Are you looking for the perfect sandwich that combines the rich flavor of savory deli meats and melted cheese with the irresistible crunch of a zesty, crisp salad? The Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich is the answer. This legendary sub doesn’t just stack ingredients; it marries baked Italian cold cuts and Provolone on a toasted roll with a creamy, sharp salad—dressed in a tangy Oregano-Garlic Vinaigrette—for a complete and unforgettable eating experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Section | Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| For the Grinder Salad | Mayonnaise | $120$ ml (approx. $\frac{1}{2}$ cup) | |
| Iceberg Lettuce | $\frac{1}{2}$ head | Finely shredded | |
| Red Onion | $\frac{1}{2}$ medium | Thinly sliced | |
| Banana Peppers | $80$ ml (approx. $\frac{1}{3}$ cup) | Sliced | |
| For the Dressing | Red Wine Vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Adds essential tang |
| Garlic Powder | $\frac{1}{2}$ teaspoon | ||
| Dried Oregano | $\frac{1}{2}$ teaspoon | Classic Italian seasoning | |
| Salt | $\frac{1}{4}$ teaspoon | ||
| Black Pepper | $\frac{1}{4}$ teaspoon | ||
| For the Sandwich Assembly | Sub Rolls | 3 | Sturdy Italian or French rolls work best |
| Salami | $115$ g (approx. $4$ oz) | ||
| Pepperoni | $115$ g (approx. $4$ oz) | ||
| Turkey | $115$ g (approx. $4$ oz) | Sliced deli meat | |
| Provolone Cheese | $115$ g (approx. $4$ oz) | Sliced | |
| Tomato | 1 medium | Sliced |
How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to construct your delicious Italian Grinder Sandwiches:
1. Prepare the Salad Dressing Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the ingredients are completely blended and the mixture forms a smooth, creamy dressing.
2. Assemble the Grinder Salad
Add the shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced banana peppers to the dressing bowl. Gently toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
Essential Tip: For maximum crunch, prepare this salad just before serving and avoid over-dressing it. This prevents the lettuce from wilting.
3. Layer the Cold Cuts and Cheese
Open each sub roll lengthwise. Divide the salami, pepperoni, turkey, and provolone cheese equally among the three rolls, layering them generously onto the bottom half of the bread.
4. Broil and Melt
Preheat your oven’s broiler setting. Arrange the sandwiches, open-faced, on a baking sheet. Place the sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is nicely melted and bubbly and the bread is lightly toasted. Watch them closely to prevent burning!
5. Final Assembly and Serve
Remove the sandwiches from the oven. Place a few fresh slices of tomato on top of the melted cheese on each roll. Then, top each sandwich with a generous portion of the Grinder Salad. Gently close the sandwiches.
Serve immediately! You can slice them in half diagonally before serving, if desired.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Grinder
- Customize Your Meats: Feel free to adjust the cold cuts and cheeses to your liking. Mortadella, capicola, or Swiss cheese can be excellent additions to enhance the Italian deli flavor.
- Bread Quality Matters: Use a fresh, sturdy sub roll that is robust enough to hold up to the moisture of the salad without getting soggy quickly.
- The Crunch Factor: The magic of the Grinder is the textural contrast. Don’t add the salad to the warm sub until the moment you are ready to serve it to ensure that satisfying crispness.
