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Easy Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad)

A close-up view of a hearty grinder salad featuring chopped lettuce, salami, cheese, red onion, and black olives.
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Make this quick, hearty Italian Grinder Salad inspired by the classic sandwich. It features crisp lettuce, deli meats, provolone cheese, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. This is a satisfying, low-carb weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce (optional, for texture)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped banana peppers or pepperoncini
  • 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped black olives
  • 1/2 cup sliced provolone cheese
  • 4 ounces sliced salami, chopped
  • 4 ounces sliced ham, chopped
  • 4 ounces sliced turkey breast, chopped
  • 1/2 cup croutons (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for creamy version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a creamy dressing, whisk in the mayonnaise until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the meats and cheese: Chop the salami, ham, and turkey into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the provolone cheese into small cubes.
  3. Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the iceberg lettuce and romaine (if using). Dice the tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, and chop the banana peppers.
  4. Combine salad ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, red onion, banana peppers, tomatoes, olives, chopped deli meats, and provolone cheese cubes.
  5. Dress and toss: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons (if using) over the top. Serve immediately for the best crunch. This salad is great for meal planning and can be prepped ahead of time, storing the dressing separately.

Notes

  • To make this a complete dinner, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
  • If you are interested in structured eating plans, look into meal planning guides to fit this into your week.
  • For a tangier flavor, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the dressing mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/grinder-salad-recipe-easy-italian-chopped-sub/