If you’re looking for a fresh and easy grinder salad recipe, you’re in for a treat. This low-carb twist on the viral TikTok sandwich brings together crunchy lettuce, savory deli meats, provolone and parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. The colorful textures and flavors make this salad absolutely irresistible.
What makes this grinder salad stand out is its deconstructed approach. Instead of the traditional mayonnaise, it uses less, giving it a slightly tangier taste. Combine brussels sprouts, salami, and fresh veggies with a touch of Nestlé cream for added richness. This perfect summer salad is not just lovely but also fits well into any low-carb meal plan. Enjoy the bang of flavors in every bite, making it an exciting choice for any occasion.
What is Grinder Salad?
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or any other social media lately, you’ve likely seen the buzz about the grinder salad. This dish takes inspiration from the classic Italian grinder sandwich, known for its hearty flavors, minus the hoagie roll and bread. Instead, it’s all about bringing together the best parts of an Italian chopped salad and an antipasto platter, giving it a vibrant twist that’s fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor.
Flavorful Crunch Salad
This viral recipe is packed with shredded lettuce (both iceberg and Brussels sprouts for that extra crunch), tomatoes, and a variety of cold cuts like deli meats paired with fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The salad also includes cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, and pickled red onion for that perfect balance of flavors. To spice it up, there’s a kick from pickled jalapenos and pepperoncini peppers.
Savory Salad Perfection
What really ties this salad together is the garlicky salad vinaigrette, made with red wine vinegar, Italian seasonings, and zesty garlic. This creamy dressing is complemented by the grated parmesan for a savory touch, making every bite dreamy and full of juicy sweetness. Finally, the salad is topped off with provolone cheese, sliced cheese, and sometimes broiled in the oven for that melty, crispy finish, giving you the ultimate salad experience that’s both meaty and fresh.
Why l Love This Recipe
When it comes to a grinder salad recipe, there’s something truly special about how fun and fresh this dish feels. Imagine a deconstructed version of that popular Italian sandwich, but turned into a vibrant salad that’s just as tasty. What I love most is how incredibly customizable it is. You can mix and match your favorite cheese, meats, and veggies to create a combination that suits your taste buds perfectly. The seasoning adds just the right kick, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
The creamy, tangy dressing ties everything together, creating a savory and satisfying meal that’s hard to resist. Plus, with simple Chopping and mixing of ingredients, it’s so easy to prepare, especially with the help of that viral veggie chopper. If you’re watching your carbs or following a low carb, gluten-free diet for weight loss, this salad is a great way to enjoy all the flavors you love without any guilt.
Ingredients:
Salad Ingredients:
- 8 cups shredded Iceberg Lettuce
- 12 oz Turkey, chopped
- 8 oz Salami, sliced or chopped
- 8 oz Pepperoni, sliced or chopped
- 6 oz Provolone Cheese, sliced or chopped
- 4 oz Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups Grape or Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Red Onion, chopped
- 1 cup Banana Peppers, sliced
- ½ cup Pickled Pepperoncini Peppers, sliced
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (light mayo recommended)
- 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Banana Pepper Juice
- 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Pepper Liquid
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp Fresh Minced Garlic
Method:
Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped turkey, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, grape tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, and pepperoncini peppers.
Make the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, pepperoncini pepper liquid, garlic powder, oregano, fresh minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Dress and Toss the Salad:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve:
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added spice.
Additional Info About Grinder Salad Recipe.
Here is some additional information that you may have to know about grinder salad recipe.
Health Benefits:
- High Protein: The turkey and salami provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Vitamins: The vegetables, especially the lettuce and tomatoes, offer vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
- Low Carb Option: This salad is low in carbohydrates, making it a good choice for those following a low-carb diet.
Notes:
- This salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and toss with the dressing just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preference.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fiber: ~2g
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Serving Suggestions
When I think about enjoying my versatile and easy grinder salad recipe, I can’t help but imagine the endless pairing possibilities. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this recipe fits perfectly with almost any recipe you have in mind. For lunch, I love to pair it with a Venezuelan sandwich; the flavors complement each other beautifully.
In the evening, this salad shines alongside dishes like chicken macaroni salad with a light touch of cream, or a bold chex mix that adds a delightful crunch. If you’re planning a cozy family dinner, consider pairing the salad with a creamy potato salad, or perhaps a flavorful lemon boursin orzo bake. And if you’re looking to indulge just a little, this salad even goes well with healthy baked donuts for a sweet and satisfying finish.
Storing Leftovers
When it comes to storing leftover grinder salad, it’s important to be careful to keep it fresh and tasty. I personally find that storing the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator works best to maintain its freshness for about 1-2 days. However, if you leave the dressing on, the lettuce and Brussels sprouts can become soggy as it sits. To avoid this, I recommend storing the components separately.
You can keep the chopped and mixed salad in one container and the prepared dressing in another. This way, when you’re ready to eat, you can easily combine them without worrying about a wilted salad. The sturdier green from the Brussels sprouts helps prolong the life of the salad a bit, so it holds up better over time. If you prefer to enjoy the grinder salad without worrying about it getting too soggy, this is the best option.
Recipe Tips
When you’re preparing a grinder sub salad, it’s important to plan ahead of time. Start by chopping all your ingredients—veggies, lettuce, meats, and cheese—as finely as possible. This ensures that the flavors blend well and the dressing coats everything evenly. Keep the dressing and chopped ingredients separately until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep. Prepare everything ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Pre-portion the salad into individual containers with a small container of dressing on the side. When you’re ready to eat, just grab and go—perfect for a quick meal at work or school. You can assemble the salad whenever you’re hungry, combining the chopped ingredients and dressing just before eating. You won’t regret taking the time to do this, as it makes lunchtime easy and satisfying.
Recipe Variations
Creating a grinder salad recipe is an enjoyable way to savor the delicious elements of your favorite Italian sandwich without the extra carbs. This low-carb meal begins with a base of chopped lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg, and combines a variety of meats like turkey, roast beef, or chicken. A selection of cheeses, including provolone, Swiss, or cheddar, adds richness and texture. The salad also features mixed greens or shredded Brussels sprouts for added crunch and nutrition. A scrumptious dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of greek yogurt gives it a creamy vibe. Finally, a sprinkle of seasoning, such as red pepper flakes, onion powder, and Parmesan, enhances the overall flavor.
This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to tailor to your specific preferences. For instance, you can swap out the meats for other deli favorites or experiment with different cheeses like Colby jack or Pecorino Romano. Adding more greens, such as spinach, kale, or even more mixed greens, can boost the nutritional value. Adjust the dressing to your liking by increasing the vinegar or altering the seasoning to match your favorite Italian flavors. For those seeking a heartier option, consider adding pasta, croutons, or breadcrumbs to the mix.
What is a Grinder Sandwich Made Of?
A grinder sandwich is a tasty treat with layers of flavors, starting with a soft hoagie roll filled with fresh shredded lettuce, a thick slice of tomato, and mozzarella cheese. Spicy pickled peppers like those from Mama Lil’s add heat, while basil and red vinaigrette bring freshness and a zesty finish.
What are the four components of salad?
When making a grinder salad, start with a fresh layer of greens on your plate or in a bowl as the base. The main part includes ingredients like meats, cheeses, and veggies, making it hearty. Add items that enhance the appearance and complement the overall taste with edible garnishes. Finally, dressings, whether liquids or semi-liquids, bring everything together, ensuring each bite is flavorful and balanced, with every element served in harmony.
What are 5 types of other ingredients that can be used for salads?
When crafting a delicious grinder salad recipe, a variety of leafy vegetables like lettuce, arugula, cress, watercress, and spinach add flavor and texture. Endives and cabbage provide a satisfying crunch, while romaine and escarole offer a mix of soft and bitter notes. To make your salad more vibrant, add tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, onions, and peppers, which can be used raw or cooked. Finish with fresh herbs to garnish your green salad for added flavor.
Grinder Salad Recipe: The Secret to a Viral TikTok Dish Revealed!
Learn how to make a delicious Grinder Salad with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for a hearty meal or side dish, packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors
Ingredients
Method
-
Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly. -
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped turkey, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, grape tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, and pepperoncini peppers.
-
Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, pepperoncini pepper liquid, garlic powder, oregano, fresh minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. -
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
-
Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. -
Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
-
Serve
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. -
Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added spice.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 18g36%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- This salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and toss with the dressing just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preference.
