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Grinder Salad Recipe

4.7 from 98 reviews

This Grinder Salad is a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired salad featuring a blend of shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, pepperoncini peppers, and a trio of deli meats including ham, sopprasetta, and genoa salami. Topped with provolone cheese and tossed in a tangy, garlicky Italian dressing, this salad can be enjoyed immediately or prepped in mason jars for convenient meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad 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)

Dressing Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini liquid, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper and black pepper according to taste. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well blended and the dressing is smooth.
  2. Assemble the Salad: Slice and chop all the vegetables and meats as directed. In a large bowl, add the shredded romaine and iceberg lettuces as the base. Top evenly with the chopped ham, sopprasetta salami, genoa salami, provolone cheese slices, thinly sliced red onions, sliced pepperoncini peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes.
  3. Toss and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat all components evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.
  4. Meal Prep Option: For make-ahead salads, divide the dressing evenly into individual mason jars. Add the hearty toppings first—pepperoncini peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions—followed by the meats and cheese. Finish by adding the shredded lettuce on top. Seal the jars and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, invert the jar into a bowl and toss before serving to distribute the dressing.

Notes

  • The dressing contains mayonnaise, so keep refrigerated and consume within 5 days.
  • Customize ingredient quantities based on personal preference for meat and cheese ratios.
  • Using fresh, thinly sliced meats and crisp vegetables enhances the flavor and texture.
  • Crushed red pepper is optional for adding a spicy kick.
  • For a lighter version, consider using a low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the dressing.

Keywords: Grinder Salad, Italian Salad, Deli Meat Salad, Provolone Salad, Mason Jar Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Meal Prep Salad