Grinder Salad brings together crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory meats in a delightful mix that’s perfect for any meal. With just 10 minutes from start to finish, it’s a fresh, no-fuss dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures.
Every bite offers a satisfying crunch from the veggies and a rich, creamy dressing that ties it all together. This salad is quick, versatile, and effortlessly delicious—ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings!
Fresh & Flavorful Grinder Salad Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- ▢ 2 romaine lettuce hearts (about 6 cups, chopped)
- ▢ 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (quartered)
- ▢ ½ cup banana pepper rings
- ▢ 2 oz sliced black olives (drained)
- ▢ 3 oz Genoa salami (torn into bite-sized pieces)
- ▢ 3 oz Capicola (torn into bite-sized pieces)
- ▢ 4 oz turkey breast (torn into bite-sized pieces)
- ▢ 4 oz Provolone cheese (shredded)
- For the Dressing:
- ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
- ▢ ⅓ cup olive oil
- ▢ ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ▢ ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ▢ 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Grinder Salad Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a large mason jar. Shake vigorously until well combined. For best flavor, refrigerate for a few hours before serving, or use immediately. Shake well before each use.
- Dress the Lettuce: Pour a portion of the dressing over the lettuce and toss until evenly coated. Transfer the dressed lettuce to a serving platter and set aside.
- Prep the Meats: Roll each deli meat slice (Genoa salami, Capicola, and turkey breast) and thinly slice into strips. Pile the sliced meats on top of the lettuce.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Provolone cheese over the deli meats.
- Layer the Veggies: Thinly slice the cherry tomatoes and arrange them around the edges of the platter. Add banana pepper rings and black olives for extra flavor and texture.
- Garnish: Lightly sprinkle salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the deli meats and cheese for a finishing touch.
- Serve: Pour the remaining dressing over the salad. Toss everything together or serve layered for a stunning presentation. Enjoy immediately!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the Grinder Salad dressing is already a star, you can elevate it further with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. For extra crunch, add garlic croutons or candied pecans. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the provolone for smoked gouda or adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Serve It Up: Creative Serving Suggestions
This salad is versatile! Serve it as a main dish for a light lunch or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or steak. For a fun twist, layer the ingredients in a jar for a portable lunch or scoop the salad into hollowed-out bread bowls for a hearty meal. It’s also perfect for picnics or potlucks!
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even tastier the next day! If the lettuce softens, simply refresh it with a handful of fresh greens before serving. The dressing can be stored for up to 5 days—just give it a good shake before using.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize this salad to suit your taste! Swap the deli meats for grilled chicken or roasted turkey, or make it vegetarian by adding marinated artichokes and roasted red peppers. For a low-carb option, skip the bread bowl and serve it over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
Save time by using pre-chopped lettuce and pre-sliced deli meats. You can also prep the dressing a day ahead—it’s even better when the flavors have time to meld! If you’re in a rush, skip rolling and slicing the meats; simply tear them into bite-sized pieces for a rustic look.
Grinder Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts (about 6 cups, chopped)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (quartered)
- ½ cup banana pepper rings
- 2 oz sliced black olives (drained)
- 3 oz Genoa salami (torn)
- 3 oz Capicola (torn)
- 4 oz turkey breast (torn)
- 4 oz Provolone cheese (shredded)
For The Grinder Salad Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
- For the dressing, add all ingredients to a large mason jar and shake very well until combined. Store in the fridge for a few hours before serving, or serve immediately over your salad. Shake well before serving.
- Pour some of the grinder salad dressing over the lettuce mixture and toss until combined.
- Place the crunchy lettuce mixture onto a platter and set it aside.
- Next, prep the deli meats. Roll each piece then thinly slice it into strips until all of the meat is sliced. Pile it on the lettuce.
- Put the shredded provolone cheese on top of the deli meats.
- Use a serrated knife and thinly slice the cherry tomatoes and layer on the sides of the lettuce mixture, along with the banana peppers and olives.
- Add some extra salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over the deli meats and cheese as a garnish.
- Pour the remaining delicious creamy dressing over the salad. You can toss the entire salad or serve layered and enjoy!