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Italian Grinder Salad

Italian Grinder Salad

Your new go-to for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or easy lunches. This recipe offers a delightful explosion of Italian-inspired flavors and textures that's incredibly simple to prepare, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped pickled pepperoncini peppers
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced salami
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced provolone cheese

Method
 

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the head of iceberg lettuce. Finely chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. It's crucial that the lettuce is dry to prevent a watery salad. Place the chopped lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
    1 head iceberg lettuce
  2. In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped pickled pepperoncini peppers, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well incorporated and smooth.
    1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped pickled pepperoncini peppers, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing mixture. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt or pepper depending on your preference, and a touch more vinegar for extra tang.
    1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped iceberg lettuce in the large bowl. Gently toss the lettuce with the dressing until all the pieces are evenly coated. Ensure every bit of lettuce has a lovely film of the creamy, flavorful dressing.
    1 head iceberg lettuce
  5. Layer the thinly sliced deli ham, salami, and provolone cheese over the dressed lettuce. You can either arrange them neatly or scatter them for a more rustic look.
    1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham, 1/2 pound thinly sliced salami, 1/4 pound thinly sliced provolone cheese
  6. Gently toss the salad again to distribute the meats and cheese throughout the lettuce. Be careful not to over-mix, which can make the ingredients mushy. Serve the Italian Grinder Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

This salad is designed to be served cold and is not suitable for reheating. If you wish to prepare components in advance to save time, you can chop the lettuce, mix the dressing, and slice the meats and cheese separately. Store these components in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine and toss everything just before serving for the freshest taste and crispest texture.