Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad Recipe

If you’re craving all the deli magic of a classic Italian grinder but want something cool, crunchy, and packed with fresh flavor, the Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad is your dream come true. This recipe is a riot of salami, cheese, crisp veggies, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing — all chopped and tossed to perfection, then ready for forks, not bread!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is the kind of salad that feels effortlessly gourmet, thanks to familiar ingredients. Each element brings something essential — crunch, richness, zest, or color — and together they create a truly irresistible bowl!

• Chopped Lettuce (8 cups): Romaine and radicchio give the ideal mix of crunch and subtle bitterness — the perfect bed for bold toppings.
• Salami (8–10 oz): Mix Genoa and sopressata for maximum flavor, or swap in your favorite deli meats like pepperoni or prosciutto.
• Provolone Cheese (5 oz): Adds buttery richness and classic Italian sub vibes.
• Mini Mozzarella Balls (5 oz): Creamy, mild, and so fun to bite into — slice them for better mingling in every bite.
• Roasted Red Pepper (1 large): Bursts of sweet, smoky flavor and beautiful color; jarred peppers work in a pinch.
• Cucumber (1 medium): Fresh, hydrating crunch that lightens every forkful.
• Red Onion (½ medium): Thin slices offer sharpness and some color contrast—mellow in ice water if you’re sensitive to their bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup): Juicy sweetness and bright acidity right in the mix.
• Kalamata Olives (½ cup): Briny, deeply savory notes that make the salad truly Italian-inspired.
• Fresh Basil (10 leaves): Chiffonade into ribbons for that aroma you get when you walk into an Italian deli.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (½ cup): Use your best — it’s the heart of the homemade dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar (¼ cup): Classic tang that brightens the flavors.
• Lemon Juice (1–2 tbsp): Freshly squeezed for an extra pop of acidity.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan (2 tbsp): For savory depth in the dressing and as a final flourish.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Sharpens up the dressing just right.
• Garlic (1 clove): Minced for fragrance and warmth.
• Italian Seasoning (¾ tsp): Homemade or a sprinkle of dried oregano — either way, don’t skip it!
• Honey (1–3 tsp, optional): A touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity and saltiness.
• Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Season to bring everything dramatically to life.
• Optional Add-Ins: Chopped pepperoncini, marinated artichokes, chickpeas, or extra parmesan — the more toppings, the merrier.

Variations

This Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad is fabulously flexible, and you can riff on it endlessly based on what you love, what’s in your fridge, or your dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative — just like building your dream sub at the deli!

• Go Vegan or Dairy-Free: Swap the salami for sun-dried tomatoes and use non-dairy cheese or leave it out entirely — the dressing can easily be made vegan, too.
• Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even tuna for extra heft and staying power.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Leave out the honey or swap for a low-carb sweetener, and add more crunchy veggies like bell peppers or radishes.
• Make It Spicy: Toss in chopped pepperoncini, hot cherry peppers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to dial up the heat.

How to Make Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Italian Dressing

Start by adding all the dressing ingredients—olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, parmesan, Dijon, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, honey, and some salt and pepper—to a jar with a tight-fitting lid or your blender. Give it a serious shake (or a quick blitz) until it’s well combined and creamy. Let it sit on the counter so the flavors can get friendly while you prep the rest of your salad.

Step 2: Prep and Chop Your Salad Components

Chop your lettuce (roll and slice for the prettiest ribbons), halve the cherry tomatoes and olives, thinly slice the red onion (soak in ice water if you want to mellow it), dice your salami and cheeses, and cut your cucumber and roasted red pepper into bite-sized pieces. Gather any add-ins and pile everything into a roomy mixing bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Chopped Sub Salad

Add all your prepped ingredients—lettuce, meats, cheeses, veggies, and herbs—to that large bowl. Toss in your optional goodies now so every bite pops with your personal favorite flavors. Use two big spoons and gently toss it all together until well mixed.

Step 4: Dress and Toss to Perfection

Shake or blend your dressing once more to re-emulsify, then pour it over the salad—start with just enough to lightly coat the greens. Use clean spoons to toss everything, taste, and add more dressing, salt, or pepper as needed. Remember: you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a shower of freshly grated parmesan and, if you’re feeling fancy, a few extra basil ribbons. Serve your Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad immediately—don’t let that lettuce wilt!

How to Serve Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of extra parmesan and a cloud of fresh basil make this salad look and taste like you ordered it from an Italian bistro. A couple of whole pepperoncini or a drizzle of chili oil are fun for a spicy, tangy finish, too!

Side Dishes

Keep it light with some garlic breadsticks or toast, or go full Italian deli with a side of marinated chickpeas, antipasto skewers, or even a cup of soup (think minestrone or creamy tomato). This salad truly pairs well with almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, spoon the Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad into little lettuce cups, top crostini with a scoop for the ultimate appetizer, or even stuff it into a halved sub roll for a “deconstructed” grinder sandwich. It’s also picture-perfect piled high in a big, clear salad bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you expect leftovers, keep the dressing and salad separate in airtight containers in the fridge; combine just before eating. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately, as the greens will soften by the next day (but the flavor is still incredible!).

Freezing

Due to the fresh veggies and cheese, this salad doesn’t freeze well—the textures will suffer. Stick to freshly made or store prepped components in the fridge for speedy assembly when the craving strikes.

Reheating

No reheating needed—this salad shines at fridge temperature or just slightly chilled. If you’d like, bring it out 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can bloom a little more.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad is a crave-worthy twist on the classic sub, bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering—or just an average Tuesday lunch. I hope it becomes your go-to when you want something that’s fun, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try, toss it with abandon, and enjoy every forkful!

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