Description
This Grinder Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and satisfying twist on the classic Italian grinder sandwich. It combines crisp iceberg lettuce, assorted deli meats, provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tangy Italian-inspired dressing, making it an easy high-protein lunch or light dinner option packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4 oz sliced turkey
- 4 oz sliced ham
- 4 oz sliced salami
- 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced or chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup banana peppers, sliced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Grinder Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Assemble the Salad Ingredients: Add the shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced turkey, ham, salami, provolone cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced banana peppers into a large mixing bowl.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure every component is evenly coated with the creamy dressing, blending the flavors together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and a bright finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad’s fresh crispness and textures at their best.
Notes
- For extra crunch and freshness, consider adding thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers to the salad.
- The quantities of turkey, ham, and salami can be adjusted according to personal preference or dietary needs.
- To reduce carbohydrate content, serve the salad without bread or croutons, making it a perfect low-carb meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within one day for optimal freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American