The BEST Italian Grinder Salad (Quick and Easy!)

Why This Italian Grinder Salad Is A Viral Hit

Born and raised in New England myself, the Italian grinder sandwich was always a classic quick lunch option. For as far back as I can remember, they’ve been the go-to for anything from beach picnics to a party crowd pleaser.  In this recipe, I’ve turned one of my all-time favorite sandwiches into a delicious, balanced, healthy meal option with an amazing homemade dressing. It’s just so good, so easy, and is one of the recipes I always get DMs about.

• Classic Italian sub ingredients: This grinder salad recipe is packed with all of the traditional Italian grinder salad ingredients– cold cuts, crisp and crunchy 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: This is one of those salads that every single bite is just absolutely delicious. Crunchy lettuce, creamy tangy salad dressing, cheese- is there anything better? It’s in the same realm as an antipasto salad, but even more delicious.
• 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.

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Ingredient Notes

This salad is made with many of the same ingredients as a classic Italian sub. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need, but be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.

Salad Ingredients

• Shredded romaine lettuce: I like to use romaine for a bit of extra nutrition and crunchiness, but you can use iceberg lettuce too!
• Shredded cabbage mix or veggie slaw: You know the bags of coleslaw mix that you can find in the produce section? I love using them as part of the salad “base” to add more nutrients and fiber. 
• Veggies: You can honestly use whichever combination of veggies you prefer in salad, but my favorite combo is bell pepper, red onion, and cherry or grape tomatoes!
• Deli meats: You can use whatever types of meat you want and enjoy on a deli sandwich, but I think the best combination is turkey, ham, and salami. You could also try different meats like roast beef, sliced chicken, or pepperoni.
• Cheese: Provolone cheese, cheddar, or Swiss cheese are all great options for this salad.
• Banana peppers: Adding banana peppers to this salad seriously takes it to the next level– so good. Be sure to 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: This dressing recipe calls for just enough mayonnaise for the dressing to be creamy!
• Olive oil: Use your favorite extra virgin olive oil to add heart-healthy fats.
• Red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar is my preferred vinegar but you can also use white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar. 
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds just the right amount of cheesiness and saltiness to the dressing.
• Fresh garlic: Don’t skip the fresh garlic in this dressing, it’s so worth the extra step! I like to use a zester to make a super super fine paste with the garlic. You can use garlic powder if you don’t have any fresh on hand.
• Spices: I like to keep the spices simple in this delicious creamy dressing and use just Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. But you can add more or less to taste!

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.

1. Make your dressing: In a small bowl or salad dressing shaker, 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. 

2. Assemble Your Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add your lettuce, cabbage mix, red onion, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, deli meat slices, cheese, and banana peppers.

3. Add the Dressing: The final step is to add the dressing to your salad and toss to mix thoroughly. Serve with a slice of Italian bread or a bag of chips on the side!

Recipe Tips

• Use pre-chopped veggies. Skip some chopping by using pre-chopped lettuce and cabbage (I like this one). I’m busy and I know you are too! You can even use pre-chopped bell peppers and onions.
• Use a mayonnaise that you like! It may sound like a silly tip, but since it’s a main ingredient in the dressing, make sure you like the mayo before you use it. Personally, I love Sir Kensington’s.
• Add more toppings. Add any other favorite sandwich ingredients or salad toppings that you enjoy. Pickles, olives, croutons, or even a few potato chips would all be amazing.
• Wait to add the dressing. If you plan on eating all this grinder salad immediately, go ahead and pour the dressing on. But if you are planning to enjoy it for several meals, I recommend keeping the dressing on the side and adding it just before serving.

Want to Customize Your Salad?

The best part about this Italian grinder salad is that it’s also super customizable. You can change up the veggies, change up the meats, swap for your favorite cheese, or even use your favorite dressing instead of the homemade version.

• Use different meat. If deli meat isn’t your thing, swap it out and use shredded chicken instead or tuna instead.
• Stir in some beans. Add a fiber boost with a ½ cup of chickpeas or black beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them first!
• Turn it into a grinder salad sandwich! Chop all of the ingredients, toss with dressing, and then serve in an Italian roll. 
• Change up the cheeses. You can use cheddar cheese, fresh mozzarella, or even Colby Jack.
• Add a spicy twist. Give the dressing a little kick by adding red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
• Turn it into a pasta salad! Up the chopped veggies, skip the lettuce, and add your favorite cooked pasta. 
• Try a different dressing. If mayo-based dressings aren’t your favorite, Italian dressing or a vinaigrette with oil and vinegar also work well on this salad.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grinder salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend storing the dressing separately and tossing it right before serving to prevent soggy lettuce.