This grinder salad is everything I love about a classic Italian deli sandwich but in salad form! It’s creamy, crunchy, and loaded with all the best flavors—perfect for using up leftover ham or whatever deli meats you’ve got on hand.

Jump to: ℹ️ Overview | 🛒 Ingredients | 📷 How To Make | 📹 Watch The Video | 👩🍳 Recipe Tips | 🥗 Serving Suggestions | 📝 Full Recipe Card | 🍽 More Similar Recipes
If you love a good Italian-style sandwich, this grinder salad is right up your alley. Inspired by the viral grinder sandwich, it’s loaded with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy spicy pepperoncini, and a mix of savory deli meats and cheeses—all tossed in a creamy, herby dressing.
The crispy pan-fried salami adds a nice little crunch that takes it to the next level. Each serving is about 470 calories with 26g of protein, 25 grams of carbs (fewer if not adding croutons, of course), and 7 grams of fibre (yes!) making it a satisfying yet balanced meal. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or making it vegetarian with chickpeas, this salad is packed with flavor and totally customizable.
👉 If you like this salad, you might also enjoy my BLT chicken salad, my ham salad, or egg salad with pickles and ham. Check out more summer salad ideas here.
👩🍳 Food Trivia: The Grinder sandwich went viral thanks to TikTok, where food lovers couldn’t get enough of its bold, zesty flavors and satisfying mix of textures. The sandwich typically features layers of deli meats (like salami, ham, and turkey), cheese, and a creamy, tangy dressing packed into a crispy hoagie roll. But what really made it famous was the dressing—a rich, creamy mix of mayo, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and seasonings, all tossed with shredded lettuce to create a slaw-like filling. It’s got that perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and saltiness that makes it a crowd-pleaser. Once people started sharing their own versions and tweaks on social media, it took off as a must-try recipe for sandwich lovers everywhere.
What You’ll Need
Here is what you’ll need for this grinder salad recipe. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Greens: Iceberg or romaine lettuce for that signature crunch.
- Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini (swap for pickled banana peppers or golden greek peppers in Australia ) add tang and freshness.
- Proteins: Salami (try pan-frying it for crunch!), ham, or swap with leftover chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Cheeses: Provolone or cheddar (or any other semi-hard cheese), and Parmesan bring that creamy, salty goodness.
- Croutons for extra texture (optional but highly recommended!).
- For the dressing: Light mayo for creaminess and a little olive oil without being too heavy. Red wine vinegar and mustard add tang and depth. Garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to round out the flavors.
How To Make Grinder Salad
Find the full recipe and nutritional information below. Here are some handy step-by-step photos for how to make this delicious grinder salad.
- Chop the lettuce, slice the tomatoes, onion, and pepperoncini.
- Whisk together mayo, vinegar, oil, garlic, mustard, and seasonings.
- Pan-fry the salami to crisp it up in a pan for that extra crunch.
- Toss everything in a large bowl with the dressing.
- Divide into bowls and sprinkle with croutons for extra crunch.
Watch The Video
Export Tips
- Add grilled chicken or a hard-boiled egg for extra protein. You can also switch up the meats: Turkey, roast beef, or even crispy bacon work great.
- Swap the meats for chickpeas or marinated tofu for a vegetarian-friendly grinder salad.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick.
- Toss in cucumbers or shredded carrots for more texture.
How To Serve This Chopped Salad
This salad is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a side of crusty bread or some soup for a more filling meal. It’s also great stuffed into a wrap or sandwich for an easy on-the-go option.
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Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups iceberg or Romaine lettuce chopped, about 10 oz or 300 grams
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, about 5 oz or 150 grams
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced, about 2 oz or 50 grams
- ½ cup pepperoncini sliced, about 75 grams or 2.5 oz, see notes on this ingredient
- 2 oz salami thinly sliced, about 60 grams, such as Hungarian or Fennel
- 3-4 oz ham off the bone about 100 grams, sliced or chopped
- ½ cup Provolone or Cheddar cheese about 2 oz or 55 grams, sliced into thin strips or shredded
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese grated, about 1 oz or 30 grams
For the Dressing
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise about 80 ml
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar about 15 ml
- 1 tablespoon olive oil about 15 ml
- 1 clove garlic finely minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon mustard such as yellow or mild English
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ pepper
- Salt to taste
- ⅓ cup salad croutons options
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients by chopping and slicing everything.
- In a bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pan-fry the salami for about 1-2 minutes until crispy, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Toss the lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and pepperoncini in a large bowl. Add the deli meats and cheeses.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything.
- Serve immediately with croutons or toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
I tried the Grinder Salad, and it’s honestly so good! The mix of crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and deli-style toppings makes it super satisfying. Perfect for sandwiches or just on its own!
Thank you!
This is a delicious grinder salad, I have made it for the first time, I have made few times.