Description
Craving something bold, crunchy, creamy, and savory? The Grinder Salad is a viral mashup of the classic Italian-American grinder sandwich—minus the bread. It’s a salad that eats like a sub, packed with deli meats, cheeses, tangy dressing, and fresh crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce (or romaine/shredded cabbage)
Red onion, thinly sliced
Grape or cherry tomatoes
Banana peppers or pepperoncini
Deli meats: turkey ham, turkey, turkey salami (or plant-based alternatives)
Provolone or mozzarella cheese, chopped
Mayonnaise
Apple vinegar
Garlic powder
Oregano
Black pepper
Optional: smoked chickpeas for protein
Instructions
1. Finely shred the iceberg lettuce and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add sliced tomatoes, red onions, and pepperoncini.
3. Chop deli meats and cheeses into strips or cubes and add them in.
4. In a small bowl, mix mayo, apple vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
6. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for enhanced flavor.
7. Optional: Add dressing just before eating if prepping in advance.
Notes
Customize with vegetarian or keto-friendly options.
Add olives and feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Use roasted squash or cranberries for a fall-style version.
Swap meats for marinated tuna for a protein boost.
Serve with sourdough, crackers, or soup for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: grinder salad, deli salad, viral salad, sandwich salad, no-bread sandwich