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This easy Italian grinder salad is packed with classic Italian sub ingredients like deli meat, provolone cheese and banana peppers and tossed in a delicious creamy and tangy dressing. It’s a crave-worthy spin on a classic!
Why This Italian Grinder Salad Is A Viral Hit
Born and raised in New England, the Italian grinder sandwich is an all-time favorite. This salad form has all of the classic flavors and it’s tossed in an incredible creamy homemade dressing. I love these flavors so much that I make an Italian Grinder Pasta Salad too. Here’s why you’ll love this insanely good hearty salad:
- Classic Italian sub flavor. This grinder salad recipe is packed with all of the traditional ingredients of an Italian sub– cold cuts, crisp lettuce, red onion, provolone cheese, and banana peppers. Then, it’s tossed in a tasty creamy salad dressing that’s to die for.
- Perfect balance of flavors & textures. Every single bite is just absolutely delicious. Crunchy lettuce, delicious creamy dressing, cheese- so good. It’s in the same realm as an antipasto salad, but even more delicious. It’s not surprising that it’s been a viral recipe on social media so many times!
- Quick and easy: It takes just a few minutes to prep this salad, as well as the creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for lunch on busy days!
- Customizable: One of my favorite things about this grinder salad is that, just like an actual grinder, there are endless ways to customize it. I’ve included lots of suggestions for substitutions, swaps, and additions to this salad below.
Ingredient Notes
This salad is made with your favorite sandwich ingredients in a classic Italian sub. Here’s an overview of the simple ingredients you’ll need, but be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Shredded lettuce + cabbage: Chopped romaine lettuce and thinly shredded cabbage is my favorite salad base. Iceberg lettuce works too.
- Veggies: Bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
- Deli meats: Any type of deli meat will work, but my favorite combination is turkey, ham and a bit of salami. Roast beef, sliced chicken, pepperoni and any different meats you typically like on a sub will work.
- Cheese: Provolone cheese is classic but cheddar, or Swiss cheese all work. Mozzarella balls would be delicious too.
- Banana peppers: Banana peppers are a must for this grinder salad. Grab the mild kind if you don’t like anything spicy. I prefer banana peppers, but you can use pepperoncini peppers too!
Dressing Ingredients
- Mayo: Just a little for a rich and creamy element.
- Olive oil: Use your favorite extra virgin olive oil to add heart-healthy fats.
- Red wine vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work too.
- Parmesan cheese: For just enough cheesiness and saltiness.
- Fresh garlic + spices: I like to use a zester to make a super super fine paste with the garlic. Garlic powder works too. You’ll also need Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Add some red pepper flakes for a little kick!
How to Make an Italian Grinder Salad
One of the best things about this salad is just how simple and easy it is to make! It comes together in just a few quick steps.
- Assemble. In a large mixing bowl, add your lettuce, cabbage mix, red onion, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, deli meat slices, cheese, and banana peppers.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, make your dressing by adding all of the ingredients and then whisking until fully emulsified.
- Pour dressing. Pour dressing over your salad ingredients.
- Toss and serve. Toss salad gently until completely coated in dressing.
How To Store
Store leftovers in a container for up to 4 days in an airtight container. I recommend storing the dressing separate and tossing right before serving if you’re making it ahead.
Tips + Variation Ideas
This salad is so customizable. Change up the veggies, switch up the meats, use your favorite cheese, or even use your favorite dressing instead.
- Protein swap. If deli meat isn’t your thing, swap it out and use shredded chicken, beans, or tuna.
- Time saver. Use pre-shredded cabbage and bagged chopped romaine!
- Fiber boost. Add a can of chickpeas or black beans.
- Grinder salad sandwich. Chop all of the ingredients, toss with dressing, and then serve in an Italian roll.
- Add pasta. Up the chopped veggies, skip the lettuce, and add your favorite cooked pasta. Or just make my Grinder Pasta Salad!
- Use a store-bought dressing. Save some time and use your favorite Italian dressing instead.
More Easy Salads To Try
If you’ve made and love this Italian Grinder Salad or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 rating and comments below!
The BEST Italian Grinder Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped or shredded
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded, you can use coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 6 oz deli meat, turkey, ham, and salami are great options
- 2 slices provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup banana peppers
Red Wine Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 small garlic clove, super finely minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch salt, more to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper, more to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, make your dressing by adding all of the ingredients and then whisking until fully emulsified. To fully combine and emulsify your dressing quicker, make your dressing in a small mason jar or salad dressing container and shake to emulsify.
- In a large bowl, add your lettuce, cabbage mix, red onion, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, deli meat slices, cheese, and banana peppers.
- The final step is to add the dressing to your salad and toss thoroughly. Serve with a slice of Italian bread or a bag of chips on the side!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
Food photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé.
I got this assembled and was halfway through eating it before I realized I forgot tomato and onion. It was so delicious and flavorful I didn’t even notice. Will make this a regular lunch!
Yay! So glad you loved it- it’s one of my favorites and so easy to throw together!
Is it 6 ounces of each type of deli meat we use or 6 ounces total? Thank You!
About 6 oz total 🙂
Are the calories per serving?
Yes 🙂
This is a “Hoagie” salad where I am from but either way the flavors were spot on! I was skeptical of the dressing but this was so tasty and filling. Adding it to the lunch rotation 🙂
This is the recipe that will not disappoint. All ingredients really made the salad but the dressing, wowza! I was going to have 1 salad the next day so I did not use all the dressing and thought that there would not be enough but there was. It really helped me realize that you do not have to drown your salad to enjoy the flavor and not feel like its dry. I could eat this every day and I hope that I don’t wreck it where I can’t look at another salad ever again lol. love, Love, LOVE this recipe!
Yay! Thanks so much for this kind review 🙂
The dressing was delicious. Love the whole combination.
Happy to hear! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Loved it! My husband even went for seconds!!! I ran out of red wine vin and sub for apple cider vin!
Yay! One of my all time favorites! Thank you for leaving a review 🙂