Grinder salad is a delightful and colorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy romaine and iceberg lettuces, juicy cherry tomatoes, and flavorful Italian meats, this salad is not only visually appealing but also offers a satisfying crunch in every bite. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up this refreshing salad, ideal for meal prep or a quick dinner side. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch everyone come back for more!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Grinder Salad
Essential Salad Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 8 slices provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound sliced ham, chopped
- 1/4 pound thinly sliced soppressata salami, chopped
- 1/4 pound thinly sliced genoa salami, chopped
Creamy Italian Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini liquid
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Crushed red pepper and cracked black pepper, to taste
How to Prepare the Grinder Salad
Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, pepperoncini liquid, freshly grated parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and both crushed red pepper and cracked black pepper. Stir until well combined, and set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad.
Assembling the Salad
Chop the vegetables and meats. In a large bowl, combine the shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce. Layer on the chopped ham, salami, provolone, red onion, pepperoncini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with the creamy dressing, and toss gently to coat everything evenly, then serve immediately.
Meal Prep Tips
If you’re planning for the week ahead, this grinder salad is a fantastic option. Layer the dressing in mason jars first, followed by the tomatoes, peppers, onions, meats, and cheese. Finish with the shredded lettuce at the top. This way, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, simply invert the jar into a bowl and enjoy!
Variations to Try
Additional Vegetables
Feel free to get creative with your grinder salad! Add more vegetables like artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor and crunch.
Different Meats and Alternatives
Switch up the meats by including prosciutto or even turkey for a lighter option. For those looking for a non-mayo alternative, try using plain Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing.
Storage Tips for Grinder Salad
Best Practices for Freshness
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day if undressed. For longer storage, always keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Storing in Mason Jars
As mentioned earlier, using mason jars is an excellent way to keep the ingredients fresh. Just remember to layer the ingredients correctly, and you’ll enjoy your salad at its best for days to come.
FAQs
What is a grinder salad?
A grinder salad is a fresh and colorful salad featuring a mix of crisp lettuces, Italian meats, cheeses, and a creamy dressing, inspired by the classic grinder sandwich.
What are some facts about salads?
Salads are versatile dishes that can be made with a variety of ingredients, including greens, vegetables, proteins, and dressings. They can be served as starters, sides, or main courses.
What are 10 things to put in a salad?
Some popular salad ingredients include greens (like romaine or spinach), tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, onions, cheese, nuts, fruits, and proteins (such as chicken or beans).
Why is it called grinder salad?
It is called grinder salad as it takes inspiration from the grinder sandwich, which typically includes Italian meats and cheeses, reflecting the same flavors in salad form.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Italian Grinder Salad
- Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad
- Ditalini Pasta Salad
- Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Conclusion
Incorporating this easy grinder salad into your meal routine not only enhances your dining experience but also adds a punch of flavor and freshness. For more culinary inspiration, don’t forget to check out our Pinterest page where you can find an array of other delicious recipes to complement your meals!
Easy Grinder Salad
Equipment
- small bowl
- Large bowl
- mason jars
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 8 slices provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound sliced ham, chopped
- 1/4 pound thinly sliced sopprasetta salami, chopped
- 1/4 pound thinly sliced genoa salami, chopped
Creamy Italian Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini liquid
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Crushed red pepper and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuces and layer with ham, salami, provolone, red onion, pepperoncini, and cherry tomatoes before tossing with the dressing.
- For meal prep, layer the dressing and ingredients in mason jars, storing in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.