Grinder Salad

Grinder salad has all the fixings of a grinder sandwich without the bread; creamy mayo-based dressing, crisp iceberg lettuce, savory deli meat, and melty cheese. Throw in some homemade garlic croutons for crunch, and you have a hearty salad inspired by the viral TikTok Italian Grinder Sandwich!

For more salad recipes, try my H-E-B Savory Kale Salad, Bacon Cheese Burger Salad, and this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad recipe next.

Grinder salad is like biting into the best part of a heavenly sub sandwich. Delicious cold cuts are topped with cheese and baked to warm, gooey perfection, then tossed in a creamy salad packed with herby flavor. It's incredibly easy to make and so satisfying to devour!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love this Grinder Salad Recipe
• Why is it Called a Grinder Salad?
• Where is the grinder sandwich from?
• Grinder Salad Ingredients
• How to Make Grinder Salad
• Tips and Tricks
• Variations
• How to Store Leftovers
• Can this be made ahead?
• Grinder Salad

Why You'll Love this Grinder Salad Recipe

• A Healthier Alternative. Whether you're on a diet or just out of bread, grinder salad is a delicious way to save some calories. You won't miss the carbs!
• Easy to Customize. This recipe has a lot of ingredients but you can pick and choose what stays and what goes. Whatever you'd enjoy in a sandwich, can go into this salad!
• Super Filling. This isn't some boring diet salad. You will get your fill and then some!

Why is it Called a Grinder Salad?

This salad has all the ingredients of a classic grinder sandwich minus the hoagie roll. The popular sandwich is sometimes referred to as the "grinder salad" because it does, in fact, contain salad.

So I guess that technically makes this recipe, a "grinder salad salad". It contains a creamy mayonnaise dressing, an assortment of cold cuts, sliced cheese, tomatoes, and most importantly, no bread.

Where is the grinder sandwich from?

Although the grinder sandwich recently gained popularity on TikTok, the sandwich has been around for years. The term "grinder" became popular in the early 20th century in the New England area because it referenced how chewy the Italian bread was.

Grinder Salad Ingredients

This recipe is so versatile, feel free to include what you love and omit what you don't!

Grinder Salad Dressing

1. Mayo. This is the creamy base of your recipe. Use your favorite brand.
2. Olive Oil. About a tablespoon.
3. Red Wine Vinegar. For a tangy twist, include this.
4. Seasoning. I use salt, fresh cracked black pepper, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
5. Garlic Paste. This adds a more intense garlicky flavor than minced garlic and it will also mix better.
6. Pepperoncini Peppers. Also known as banana pepper, these are mild and slightly sweet.
7. Parmesan Cheese. For a sharp, nutty flavor use this.
8. Red Onion. For a slightly spicy crunch.

Salad Ingredients

1. Iceberg Lettuce. Use this or romaine, shredded.
2. Cheese. I use two kinds of cheese: sliced Colby Jack cheese and parmesan, thinly shaved.
3. Meat. This is a meat lover's salad for sure! I use salame, capocollo, honey roasted, turkey breast (thinly sliced), and prosciutto.
4. Medium Beefsteak Tomato. Sliced and quartered.

Homemade Garlic Croutons

1. Crusty Bread. Sourdough or French bread would be best.
2. Olive Oil. To help them brown in the oven.
3. Fresh Parsley. Chopped.
4. Garlic Paste. Or fresh minced.
5. Salt + Pepper. To taste.

How to Make Grinder Salad

This recipe is very easy to follow. The meat, cheese, and croutons can all be baked at the same time.

Prepare Grinder Dressing

Combine the listed salad dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined. Adjust ingredients and seasonings to your taste and set aside until later use.

Heat Up the Cold Cuts

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Then on a small lined baking dish, add salame, turkey, prosciutto, and capocollo. Top with Colby jack and parmesan cheese and bake for 5 minutes until golden and cheese is melted through.

Homemade Garlic Croutons

Slice bread into bite-sized pieces and place in a medium-sized bowl. Add garlic, oil, parsley, salt, and pepper and stir until well combined. 

Place croutons on a lined baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes (alongside the meat and cheese, if necessary) until desired consistency.

Prepare the Salad

While the croutons, meat, and cheese bake, prepare the salad by adding the shredded lettuce and grinder salad dressing, tossing until thoroughly combined.

Combine the grinder salad by adding the finished salad on the bottom of a serving bowl or plate, top with sliced tomatoes, melted meat and cheese and add toasted homemade garlic croutons.

Finally, enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• This salad's flavor tastes better with time but the longer it sits, the more it wilts.
• Just be mindful that this salad is very saucy. Add more lettuce for a dryer salad.
• This recipe can be made ahead of time but the dressing and salad need to be kept separate until ready to consume. 
• Take five minutes and make homemade garlic croutons. The texture and flavor pairs so well with this salad!

Variations

• Keto Grinder Salad. Meat, cheese, mayo, and plenty of veggies... just skip the croutons to make this salad keto-friendly.
• Salad in a Jar. Make individual servings on the go in mason jars. Start with a layer of salad dressing, followed by tomatoes, meat, cheese, and finally shredded lettuce. The lettuce won't wilt and you can store it for up to 4 days.
• Grinder Pasta Salad. Include everything listed in this recipe and then toss it in your favorite pasta. Rotini or bowtie would soak up the salad dressing perfectly.
• Use different meats. You can use any kind of deli meat. I suggest pepperoni, ham, soppresseta, or capicola.
• Use different cheeses. Other options include Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, or American cheese.
• Other Add-Ins. You can add olives, pickles, or bell peppers.

How to Store Leftovers

If you plan to have leftovers, or are making grinder salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately from the rest of the salad. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can this be made ahead?

Elements of this Italian grinder salad can be made in advance. Save some time by preparing the salad dressing and croutons beforehand. The salad dressing will last up to one week and the croutons can be made up to 2 days before serving the salad.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS GRINDER SALAD RECIPE!

If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.