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Fresh Italian Grinder Salad

Featured in Sandwiches: Simple to Gourmet.

Recreate the viral grinder sub as a guilt-free salad. Fresh veggies, savory Italian meats, and bold dressing combine perfectly.
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Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:10:16 GMT
Close shot of colorful greens, diced tomatoes, shaved meats, and cheese in a wooden bowl. Pin it
Close shot of colorful greens, diced tomatoes, shaved meats, and cheese in a wooden bowl. | linacooks.com

I can't stop talking about my new favorite meal! Just whipped up that trending Italian Grinder Salad everyone's going crazy for, and I'm completely addicted now. It packs all the tasty elements from an Italian sub without any bread, and honestly? I don't even care that it's gone! This has totally transformed my lunchtime routine, and get this - my children actually request salad these days. Talk about a parenting victory!

The Magic Behind This Tasty Bowl

This isn't some sad workplace lunch salad! It's packed with amazing Italian deli tastes, and wow, that dressing is something else! I love how quickly I can put it together, and it actually keeps my hunger away until dinner. And you can switch things up however you want - I make mine differently almost every time based on whatever's hanging out in my fridge.

All About The Components

  • Meaty Goodness: I pile on salami, pepperoni, and turkey - the folks at my neighborhood deli practically expect my order now!
  • Dairy Delights: You'll need parmesan and provolone for that real Italian kick.
  • Crunchy Base: Iceberg lettuce works perfectly here since it stays crisp under all that dressing.
  • Flavor Boosters: Those tiny sweet tomatoes, zesty banana peppers, and red onion really brighten everything up.
  • Dressing Heroes: Mayo, red wine vinegar, and a clever dash of banana pepper liquid - you'll thank me later!
  • Flavor Enhancers: Just the basics - oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to pull everything together.

Getting It Done!

Sort Your Ingredients
I start by cutting everything into small, easy pieces - nobody wants to fight with huge lettuce chunks! Getting all my stuff ready beforehand makes putting it all together so much smoother.
The Legendary Sauce
Here's where things get good! Combine your mayo with all those tasty seasonings. That banana pepper juice really makes everything pop - don't leave it out!
Mix Everything Up
Throw it all in your largest bowl and pour that wonderful dressing all over. Give everything a good stir, and you're all set to enjoy!

Personalize Your Bowl

I often toss in whatever sandwich meats are sitting in my fridge from the week. I tried adding some hot capicola recently and it was amazing! My guy wants extra provolone every time, and I've even thrown in some chickpeas when I need more protein. You really can mix it up however you want!

Tricks I've Learned

After making this dozens of times, I've picked up some handy tricks! Try to cut everything roughly the same size for the perfect bite. And here's something that works wonders: if strong onions aren't your thing, just soak them in cold water for a bit. Takes away the sharpness but keeps all the good flavor!

Staying Crisp

Want to plan your lunches ahead? Just store everything apart and put the dressing in small containers. I get everything ready on Sunday and enjoy fresh salads throughout the week. Just combine when you're ready to eat - works great when life gets crazy!

Great Companions

This goes so well with a hot cup of soup for dinner. It's also fantastic for outdoor gatherings or community meals - I took it to our block party last month and came home with nothing but an empty container and folks asking how to make it! And if you're feeling a bit fancy, some buttery garlic bread on the side brings back those sandwich vibes.

Why You'll Love This Creation

This salad gives you everything wonderful about a loaded Italian sub, but in a crunchy, fresh form that won't have you dozing off after eating. It hits all the right notes, fills you up properly, and actually tastes better after sitting for a few minutes. Plus, it's simply enjoyable to eat - who wouldn't love this sandwich-inspired bowl of goodness?

A colorful salad in a brown bowl featuring lettuce, sliced pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing. Pin it
A colorful salad in a brown bowl featuring lettuce, sliced pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes banana pepper juice a good addition?
It’s used for its tart kick and to thin the dressing just right, giving it the grinder sandwich's signature tangy vibe. Add more or less as per your taste.
→ Can this be prepped ahead of time?
Prep everything early, but mix it all right before eating to keep it crispy. The dressing stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ What can I swap out for the meats?
Feel free to use different deli meats like mortadella, ham, or prosciutto. Stick to roughly the same meat portion for balance.
→ Why cut the lettuce so small?
Smaller pieces give it the grinder sandwich’s texture, make it easier to scoop up, and ensure every bite gets a proper dressing coat.
→ How should leftovers be handled?
Once dressed, it tastes best the same day. Keep undressed salad and separate parts in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Italian Grinder

A no-carb spin on the TikTok-famous grinder sandwich with chopped greens, deli cuts, cheeses, and a tangy Italian-style dressing. Great any time of day.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 5 Servings (5 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 Finely chopped head of iceberg lettuce.
02 Half a red onion, thin slices.
03 1/3 cup chopped banana peppers.
04 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes.
05 1/4 lb chopped turkey.
06 1/4 lb chopped salami.
07 1/4 lb chopped pepperoni.
08 1/4 lb chopped provolone cheese.
09 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
10 Half a cup of mayonnaise.
11 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
12 Teaspoon of juice from banana peppers.
13 Teaspoon of garlic powder.
14 Teaspoon of dried oregano.
15 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
16 Pinch of black pepper, to your liking.

Instructions

Step 01

In a big mixing bowl, throw in the lettuce, tomatoes, onion, banana peppers, cheeses, and meats.

Step 02

In a smaller bowl, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Step 03

Drizzle that dressing all over the salad mix and give it a good toss. Enjoy fresh!

Notes

  1. Tastes best right after you add the dressing.
  2. You can prep the ingredients in advance, but don't mix the dressing in until you're ready to eat.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big bowl for mixing salad.
  • Smaller bowl for the dressing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Egg-based mayonnaise.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g