Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with proteins and fresh vegetables, making it a fulfilling meal.
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No Cooking Required: Minimal preparation needed, ideal for quick lunches or dinners.
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Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for a few days, making it great for preparing in advance.
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Viral Sensation: Inspired by the popular TikTok trend, bringing a modern twist to a classic favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
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½ cup banana peppers, chopped
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¼ lb salami, chopped
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¼ lb pepperoni, chopped
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¼ lb turkey, chopped
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¼ lb provolone cheese, chopped
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¼ cup grated
Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon banana pepper juice
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon salt
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Pepper, to
Directions
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Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, sliced red onion, halved grape tomatoes, chopped banana peppers, salami, pepperoni, turkey, provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for added heat.
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Vegetarian Version: Substitute meats with chickpeas or marinated tofu for a plant-based option.
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Additional Veggies: Incorporate cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for extra crunch and flavor.
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Cheese Alternatives: Use mozzarella, cheddar, or a dairy-free cheese to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Meal Prep: Assemble the salad without the dressing and store in separate containers. Add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
FAQs
What is a Grinder Salad?
A Grinder Salad is a deconstructed version of an Italian sub sandwich, featuring similar ingredients like deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables, all tossed together in a tangy dressing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all the ingredients, especially the deli meats and cheeses, do not contain gluten.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.
How can I make the dressing lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a combination of both.
Can I add croutons?
Yes, adding croutons will give the salad a delightful crunch and enhance the sandwich-like
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, by storing the salad and dressing separately, you can prepare this salad in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
While iceberg lettuce provides a nice crunch, you can substitute it with romaine or mixed greens if preferred.
How can I make this salad spicier?
Incorporate spicy ingredients like jalapeños, hot pepperoncini, or a spicy dressing to add heat to the salad.
Can I serve this salad as a sandwich?
Yes, you can spoon the prepared salad onto a hoagie roll or wrap it in a tortilla for a delicious sandwich version.
Conclusion
The Grinder Salad offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian sub sandwich, transforming it into a refreshing and satisfying salad. With its combination of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy dressing, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a dish to impress at your next gathering, the Grinder Salad is sure to be a hit.
The Best Grinder Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Grinder Salad is a fresh, vibrant take on the classic Italian sub sandwich, featuring a combination of hearty deli meats, cheeses, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy dressing. This satisfying salad is perfect for warm days, quick lunches, or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings. Quick to prepare, customizable, and meal prep-friendly.
Ingredients
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1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
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½ cup banana peppers, chopped
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¼ lb salami, chopped
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¼ lb pepperoni, chopped
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¼ lb turkey, chopped
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¼ lb provolone cheese, chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
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Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon banana pepper juice
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon salt
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- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, sliced red onion, halved grape tomatoes, chopped banana peppers, salami, pepperoni, turkey, provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy twist.Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meats with chickpeas or marinated tofu for a plant-based alternative.Additional Veggies: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for extra crunch and flavor.Lighter Dressing: Swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
