Description
This Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich is a flavorful and hearty sub filled with a creamy Italian-inspired salad of lettuce, peppers, and onions, layered with classic deli meats and cheeses. Broiled to melt the provolone and crisp the meats, then topped with fresh tomatoes and parmesan, it makes a satisfying 18-minute meal perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing and Salad
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter variation)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (any vinegar of choice can work as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (feel free to use fresh minced garlic instead)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried Italian seasoning can be an alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste (adjust to your taste)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (swap with spinach for a different texture)
- 1 medium red onion, sliced (green onions can be a milder substitute)
- 1/2 cup banana peppers (any pickled peppers can be used)
Sandwich Fillings
- 4 oz salami (prosciutto can be used for a different taste)
- 4 oz pepperoni (turkey pepperoni is a leaner alternative)
- 4 oz turkey (chicken can also work well as a substitute)
- 4 oz provolone cheese (mozzarella can be used for a milder flavor)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced (opt for thick slices like heirloom for best taste)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano could be a suitable alternative)
Bread
- 4 sub rolls (any crusty bread can serve instead)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven broiler to high to get ready for melting and crisping the sandwich fillings.
- Make the salad dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Coat the vegetables: Fold shredded lettuce, sliced onion, and banana peppers into the dressing mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Slice the sub rolls open and layer salami, pepperoni, turkey, and provolone cheese evenly on each roll as the foundation of your sandwiches.
- Broil the sandwiches: Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and the meat edges become slightly crisp.
- Add fresh toppings and finish: Remove the sandwiches from the oven, then layer fresh tomato slices on top. Season the tomatoes if desired, spoon a generous amount of the prepared grinder salad on top, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, close the sandwiches, and cut in half if preferred before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to make the recipe lighter and healthier.
- If you prefer fresher flavors, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder in the dressing.
- Feel free to swap salami, pepperoni, or turkey with prosciutto, turkey pepperoni, or chicken respectively, depending on your preference.
- For different bread options, any crusty roll or baguette works well in place of sub rolls.
- Watch the sandwiches carefully while broiling to prevent burning, as broiler intensity varies by oven model.
