A grinder salad takes the flavors of an Italian grinder sandwich and reworks them into a fresh, deconstructed salad. It combines lettuce along with sliced salami, ham, and provolone cheese – the same savory meats and cheese found in a traditional grinder. Additionally, diced Brussels sprouts and assorted chopped vegetables are mixed in. What’s more, a creamy, savory dressing is liberally coated over the top to deliver the full-bodied taste once held between bread. In this new form, all the classic grinder flavors are still present but with a lighter, more nutritious composition that makes a satisfying meal.
Dressing Ingredients
- Mayonnaise
- Red wine vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Cracked black pepper
- Italian seasonings
- Garlic, minced
- Pepperoncini pepper liquid
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Grinder Salad Ingredients
- Iceberg lettuce, shredded
- Brussels sprouts, shredded or thinly sliced
- Salami, sliced
- Deli ham, sliced
- Provolone cheese, sliced
- Red onion, chopped
- Sliced pepperoncini peppers
- Grape tomatoes, halved
- Red pepper flakes (for serving)
Ingredient Notes
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the dressing. Opt for full-fat or light mayo based on preference.
Italian Seasonings: Adds depth and classic Italian flavors to the dressing.
Pepperoncini Juice: Provides tanginess and a slight heat; it’s essential for that signature flavor.
Iceberg Lettuce: Offers a crisp and refreshing texture. Shred it finely for best results.
Brussels Sprouts: Adds a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that balances the creamy dressing.
Meats & Cheese: The combination of salami, ham, and provolone gives a deli-style feel to the salad.
Ingredient Substitutes
Mayonnaise: Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy, lighter option.
Red Wine Vinegar: Replace with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice.
Pepperoncini Juice: Use pickle juice or a splash of vinegar with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Iceberg Lettuce: Swap with Romaine, butter lettuce, or spinach.
Salami & Ham: Use turkey, prosciutto, or grilled chicken for variety.
Provolone Cheese: Substitute with mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or Parmesan.
How To Make Grinder Salad
Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, Italian seasonings, garlic, and pepperoncini juice. Whisk everything together until well blended, then fold in the parmesan cheese. Place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill while you assemble the salad.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Place all the prepared salad components into a large mixing bowl.
Mix the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
Finish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra flavor before serving. Enjoy right away!
Personalize Your Grinder Salad
Tweak the Dressing: Make the dressing your own! If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the red wine vinegar. Craving some spice? Amp up the pepperoncini pepper liquid!
Switch Up the Meats: You’re not limited to just salami and deli ham—try something new! Experiment with pepperoni, turkey, roast beef, or any other favorites!
Include Avocado: Add a touch of creamy avocado for extra richness! Slice it up to enhance the texture and flavor of your salad. It pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the pepperoncini and the crunch of the onions.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and add chickpeas, artichoke hearts, or marinated tofu for protein.
Low-Carb Version: Reduce or omit the tomatoes and add more leafy greens or meats.
Spicy Salad: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy salami for a kick.
Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean vibe.
Pasta Salad Variation: Mix the ingredients with cooked, cooled pasta (like rotini) to turn it into an Italian pasta salad.
Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and swap the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or parsley to the dressing or as a garnish for a fresh burst of flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
2. Can I use a different lettuce?
Absolutely! Romaine lettuce or mixed greens work well if you don’t have iceberg lettuce.
3. Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, this salad is keto-friendly as it’s low in carbs and high in fats from the dressing and meats.
4. Can I make the dressing lighter?
To reduce calories, you can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise.
5. What’s the best way to shred Brussels sprouts?
Use a food processor with a slicing blade, a mandoline slicer, or simply slice them thinly with a sharp knife.
How To Store
This grinder salad is at its best when served fresh! Brussels sprouts add durability to the salad, as they maintain their texture longer with the dressing. However, the lettuce may become soggy over time. To avoid this, you can store the salad and dressing separately, mixing them just before eating.
Refrigeration: Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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- Hot Honey Chicken Salad
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- Mexican Tuna Salad
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Salad
Grinder Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons pepperoncini pepper liquid
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
For the Salad:
- 3 cups iceberg lettuce shredded
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts shredded or thinly sliced
- 12 ounces salami sliced
- 8 ounces deli ham sliced
- 8 slices provolone cheese sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- Red pepper flakes for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, Italian seasonings, garlic, and pepperoncini juice. Whisk everything together until well blended, then fold in the parmesan cheese. Place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill while you assemble the salad.
- Place all the prepared salad components into a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
- Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra flavor before serving. Enjoy right away!