Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad)

Italian Grinder Salad: A Cozy Chopped Sub Salad Recipe

There’s something comforting about a big, colorful salad that invites you to dig right in. I remember the summer days spent at family picnics, where everyone brought their favorite dish to share. Among the array of potluck goodies, the Italian Grinder Salad was always the star of the show. Its vibrant colors, chunky textures, and zesty flavors reminded me of walking through bustling Italian delis, where every ingredient seemed to tell a story. Today, I’m excited to share this easy weeknight dinner recipe that captures that nostalgic essence of love, community, and the joy of sharing good food. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This Italian Grinder Salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With its hearty ingredients and bold flavors, this salad is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
• Customizable: Feel free to play with ingredients to match your taste! Go zesty or indulgent – the choice is yours.
• Fresh & Colorful: It’s a feast for the eyes with the vibrant mix of veggies, meats, and cheeses, making it a fun addition to any meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time, and you’ll have delicious lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the week!

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup chopped banana peppers
• 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes
• 1/4 lb salami, chopped
• 1/4 lb pepperoni, chopped
• 1/4 lb turkey, chopped
• 1/4 lb provolone cheese, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp banana pepper juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pepper, to taste

Let’s Make It Together

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the finely chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, chopped banana peppers, grape tomatoes, salami, pepperoni, turkey, provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
2. In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with black pepper as desired.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until all salad ingredients are combined and evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

Variations & Creative Twists

• Add Crunch: Toss in some crispy croutons or roasted chickpeas for a delightful crunch.
• Go Green: Swap in some arugula or spinach for an added peppery bite, making it a bit zesty.
• Substitute Wisely: Use turkey bacon instead of salami and pepperoni for a lighter version that still packs a punch.
• Sweet Touch: Throw in some diced apples or grapes for a fresh, sweet contrast that will surprise your taste buds!

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately, then combine on the day you plan to serve for maximum freshness.
• Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the turkey and cheese with your favorites, or even use a plant-based cheese for a vegan twist!
• Slicing Tricks: A sharp knife makes slicing easier! A serrated knife is perfect for tomatoes, helping you keep their shape without squishing them.

Nutrition Information per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugars: 3g
• Total Fat: 27g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead option. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve.

Can I use different ingredients?
Sure! Feel free to customize it with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, or veggies.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does it last?
Leftovers are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for the freshest taste!

Final Thoughts

This Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and cherished memories. Perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, it brings people together over good food and heartwarming conversation. Save this delightful salad recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Italian Grinder Salad

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• Author: Chef Emma
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A vibrant and hearty salad with a mix of veggies, deli meats, and cheeses, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup chopped banana peppers
• 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes
• 1/4 lb salami, chopped
• 1/4 lb pepperoni, chopped
• 1/4 lb turkey, chopped
• 1/4 lb provolone cheese, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp banana pepper juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the finely chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, chopped banana peppers, grape tomatoes, salami, pepperoni, turkey, provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
2. In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with black pepper as desired.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until all salad ingredients are combined and evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

Notes

This salad is great for meal prep; prepare ingredients in advance and combine when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: salad, Italian salad, grinder salad, quick dinner, meal prep