Name: Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup chopped banana peppers; 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes; 1/4 lb salami, chopped; 1/4 lb pepperoni, chopped; 1/4 lb turkey, chopped; 1/4 lb provolone cheese, chopped; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp banana pepper juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; Pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.2 from 86 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavor-packed salad that feels like a classic sandwich reinvented in a bowl, the Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is a delightful medley of crisp iceberg lettuce, zesty banana peppers, savory cured meats, and creamy provolone, all tossed in a tangy, herbaceous dressing. Every bite delivers that familiar grinder sandwich satisfaction but with the freshness and ease of a chopped salad. It’s the perfect way to enjoy those beloved sandwich flavors without the bread, and trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become your go-to for quick lunches or crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient brings unique textures, colors, and tastes that marry beautifully to create a balanced and irresistible dish. From crunchy veggies to hearty meats and rich cheeses, every component plays a vital role.

Iceberg lettuce: finely chopped for a crisp, refreshing base that holds up well to the dressing and hearty toppings.
Red onion: thinly sliced to add a sharp bite and vibrant purple color.
Banana peppers: chopped to give a tangy zing and a pop of bright yellow-green.
Grape tomatoes: chopped to provide juicy sweetness and a beautiful red contrast.
Salami: chopped to introduce savory, slightly spicy notes classic to Italian cold cuts.
Pepperoni: chopped for a smoky, robust flavor that complements the other meats.
Turkey: chopped for a lean protein balance that lightens the meat-heavy elements.
Provolone cheese: chopped to add creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
Grated parmesan cheese: sprinkled for sharp, nutty undertones that boost the salad’s savoriness.
Mayonnaise: the creamy base for the dressing, helping to marry all the flavors together.
Red wine vinegar: adds acidity and brightness to the dressing, balancing the richness of the mayo and meats.
Banana pepper juice: gives an extra tangy kick to the dressing enhancing the salad’s signature zing.
Garlic powder: imparts a subtle warmth and depth in the dressing.
Dried oregano: infuses the salad with an herbaceous, slightly peppery note typical of Italian cuisine.
Salt: to taste, essential for amplifying all the natural flavors.
Black pepper: freshly ground, to add a touch of heat and complexity.

How to Make Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Fresh and Savory Ingredients

Start by gathering your chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, chopped banana peppers, and grape tomatoes along with the chopped salami, pepperoni, turkey, provolone cheese, and grated parmesan cheese into a large mixing bowl. This vibrant combination forms your salad’s hearty and fresh base, bursting with texture and flavor from every direction. The mixture of vegetables and meats creates a perfect balance of crispness and richness that sets the stage for the dressing.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl or jar, blend the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is smooth and emulsified, creating a tangy, flavorful dressing that delivers a delightful creaminess with a kick of herbal brightness. This dressing is what brings coherence and that classic Italian grinder flavor to the salad.

Step 3: Toss to Combine

Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until every bite is coated with that luscious vinaigrette. Make sure everything is well combined—the dressing should lightly cling to the lettuce, meats, and cheese to allow each element to shine without overpowering the dish.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

Finally, you can serve this Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe immediately for the freshest crunch and vibrant flavors, or cover and refrigerate it to enjoy later. The flavors marry beautifully after resting for a bit, making it even better the next day.

How to Serve Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this salad even further, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a handful of sliced black olives on top. These fresh garnishes introduce an additional layer of aroma and complexity, making each forkful more exciting and decorative without changing the core deliciousness of the salad.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its robust flavors. Try serving it alongside crusty garlic bread, or a light minestrone soup for a full Italian-inspired meal. Its hearty ingredients mean it can even stand as the main course on its own, perfect for a filling lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling festive? Serve the salad in individual mason jars or clear bowls to showcase those colorful layers of veggies, meats, and cheese. You can also scoop portions into hollowed-out baguette halves for a fun “salad sandwich” presentation, marrying the best of both worlds in a playful and delicious way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, though the lettuce will be crispest if eaten sooner. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for longer.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to its fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. Freezing would cause the lettuce and tomatoes to become watery and lose their appealing textures.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Serve it chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce instead of iceberg?

Absolutely! Romaine or even a spring mix can add different flavors and textures, but iceberg’s crispness really stands up to the bold ingredients and dressing best.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meats and add more cheese or hearty vegetables like roasted mushrooms or artichoke hearts to keep it satisfying.

How spicy is this salad?

The banana peppers and pepperoni add a gentle, tangy heat that is mild but noticeable, making it accessible even for those sensitive to spice.

Can I substitute mayonnaise in the dressing?

You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative for a lighter or dairy-free dressing, though it will change the flavor slightly.

How long does it take to prepare this Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe?

The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick option for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels indulgent and fresh all at once. It captures the soul of a beloved sandwich in a vibrant, easy-to-make salad that’s both satisfying and full of personality. Whether you’re packing lunch, entertaining friends, or just craving something delicious and different, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your recipe box. Dive in and enjoy every bright, flavorful bite!