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Grinder Salad with Italian Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

This Grinder Salad is a hearty and flavorful cold salad featuring a mix of shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, provolone cheese, and a variety of Italian meats. Tossed with a creamy Italian dressing made from mayonnaise, pepperoncini liquid, parmesan, and Italian seasonings, it offers a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. Ideal for a quick meal or meal prep in mason jars, this salad brings the delicious taste of an Italian grinder sandwich into a fresh, bowl-ready dish.

Ingredients

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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

Creamy Italian Dressing

  • 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, to taste
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 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. Stir until fully blended and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Using a sharp knife or veggie chopper, shred the romaine and iceberg lettuces. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the pepperoncini peppers. Chop the ham, sopprasetta salami, and genoa salami into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the provolone cheese.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add the shredded lettuce as the base. Top evenly with the chopped ham, salami varieties, provolone slices, red onions, pepperoncini peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
  4. Toss and Serve: Pour the prepared creamy Italian dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
  5. Optional Meal Prep: For mason jar salads, divide the dressing into individual jars. Layer hearty toppings first including peppers, tomatoes, and onions, followed by meats and cheese, and finish by adding the shredded lettuce on top. Seal jars and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, invert the jar contents into a bowl and toss with the dressing.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor in the dressing.
  • The pepperoncini liquid adds tanginess, so adjust amount based on preference.
  • Mason jar meal prep keeps the salad fresh and is convenient for grab-and-go lunches.
  • Consume prepared mason jar salads within 5 days for optimal freshness and safety.
  • Use sliced deli meats and cheese thinly for easier mixing and balanced bites.

Keywords: Grinder Salad, Italian Salad, No Cook Salad, Creamy Italian Dressing, Mason Jar Salad, Cold Salad, Ham Salad, Salami Salad, Provolone Cheese Salad

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/grinder-salad-with-italian-dressing-recipe/