Italian Grinder Salad Recipe
This Italian Grinder Salad combines crisp lettuce, flavorful cured meats, provolone cheese, olives, and tomatoes with a tangy pepperoncini dressing. Ideal for lunch or dinner.
6 Servings
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini sliced
- 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives sliced
- 1 cup Genoa salami cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup prosciutto or ham cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup pepperoni cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese shredded or diced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup croutons optional, for added crunch
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for added heat
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini juice, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add the finely chopped iceberg lettuce, cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced red onion, pepperoncini slices, olives, Genoa salami, prosciutto or ham, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Apply the Dressing:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated.
Add Croutons (Optional):
- Sprinkle croutons over the salad if desired. They provide a delightful crunch that complements the various textures of the salad.
Serve:
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness and texture. For enhanced flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for approximately 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
To make this salad gluten-free, omit the croutons or use gluten-free croutons as a substitute. Ensure that all cured meats, cheeses, and condiments used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.