Description
This Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich, inspired by the viral TikTok trend, combines the best of both worlds: a classic Italian sub and a flavorful, creamy salad. It’s loaded with deli meats, provolone cheese, and a zesty, mayonnaise-based “grinder salad” all packed into sub rolls.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Grinder Salad:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup sliced banana peppers (mild or hot, to your preference)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 3 sub rolls (hoagie rolls, Italian rolls)
- 1/4 pound salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound pepperoni, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound deli turkey, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound provolone cheese, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Grinder Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add Salad Ingredients: Add the finely shredded iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced banana peppers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through (leave a “hinge” on one side).
- Layer Meats and Cheese: Divide the sliced salami, pepperoni, and turkey evenly among the three sub rolls, layering them on the bottom half of each roll. Top the meats with the sliced provolone cheese.
- Broil: Place the open-faced sandwiches on a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the meats are slightly crisped. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Add Tomatoes: Remove the sandwiches from the oven. Place the tomato slices evenly over the melted cheese and meat. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add Grinder Salad: Top each sandwich with a generous amount of the prepared grinder salad.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the grinder salad.
- Close and Serve: Close the sandwiches by folding the top half of the roll over the filling. Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Sub Rolls: Use your favorite type of sub rolls (also called hoagie rolls or Italian rolls).
- Meats: You can adjust the types and amounts of meats to your liking. Other options include ham, capicola, or mortadella.
- Cheese: Provolone is traditional, but you can substitute other cheeses, such as mozzarella.
- Banana Peppers: Use mild or hot banana peppers, depending on your preference.
- Grinder Salad: The grinder salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few hours.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these sandwiches with potato chips, a pickle spear, or a side salad.