The Grounded If you like heavy grinder rolls with meats, cheeses and vinegary accompaniments but want something a bit lighter as the weather warms up, this is your salad. In this salad, the idea of a grinder sandwich is translated into an appealing and delicious meal without any bread. This is a fast, easy salad that goes with some deli meats and crisp lettuce, cheese & naples dressing. This Grinder Salad Recipe uses all of the traditional sub fixings but in a healthy and low carb way that will leave you satisfied and full, not weighed down.
Ingredients:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce (or romaine lettuce), chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup banana peppers, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 8 slices deli turkey, chopped
- 8 slices deli ham, chopped
- 6 slices salami, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (or your preferred vinaigrette)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Grinder Salad Dressing:
The dressing is crucial for taking this Grinder Salad recipe over the top. The mayonnaise, Italian dressing (which I can thank my SIL for introducing me to!), red wine vinegar and a little bit of olive oil make this creamy tangy dressing which combines all the flavors in salad like what you would find between sandwiches too.
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- 1 . Make the Vegetables: Start with a base for your Grinder Salad Turn out into a large mixing bowl the iceberg or romaine lettuce chopped up in bite sized pieces. Slice the red onion thin, and cut the banana peppers in half lengthwise as well as quarter tke cherry tomatoes. Alternatively, you can put add sliced black olives to the mix if you like a little salt in your salad.
- 2 . Deli Meats: When you need to simulate the taste of a grinder, use deli meats like turkey, ham or salami — Chop Them Usually present in classic grinder sandwiches, they add the texture and umami flavor to offset all of those lovely crisp veggies. Chop up the turkey, ham and salami into bite-sized strips or bits then add to bowl with vegetables.
- 3 . Shred the Cheese: Grate the Cheese If you cannot find block mozzarella and provolone cheese, feel free to use pre-shredded — both cheeses are crucial in this Grinder Salad recipe as they melt perfectly for that mild creamy flavor. Take 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and shred it with provolone cheese also if you have block form. Add these to the salad base, and mix in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for one last nutty bite.
- 4 .Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk Italian dressing together with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar and olive oil until blended.RelativeLayout; Mix in garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. The tangy creamy dressing that brings all the flavors of salad together and replicates those creamy sauces you often see on grinder sandwiches.
- 5 .Mix the Salad: Drizzle dressing over salad mixture and toss to coat. Mix well (this helps to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with dressing and gets everything nice & cozy!).
- 6 .To Serve and Garnish: Once things are seasoned to taste, do a final check of the salad for any more adjustment on salt or pepper. Add some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving for an extra punch. This is a salad to be served straightaway, otherwise the crisp freshness of the ingredients disappears.
Tips and Variations for the Best Grinder Salad
- For extra texture: If you prefer a crunch to your salad mix in crunchy croutons or even crushed toasted pitta chips. It will complement the substance of a grinder sandwich without just packing on carbs.
- VEGETARIAN : Replace the deli meats with something heartier like chickpeas or cook some vegetables other than raw bell pepper and get that nice sugar caramelized before checking them off your list, zucchini is a great option if you’re not feeling eggplant! You still get that same decadent, umami flavor but it is plant-based!
- Vegan Modification : To veganize this Grinder Salad recipe, use store bought sliced deli meats and cheeses also available at most grocery stores around the country. Everyone says how good it tastes and so for me, even though I know that the old way with lots of mayonnaise is not dairy free. You can make it this plant-based form without any rancid chest pains from store-bought Italian dressing or you just remake your own to be as clean as possible although no animal products, wine all organic of course.
- Change out the Cheese: Although this grinder uses mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan you can use any cheese(s) that suit your fancy. Use cheddar or pepper jack for a stronger flavor, like Swiss cheese if you want to tone it down.
- Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add slices of jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the dressing. This gives your Grinder Salad that hot and spicy heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
This Grinder Salad is not only delicious but can also be quite nutritious. Below is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of the salad:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
This salad is packed with protein from the deli meats and cheese while being low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet. The added veggies also provide a healthy dose of fiber and essential vitamins, making this dish both indulgent and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Grinder Salad Recipe
They are excellent for people who love the taste of a deli sandwich without all that pesky bread weighing you down, and here is one more recipe in its family to share: Grinder Salad! Light, refreshing and packed with the kinds of textures and flavors that really hit the spot. A little bit of tang, some crunch from the lettuce and a lot of savory richness cumulates in every bite. The dressing is also super creamy and tangy, which makes this salad pretty darn irresistible.
This Grinder Salad recipe is fast, easy and incredibly customizable. Being flexible about the ingredients, make it vegetarian or even vegan and of course depending on your needs also low-carb. This is one of those really easy recipes you can make for a potluck, to feed the family or even just enjoy as an updated leftover from the night before.
As well as being tasty, the Grinder Salad is a great healthy option to that of the classic grinder sandwich. By nixing the bread, you save on carbohydrates and all of that flammable flavor that makes grinders a hit. No matter if you are trying to be healthier (as I am) or want a new salad in your rotation, this will quickly become an absolute go-to for upping the vegetable count into those 5 servings of fruit and veg we all aim towards.
In conclusion, the Grinder Salad recipe takes the best parts of a classic sub sandwich and transforms them into a delicious and wholesome salad. With layers of fresh vegetables, deli meats, and a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, or simply want to enjoy a lighter meal, the Grinder Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
