Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich brings together the bold, savory flavors of an Italian sub with the creamy crunch of a chopped salad, all packed into a hearty roll. It’s a crave-worthy, deli-style sandwich with layers of meats, cheeses, tangy pepperoncini, and a zesty mayo-based dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or sharing at gatherings, it’s a satisfying and flavorful twist on a classic grinder.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

hoagie rolls or sub sandwich buns
sliced deli ham
sliced salami
sliced pepperoni
provolone cheese
shredded iceberg lettuce
cherry tomatoes, halved
red onion, thinly sliced
pepperoncini, sliced
mayonnaise
red wine vinegar
dried oregano
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge. Toast lightly if desired.

In a bowl, combine shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced pepperoncini.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Add the dressing to the salad mixture and toss to coat thoroughly.

Layer the sandwich with provolone cheese, ham, salami, and pepperoni.

Top with the dressed salad mix, making sure to pile it high and evenly.

Close the sandwich and press slightly to compact.

Slice in half and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 sandwiches.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Assembly time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap out the meats for turkey or roast beef for a different twist.
Use mozzarella or Swiss instead of provolone.
Add sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
Try it in a wrap or on focaccia bread for a change in texture.

storage/reheating

Store the salad mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Assemble sandwiches just before serving to avoid sogginess.
If needed, reheat only the bread and meats in a toaster oven, then add the cold salad.

FAQs

What makes it a “grinder” sandwich?
“Grinder” is a New England term for a sub sandwich, often toasted with meats and cheese.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, use grilled vegetables and omit the deli meats.

Can I use a different dressing?
Sure! Italian vinaigrette or Caesar can work well too.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Assemble right before eating and pat lettuce dry after washing.

Is this sandwich spicy?
Only slightly from the pepperoncini and optional red pepper flakes.

Can I meal prep this sandwich?
Prep the ingredients and store separately. Assemble when ready to eat.

What kind of bread works best?
Sturdy hoagie rolls or ciabatta are ideal to hold all the fillings.

Should the cheese be melted?
It’s optional. You can toast the sandwich with the cheese before adding salad.

What can I serve with this?
Chips, pickles, or a light soup pair well with this sandwich.

Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, use gluten-free rolls or wrap in lettuce leaves.

Conclusion

The Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich is a delicious fusion of deli-style subs and tangy chopped salad, perfect for anyone craving bold flavor and texture in every bite. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for satisfying lunches and casual dinners.

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