Italian Grinder Salad

This Italian grinder salad with a creamy parmesan dressing is the deconstructed version of the classic sandwich, made with lettuce, pepperoni, salami, provolone, and fresh veggies. 

I made this delicious Italian grinder salad after I saw a tasty recipe on Easy Family Recipes that had me drooling. Since we love Italian pinwheels, Italian Grinders, and Italian Subs, I was certain we’d love this loaded Italian salad. What’s not to love about crisp lettuce, salty meats & cheese, spicy pepperoncini, homemade croutons, fresh tomatoes, and onions drenched in a delicious and addictive creamy parmesan Italian dressing? My daughter and I devoured this salad for lunch and I know my husband and son will love it too!

Italian Grinder Salad

Creamy Parmesan Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup fresh parmesan, very finely grated
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Pinch of sugar
• Pinch of oregano
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Salad Ingredients:

• 2 cups iceberg lettuce, finely chopped or shredded
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped or shredded
• 3 large slices of pepperoni, sliced into strips
• 3 large slices of genoa salami, sliced into strips
• 2 slices provolone cheese, sliced into strips
• 4 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, sliced thinly (soak in ice water for 10 minutes if the flavor is too strong)
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini rings, sliced into strips
• 1/4 cup homemade croutons
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• Freshly cracked pepper, to taste

How to Make an Italian Grinder Salad

Make the creamy parmesan dressing by combining the mayonnaise, finely grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, garlic, sugar, oregano, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper, to taste in a small glass jar. Seal with an airtight lid and shake well; set aside to allow flavors time to mingle.

Make the salad by combining the lettuces in a large bowl. Top with pepperoni, salami, and cheese slices along with the tomatoes, onion, pepperoncini, and croutons.

Serve the salad by drizzling some of the well-shaken creamy parmesan dressing on top, to taste, then toss to coat evenly. Top with crushed red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste. Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy.