• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
  • Appetizers
  • Dinner
  • Sides
  • Drinks + Desserts
  • Dips + Dressings

Seasoned to Taste

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    Feb 13, 2023 · Modified: Mar 21, 2023 by Carita · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    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.

    Zoomed in image of salad with grinder toppings and homemade croutons.
    Salad with Melted Cheese and Deli Meats

    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!
    Salad scooped out with black fork to show ingredients of salad.
    Salad Scooped Out

    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.

    Finished recipe plated in a white bowl with black and white towel added for styling purposes.
    Featured Image Grinder Salad

    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 Dressing Ingredients with Labels
    Grinder Salad Ingredients

    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.
    Crouton ingredients in a flatlay with ingredient labels.
    Crouton Ingreditns with labels

    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.

    Salad dressing in a wooden bowl, stirred with red onion.
    Salad Dressing Mixed with Red Onion
    Iceberg lettuce and salad dressing mixed in a wooden bowl.
    Iceberg Lettuce and Salad Dressing

    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.

    Process shot of deli meats without cheese and before broiling on a line baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Deli Meats
    Deli meats on parchment paper melted after being roasted in oven.
    Roasted Deli Meat
    Broiled deli meats and cheese sliced prepped for salad.
    Chopped and Cooked Deli Meat

    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. 

    Homemade croutons on a lined baking sheet with olive oil, seasonings and herbs before being baked.
    Homemade croutons on a lined baking sheet with olive oil, seasonings and herbs, browned and baked.
    Baked Homemade Croutons

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

    Final recipe image of baked croutons served in a small white bowl.
    Plated Croutons

    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.

    Process shot with salad and grinder dressing only.
    Salad with Grinder Dressing
    Process shot of salad topped with sliced/quartered tomatoes.
    Salad topped with Tomatoes
    Zoomed in salad, plated in a white bowl topped with croutons.
    Final Grinder Image

    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!
    Finished recipe plated in a white bowl with black and white towel added for styling purposes.
    Featured Image Grinder 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.
    Salad served in a bowl with a black for inserted as well as black and white towel for styling purposes.
    Salad with Fork in White Bowl

    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.

    Zoomed in salad, plated in a white bowl topped with croutons.
    Final Grinder Image

    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.

    Featured Image of grinder salad completed and plated in a white bowl with homemade croutons.

    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!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 19 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    Grinder Salad Dressing

    • ⅓ cup Mayo less to taste
    • Olive Oil about a tablespoon
    • ½ tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
    • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste
    • ⅓ cup Pepperoncini Peppers
    • ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese
    • ⅓ cup Red Onion

    Grinder Salad

    • 3-4 cups Iceberg Lettuce shredded
    • 4 oz Sliced Colby Jack Cheese
    • ¼ lb Salame
    • ¼ lb Capocollo
    • ¼ lb Honey Roasted Turkey Breast thinly sliced
    • 4 oz Prosciutto
    • 1 Medium Beefsteak Tomato sliced and quartered
    • ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese thinly shaved

    Homemade Garlic Croutons

    • ½ loaf Crusty Bread
    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley chopped
    • 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste or fresh minced
    • Salt + Pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    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.

    Homemade Garlic Croutons

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
    • 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 3-5 minutes until desired consistency.

    Grinder Salad

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 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. These two items can be baked at the same time!
    • While the croutons and 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.
    • Enjoy!
    Keyword Grinder Salad, grinder salad ingredients, grinder salad keto, grinder salad no bread, Grinder Salad Recipe, grinder salad tiktok, how to make grinder salad, italian grinder salad, viral grinder salad

    More Recipes

    • Cold Spinach Dip (With Frozen Spinach)
    • Yogurt Bark Recipe
    • Southern Bacon Deviled Eggs
    • Harvest Bowl

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Carita a true southern girl at heart. My love for cooking started as a child watching my grandmothers cook with such ease in the kitchen. Creating delicious meals doesn't always require hours in the kitchen. I have taken all that I've learned and work to develop simplified versions of staple recipes for you to share with family and friends!

    Popular

    • How To: Tik Tok Spaghetti Recipe
    • Blackened Shrimp Tacos
    • Greek Yogurt Parfait
    • Blue Margarita Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Seasoned To Taste Blog