Name: Grinder Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 head romaine lettuce (shredded); 1/2 head iceberg lettuce (shredded); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers; 8 slices provolone cheese (thinly sliced); 1/4 pound sliced ham (chopped); 1/4 pound thinly sliced sopprasetta salami (chopped); 1/4 pound thinly sliced genoa salami (chopped); 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup pepperoncini liquid; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 cloves minced garlic; 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Crushed red pepper and cracked black pepper to taste

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Introduction

This Grinder Salad is a delightful mix of crisp lettuces, savory deli meats, and tangy pepperoncini, all brought together with a creamy Italian-style dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner that feels fresh and flavorful.

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on a white marbled surface, showing layers starting from a base of chopped green lettuce leaves. On top, there are several layers of halved red cherry tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, strips of light beige turkey or chicken meat, and pieces of yellow pepper with some green herbs sprinkled throughout. The salad appears to be dressed with a creamy white sauce, lightly coating the ingredients. Two golden brown toasted bread slices rest on the right side, slightly overlapping the salad. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head romaine lettuce (shredded)
1/2 head iceberg lettuce (shredded)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
8 slices provolone cheese (thinly sliced)
1/4 pound sliced ham (chopped)
1/4 pound thinly sliced sopprasetta salami (chopped)
1/4 pound thinly sliced genoa salami (chopped)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 cup pepperoncini liquid
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Crushed red pepper to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini liquid, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and cracked black pepper. Stir well to create the dressing.
Step 2: Slice and chop all vegetables and meats as directed. In a large bowl, add the shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce. Top with ham, sopprasetta salami, genoa salami, provolone cheese, sliced red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Step 4 (Optional): For meal prep, layer the dressing into individual mason jars. Add pepperoncini, tomatoes, onions first, then meats and cheese, and finish with shredded lettuce on top. Seal jars and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, invert the jar into a bowl and toss well.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh Italian herbs like basil or oregano in place of dried Italian seasoning for extra aroma.
Substitute the ham with turkey or roast beef for a different flavor profile.
For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt mixed with mayonnaise to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
Add sliced black olives or pepperoncini juice for an extra tangy kick.

Storage

Keep any leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the dressing separately for up to one week. If using the mason jar meal prep method, salads will keep fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated. When ready to eat, invert the jar into a bowl and toss before serving.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of several visible layers: the bottom layer is shredded green lettuce, followed by layers of thinly sliced purple onion, halved red cherry tomatoes, strips of light pink deli meat, pale yellow cheese slices, and bright yellow banana pepper slices, all mixed together and coated in a creamy white dressing speckled with pepper and herbs. Two golden brown toasted bread slices rest stacked on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some whole cherry tomatoes on a white cutting board in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and store them separately. Using the mason jar layering method helps keep ingredients fresh for up to 5 days. Just mix everything right before eating.

What can I use if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?

You can substitute banana peppers or mild pepper rings as an alternative. For a similar tangy flavor, adding a splash of vinegar with a pinch of red pepper flakes can work well too.