Grinder Salad
Leave a Comment
Posted: 06/15/25
Updated: 06/16/25
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This easy and delicious Grinder Salad recipe is packed with all your favorite sub sandwich flavors—like ham, salami, cheese, and tangy dressing—tossed into a crisp, hearty salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or feeding a hungry crowd!
The Italian grinder salad is a perfect deconstructed version of the Tiktok viral grinder sandwich. Crisp lettuce, red onion, tomato, mild pepperoncini peppers with savory deli meats and smooth provolone are tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing. I am confident saying there is no better salad. Grinder salad is great as a side but it is hearty enough to be eaten as a meal.
What Is A Grinder Salad?
Simply put, this is a salad version of the Italian grinder sandwich. The sub may have received this name because it is traditionally served on a chewy hoagie bun. Because of the bread’s chewiness, people used to say they had to “grind” through it. A second theory suggests that the Italian dockworkers who typically ate this sandwich were called grinders.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- If you are big on meal prep, this is a Italian salad recipe is quick and easy to prepare so you can throw your salad together anytime.
- The grinder salad is so hearty, you can eat it as a meal. Veggies, meats, cheese and a creamy homemade dressing will keep you satisfied after your bowl is empty.
- There is no cooking with heat required! You simply need to prepare veggies, meat and cheese before you whip up your dressing. It’s so easy, your kids will be happy to help you.
Ingredients For Grinder Salad
- Iceberg lettuce – Iceberg is the classic choice for a grinder salad, but you can use crisp Romaine lettuce as well.
- Red onion – Sliced red onion provides a perfectly complementary punch.
- Pepperoncini– Find these with the pickled items at your grocery store. Pepperoncini are mildly spicy and tangy. You can also substitute banana peppers if that’s what you already have on hand.
- Cherry tomatoes – Sliced in half, cherry tomatoes are great in any salad. You can substitute grape tomatoes if they are more readily available to you.
- Sliced deli meat – Salami, pepperoni and deli ham are all added to this dish. Cured Italian meats like prosciutto or mortadella are good substitutes.
- Provolone cheese – Buttery, nutty, creamy and slightly tangy, this cheese adds so much flavor to this salad. It can have a stronger flavor so if you are feeding picky eaters, you may want to switch to mozzarella.
- Mayonnaise – The base for the creamy, tangy salad dressing.
- Red wine vinegar – Adds the depth of flavor we know and love in a grinder sandwich.
- Pepperoncini juice – This is the secret ingredient! Pour in some of the juice from your pepperoncini jar and you’re in business!
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, salt and ground black pepper are all of the seasonings you need for the flavorful dressing.
How To Make A Grinder Salad
- Combine lettuce, onion, pepperoncini, tomatoes, salami, pepperoni, ham and provolone in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice and seasonings in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- After you have washed your veggies, make sure they are nice and dry before dressing the salad. If they are too wet, the dressing will slide right off!
- If you want to add a few more nutrients to your salad, toss in a couple of handfuls of spinach or kale.
Storage
This salad is best eaten right away so it doesn’t get soggy. If you want to save some for another day, store the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge separate from the dressing. Add the dressing just before serving.
Is The Grinder Salad Gluten-Free?
Yes, this is a gluten-friendly dish. Of course, you will still have to double check the labels of your own ingredients to be sure.
You are definitely going to make sure you have grinder salad ingredients on hand at all times! So simple to throw together and so satisfying, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Grinder Salad Recipe
Grinder Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed salad with deli meats, cheese, and a zesty dressing—perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup pepperoncini chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 10 slices salami chopped
- 8 slices pepperoni chopped
- 8 slices deli ham chopped
- 4 slices provolone cheese chopped
Grinder Salad Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons pepperoncini juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the lettuce, onion, pepperoncini, tomatoes, salami, pepperoni, ham and provolone in a bowl.
- Add mayo, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a separate bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Tips
This salad is best eaten right away so it doesn’t get soggy. If you want to save some for another day, store the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge separate from the dressing. Add the dressing just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 641kcal (32%), Carbohydrates: 10g (3%), Protein: 25g (50%), Fat: 56g (86%), Saturated Fat: 15g (94%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g, Monounsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 87mg (29%), Sodium: 1954mg (85%), Potassium: 654mg (19%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 5g (6%), Vitamin A: 1133IU (23%), Vitamin C: 32mg (39%), Calcium: 191mg (19%), Iron: 2mg (11%)
How To Serve Grinder Salad
Serve this Italian sub salad as a meal on it’s own with a side of quick and easy Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Everyone loves a soup, salad, bread lunch combo too, so whip up a batch of minestrone if you’re hosting.
This is a great carb conscious side dish alongside Stuffed Zucchini Boats or a classic like Chicken Parmesan. And of course, you’ve got to satisfy your sweet tooth with a batch of quick and easy 5-ingredient Chocolate Caramel Brownies.
More Great Hearty Salad Recipes
- Great as a side or a full meal, a classic Easy Chef Salad will keep you satisfied until your next chance to eat. Filled with veggies, hard boiled eggs, crisp veggies and cheese, this salad is so filling!
- High protein Bean Salad is as flavorful as it is colorful. Throw this 5-ingredient dish together and bring it to your next potluck.
- With a unique twist on a classic, Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad has a roasted red pepper dressing that is sure to impress everyone!
- Have you ever had a dessert salad? I promise you it is a life changing way to enjoy a sweet treat after your meal. Start with a Snickers Salad, a tried and true Midwest creation with whipped cream, vanilla pudding mix, apples and Snickers bars.
Leave a Comment