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Best Ever Italian Grinder Salad

A viral hit! Creamy, crunchy salad packed with Italian cured meats, cheese, and tangy peppers—essentially a deconstructed Italian sub.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: Italian-American, Viral
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce shredded
  • 0.5 lb salami and pepperoni sliced into ribbons
  • 0.25 lb deli ham or turkey sliced into ribbons
  • 0.5 lb provolone cheese sliced into ribbons
  • 0.5 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup pepperoncini sliced
Creamy Dressing
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Wash lettuce and dry thoroughly. Shred finely.
  2. Stack deli meats and cheese slices and cut them into thin ribbons.
  3. Thinly slice red onion and soak in ice water for 10 minutes (optional) to crisp up.
  4. In a jar or small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, and a splash of pepperoncini brine.
  5. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, meats, cheese, drained onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
  6. Pour dressing over the salad and toss vigorously until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and serve immediately with toasted bread.

Notes

Serve immediately as the dressing can make the lettuce wilt if left too long.