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grinder salad recipe

Grinder Salad Recipe: The Viral Sub-Inspired Salad Everyone’s Obsessed With


  • Author: Camila
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 23 servings 1x

Description

All the bold, satisfying flavors of a classic Italian sub—without the bread! This viral TikTok grinder salad recipe features deli meats, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Low-carb, high-flavor, and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect dish for meal prep, lunch, or a quick dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded (or use romaine or cabbage)

  • 6 slices deli turkey, chopped

  • 6 slices Genoa salami or pepperoni, chopped

  • ½ cup shredded provolone cheese (mozzarella or cheddar also work)

  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in cold water to mellow)

  • ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini (or pickled jalapeños)

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

For the Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • Salt to taste


Instructions

  • Prep the Lettuce
    Shred the lettuce into thin ribbons. Rinse and dry completely for maximum crunch.

  • Slice the Toppings
    Thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water. Chop meats and halve tomatoes.

  • Make the Dressing
    In a bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust salt to taste.

  • Assemble the Salad
    In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, meats, cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and tomatoes. Pour in the dressing and toss well to coat.

 

  • Serve & Garnish
    Sprinkle with extra oregano or parmesan if desired. Serve immediately, or store components separately for meal prep.

Notes

  1. 💡 Make it spicier: Add crushed red pepper or spicy salami.
  2. 🥖 Want it as a sandwich? Pile onto a toasted hoagie roll and enjoy!
  3. 🧀 Cheese swap: Try feta, gouda, or parmesan for a twist.
  4. 🥗 For crunch lovers: Toss in croutons or toasted chickpeas just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg