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Italian grinder salad

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This vibrant dish brings together classic Italian deli meats like pepperoni and salami with provolone and parmesan cheeses. Crisp iceberg lettuce and fresh vegetables provide the perfect crunchy base, while a tangy dressing made with mayo, red wine vinegar, and banana pepper juice ties all the flavors together. Easy to prep and fully customizable, it’s a satisfying lunch option that stays fresh when ingredients are kept separate until serving. Perfect for gatherings or a quick, flavorful bite at home.

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Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:24:28 GMT
A salad with meat and vegetables. Pin
A salad with meat and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

This Italian Grinder Salad delivers all the bold flavors of a classic deli sub in a vibrant low-carb bowl. Inspired by the viral TikTok trend this hearty salad has become one of my most-requested family lunches. If you crave tangy dressing crisp veggies and a pile of savory meats and cheeses without all the bread this recipe is about to become a regular in your kitchen too.

When I first tried this with leftover deli meats it was such a lunchtime hit that now my kids actually ask for salad. Even my husband who usually skips salad goes in for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Pepperoni and salami: choose meats with good marbling for the best flavor
  • Turkey or chicken breast: ask for freshly sliced at the deli for juiciness
  • Provolone and parmesan cheeses: look for block parmesan to grate yourself for extra nuttiness
  • Iceberg lettuce: find a crisp fresh head for that classic sandwich crunch
  • Cherry tomatoes: pick ripe ones for sweetness and vibrant color
  • Red onion: slice thin if you want more bite or soak to mellow the flavor
  • Banana peppers: choose jarred or fresh for extra tang
  • Mayo: a rich base for the creamy dressing a good-quality one really shines
  • Red wine vinegar: opt for aged for rounder flavor
  • Banana pepper juice: save the brine from your pepper jar for bold tang
  • Dried oregano and garlic powder: classic Italian sub seasonings that bring everything together
  • Salt and black pepper: season just before serving for the best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients:
Chop iceberg lettuce into very fine shreds and cut all meats cheese and veggies into small bite-sized pieces. Keeping everything uniform allows every bite to capture those sub-shop flavors.
Make the Dressing:
In a bowl whisk together mayonnaise red wine vinegar banana pepper juice oregano garlic powder salt and pepper until creamy. Taste and adjust the tanginess by adding a little more vinegar or pepper juice as you like.
Toss the Salad:
Add all chopped ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss vigorously with tongs until every piece is coated and shiny. The fine chop helps the dressing cling and makes the salad taste just like your favorite grinder sub.
Taste and Serve:
Check the balance of meat cheese and veggies. You can always sneak in extra banana peppers or a sprinkle more parmesan right before serving. Serve immediately for the boldest crunch.
A bowl of salad with peppers, tomatoes, and meat. Pin
A bowl of salad with peppers, tomatoes, and meat. | easydiyrecipes.com

My favorite part about this salad has to be the banana pepper juice in the dressing. It transforms boring mayo into the perfect tangy creamy drizzle. I learned this trick from my cousin who once ran an Italian sandwich shop and it has never failed to impress at family parties.

Storage Tips

Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers for three to four days. Keep the dressing in its own jar and toss just before serving to keep everything crisp. If you do dress the salad any leftovers should be eaten within twenty-four hours since the lettuce will wilt.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ham prosciutto or even roast beef work well if you are short on specific meats. Swap provolone for mozzarella or omit parmesan if preferred. Chickpeas or cannellini beans can stand in for extra protein if you want a vegetarian version.

A salad with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Pin
A salad with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. | easydiyrecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad with a simple soup like minestrone or a slice of garlic bread for a comforting dinner. It makes a fantastic side for summer barbecues or a main dish at a family lunch.

Cultural Context

The grinder sandwich is a classic Italian-American deli favorite famous in the Northeastern US. Turning it into a salad keeps all those beloved flavors while making it lighter and more refreshing for any time of year.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why use banana pepper juice in the dressing?

Banana pepper juice adds a tangy brightness and thins the dressing slightly, balancing the richness of mayo and enhancing the overall flavor.

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Ingredients can be prepped in advance but toss everything together just before eating to keep the crisp texture. The dressing can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

→ What meats work well in this dish?

Classic Italian deli meats like pepperoni, salami, ham, capicola, and turkey work beautifully. Feel free to mix according to your preference while maintaining balance.

→ Why finely chop the lettuce and vegetables?

Smaller pieces ensure each bite is evenly coated with dressing and enhance the texture contrast, making it easier to enjoy all the flavors together.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep dressing separate and store veggies and meats in airtight containers. Once combined and dressed, consume within 24 hours for best freshness.

Italian grinder salad

Loaded with Italian meats, cheeses, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing for a fresh, filling lunch.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 2 Servings (2 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Meats

01 40 grams sliced pepperoni
02 40 grams sliced salami
03 40 grams sliced turkey breast

→ Cheeses

04 30 grams provolone cheese, sliced
05 10 grams grated Parmesan cheese

→ Vegetables

06 120 grams iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
07 60 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
08 30 grams banana peppers, sliced
09 30 grams red onion, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

10 45 grams mayonnaise
11 15 milliliters red wine vinegar
12 15 milliliters banana pepper juice
13 1 gram garlic powder
14 1 gram dried oregano
15 1 gram salt
16 1 gram freshly ground black pepper

Steps

Step 01

Finely chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion and banana peppers. Slice the provolone cheese and cut the deli meats into bite-sized portions.

Step 02

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 03

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, red onion, sliced deli meats, and provolone. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.

Step 04

Gently toss all ingredients to evenly coat with the dressing. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For milder onion flavor, soak sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
  2. To maintain crunch, store salad components separately and add dressing just before serving.

Tools Required

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisking bowl
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and pork products

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 20 g