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Italian Grinder Salad

This Italian Grinder Salad is a delightful twist on classic deli flavors, packed with fresh veggies, robust meats, and a tangy dressing that will have you coming back for seconds!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Fresh Vegetables
  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce Can substitute with iceberg for more crunch.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Grape or heirloom varieties add extra flavor.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Can swap with bell peppers for color and crunch.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Soak in cold water briefly to mellow the taste if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Skip if not into heat, or use sweet banana peppers instead.
  • 1/2 cup Olives Black or green varieties will work, or substitute with capers.
  • 8 oz Deli Meats (Capicola, Salami, etc.) Can substitute with turkey for a lighter option.
  • 4 oz Provolone Cheese Substitute with mozzarella or feta if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Italian Dressing Opt for homemade or your favorite store-bought variety.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Any fresh herb like basil or oregano can be used.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, peel and slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
Mixing
  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pepperoncini, olives, and chopped parsley.
Adding Ingredients
  1. Layer in your deli meats and provolone cheese on top of the veggies.
Dressing
  1. Drizzle with Italian dressing. Toss everything gently until well combined.
Serving
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then enjoy!

Notes

Chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Prep veggies the night before and store in an airtight container. Dress the salad right before serving to keep it crisp. Consider adding toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.