Grinder Salad. Let’s make a wonderfully tangy Italian-style chopped salad that not only tastes amazing, but also takes no time to throw together. My grinder salad is absolutely fantastic and the best you’ll ever have. Make it once, and enjoy it over and over again!
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Grinder Salad ingredients
The Dressing
- Mayo
- Parmesan
- Peperoncinis (or mild banana peppers)
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Dried Oregano
- Fresh Parsley
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Salt and Pepper
The Salad
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Red Onion
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Ham
- Salami
- Fresh Parsley Leaves
how to make grinder salad Dressing
The grinder salad dressing could not be easier and will take just a few minutes to create. Mix everything together and that’s it! Minimal prep. Minimal effort. Maximum flavor!
However, peperoncinis can have a little heat. If you’re not a fan of spicy, just substitute mild banana peppers. They’ll work perfectly!
Fresh Parsley
Let’s talk about fresh parsley for just a minute. This is an ingredient I would suggest looking for if you don’t have any on hand. The flavor makes a huge difference in both the dressing and the salad itself.
Parsley is very affordable and can be found relatively easy in the produce section of many supermarkets. Not only that, but it’s extremely good for you. It’s a vitamin and mineral powerhouse that tastes good. It’s a win-win. Go find some!
how to make the grinder Salad
Usually, I am not the biggest fan of only iceberg in a salad. However, this is definitely an exception to the rule. Iceberg lettuce only and shredded very thinly. I swear it tastes better this way!
Classic grinder salads have tomato and onion. I add cucumber because I love the crunch. You can totally personalize which veggies you want. I think the little sweet bell peppers would also be a wonderful addition.
My choice of cheese for this salad is provolone. I love that it stands up to the tanginess of the dressing. However, use what you have and what you love. And, as always, finish with extra parm at the end. You can never have enough!
I generally use a good quality deli ham and salami for the proteins. However, the dressing is so good I have tossed it with leftover steak, grilled chicken, shrimp, and smoked pork tenderloin. You cannot go wrong.
the grinder salad rundown
Time needed: 20 minutes
For the best Grinder Salad ever, simply:
- Make the dressing.
Mix all dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Prep the salad.
Toss lettuce, veggies, ham, salami, and cheese together. Add fresh parsley leaves to your taste.
- Mix and enjoy!
Mix everything together with copious amounts of the dressing and enjoy!
Meal Prep and Mason Jars
One of my favorite things about this grinder salad is that it’s a fantastic option for meal prep and travel. I love to prep this salad on Sunday evenings and have it for lunch during the week. I keep everything separate and assemble just before eating. It’s too easy and delicious!
This salad is also the perfect option for an office/workplace mason jar lunch. The night before, simply layer all the ingredients in a glass container with a lid. I recommend putting the dressing at the bottom, followed by the meats and cheese, and then topped the lettuce and veggies. When you’re ready, simply shake everything together and chow down!
Grinder Salad Sandwich
I am usually watching my carb intake. Because the pants need to fit. Apparently. Allegedly. However, if this isn’t you, make a sandwich with this recipe. I dream of this sandwich. This sandwich will cure all that ails. It’s so so good.
On a great roll or Italian bread, layer the meats and cheese to your liking. Next, toss the veggies and dressing in a bowl. Spoon this glorious mixture onto your sandwich and enjoy. It’s the stuff dreams are made of!
Grinder Salad Recipe Essentials
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frequently asked questions
This recipe is 100% gluten-free!
No problem! All you need to do is substitute the parmesan cheese in the dressing for nutritional yeast. Also, leave out the sliced provolone and add your favorite non-dairy cheese!
Other Salad Recipes
It’s no secret that I love a good salad. I love that you can mix and match and make them your very own. Here’s some of my favorite salads and dressings. Try them and let me know what you think!
- Easy Pasta Salad with a Parmesan Vinaigrette
- The Best Tuna Salad Recipe
- Creamy Dill Pickle Ranch
- Bacon Cheeseburger Bowls
- Greek Salmon Salad with Dill Feta Dressing
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Grinder Salad aka Creamy Italian-Style Chopped Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup parmesan, grated
- ⅓ cup peperoncinis, minced mild banana peppers are a great substitute
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tbsp peperoncini juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper, to taste
- red chili flakes, optional
Salad
- 1 head iceberg, thinly shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup deli ham, thinly sliced
- ½ cup salami, diced ,
- ½ cup provolone cheese, sliced and cut into strips
- fresh parsley leaves, to taste
Instructions
- Mix all dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Toss lettuce, veggies, ham, salami, and cheese together.
- Add fresh parsley leaves to your taste.
- Mix everything together with copious amounts of the dressing and enjoy!
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Grinder Salad recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
–Rufus
Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links.
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