this salad.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Italian Grinder Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasonings, and oregano until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Add the chopped iceberg lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced or chopped red onion, chopped banana peppers (or peperoncini), chopped deli meat, and cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the salad immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and herbs.
Customize the ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives, to the salad. You can also use different types of deli meat and cheese to your liking.
Make it a meal prep option: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then assemble the salad just before serving.

How to Serve Italian Grinder Salad

Light Lunch or Dinner: This Italian Grinder Salad is a perfect light and refreshing meal for lunch or dinner.
Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite Italian-inspired main course, such as pasta or pizza.
Party Food: It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport and serve at potlucks or gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite lettuce, such as romaine lettuce, spinach, or a spring mix.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the deli meat or use a vegetarian alternative, such as marinated tofu or tempeh.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy. However, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time.

How can I make this salad spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Italian Grinder Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!