Grinder Salad Recipe
This Grinder Salad is a bold, hearty mix of crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, savory deli meats, and creamy provolone cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Inspired by the classic Grinder sandwich, this salad delivers big flavors with a satisfying crunch—perfect for lunch, dinner, or a side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers any color
- ¼ cup sliced black olives optional
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini optional
- 6 oz deli meats mix of turkey, ham, salami, or pepperoni, cut into thin strips
- 4 oz provolone cheese shredded or sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup croutons
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and olives.
- Cut the deli meats and provolone cheese into thin strips.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce.
- Layer the sliced veggies, deli meats, and cheese on top.
Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the homemade vinaigrette over the salad.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Add the Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle croutons on top for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap deli meats for grilled chicken or tofu for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Whole grain croutons or toasted nuts can add more fiber and crunch.
- Store the dressing separately if preparing ahead to keep the salad crisp.