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Deli-Style Italian Grinder Salad

Deli-Style Italian Grinder Salad: Fresh, Flavorful, and Fun

This Deli-Style Italian Grinder Salad brings the classic flavors of an Italian sub right to your table, making it a quick and customizable dish packed with fresh ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt works for a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar can substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed
  • 2 cloves garlic freshly minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated; Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano fresh herbs enhance the flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes omit for a milder salad
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard yellow mustard is a good alternative
For the Salad Base
  • 3-4 cups lettuce (Iceberg or Romaine) provides crispness and crunchy texture
  • 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced; shallots can serve as a milder substitute
  • 1-2 medium ripe tomatoes diced; cherry tomatoes offer added sweetness
  • 4 ounces pepperoncini brings tang and crunch; skip if unavailable
  • 1 cup provolone cheese cubed; mozzarella is a milder option
For the Protein
  • 4 ounces salami offers savory flavor; can replace with ham or turkey
  • 8 ounces turkey a great source of lean protein; substitute with cooked chicken

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • salad tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Deli-Style Italian Grinder Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard. Blend well until smooth and creamy, then let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare your salad ingredients: shred lettuce, slice red onion, dice tomatoes, and cube provolone cheese. Cut salami and turkey into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Add the chopped lettuces, sliced onions, diced tomatoes, pepperoncini, and cubed provolone to the bowl with the dressing. Layer the chopped salami and turkey on top.
  4. Gently toss everything together using forks or salad tongs, aiming for an even coating of dressing without bruising the lettuce.
  5. Serve the salad immediately after tossing for the best experience, keeping the lettuce separate if preparing in advance.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best experience, serve salad immediately after tossing. Keep the lettuce separate if preparing ahead to maintain crispness.

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