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Fresh Italian Grinder Salad

Fresh Italian Grinder Salad

This recipe transforms the classic deli sandwich into a vibrant, delicious salad that's perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Components
  • 1 head romaine lettuce finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup salami chopped (Genoa or hard salami recommended)
  • 1/2 cup ham chopped (deli style)
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni chopped
  • 1/4 cup provolone cheese chopped
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese chopped
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers chopped (optional, for a tangy kick)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup black olives sliced
Creamy Italian Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Salad Bowl
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Add the thinly sliced red onion and halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
    1 head romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup red onion, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  2. Dice the salami, ham, and pepperoni into small, uniform pieces. Add these to the salad bowl with the chopped provolone and mozzarella cheeses. If using, add the chopped pepperoncini peppers and sliced black olives.
    1/2 cup salami, 1/2 cup ham, 1/2 cup pepperoni, 1/4 cup provolone cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, 1/4 cup black olives
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and olive oil until well combined and smooth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
    1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
  4. Pour the creamy Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all the components are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. For the best texture, serve your Fresh Italian Grinder Salad immediately.

Notes

Store components separately for optimal freshness. Once dressed, best consumed immediately.