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Five loaded Italian Grinder Sandwiches on a wooden board filled with creamy chopped salad and deli meats.

Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

Experience the legendary Italian Grinder in a convenient salad sandwich form! This recipe combines finely chopped Italian deli meats, sharp provolone, crisp vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette all nestled in a toasted hoagie roll.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Grinder Salad
  • 4 oz Spicy Salami finely diced
  • 4 oz Pepperoni finely diced
  • 4 oz Provolone Cheese finely diced or shredded
  • 1/2 head Iceberg Lettuce finely shredded
  • 2 Roma Tomatoes diced
  • 1/4 Red Onion thinly sliced and then finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Banana Peppers sliced, drained
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a kick
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper freshly ground
For Serving
  • 4 Hoagie Rolls or sub rolls
  • optional Parmesan Cheese for sprinkling

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Whisk
  • Toaster Oven or Oven

Method
 

Prepare the Grinder Salad Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese. Add the finely shredded iceberg lettuce, diced Roma tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and drained sliced banana peppers.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mayonnaise, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced, tangy flavor.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Pour the prepared dressing over the grinder salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until thoroughly combined and all ingredients are evenly coated. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes for flavors to meld.
Prepare the Hoagie Rolls
  1. Preheat your toaster oven or oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the hoagie rolls lengthwise, without cutting all the way through, to create a pocket. Lightly toast the rolls for 3-5 minutes, or until just warmed and slightly crisp.
Build the Sandwiches
  1. Generously fill each toasted hoagie roll with the Italian grinder salad. If desired, sprinkle with a bit of extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich!

Notes

For best results, use high-quality deli meats and a good extra virgin olive oil. The salad can be made up to 1-2 hours in advance and kept refrigerated, but it's best assembled with the dressing right before serving to maintain the lettuce's crispness. If you prefer a warmer sandwich, you can briefly melt a slice of provolone inside the toasted roll before adding the salad.