Grinder Salad Recipe

The grinder salad, also sometimes called a chopped sub salad, is a delightful deconstruction of a classic Italian grinder sandwich. This vibrant salad captures all the delicious elements of your favorite sub - savory meats, melty cheese, crisp vegetables - in a lighter and more refreshing form. Chopped lettuce provides the base, piled high with sliced meats like salami, pepperoni, and capicola. Tangy banana peppers and juicy tomatoes add pops of flavor, while provolone cheese brings a creamy richness. Tossed in a creamy Italian dressing, this salad is a flavor and texture explosion in every bite.
Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, the grinder salad is surprisingly filling and can easily be customized to your preferences. Swap out the meats and cheeses for your favorites, or add in additional chopped vegetables for an extra dose of nutrients.

Ingredients

• For the Dressing:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the Salad:
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces sliced salami
• 4 ounces sliced capicola
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced into strips

Directions

1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Prep the Salad: Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Slice the salami, capicola, and provolone cheese into thin strips.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, salami, capicola, and provolone cheese.
4. Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.