Name: Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup chopped banana peppers; 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes; 1/4 lb salami, chopped; 1/4 lb pepperoni, chopped; 1/4 lb turkey, chopped; 1/4 lb provolone cheese, chopped; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp banana pepper juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; Pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings all the big, bold flavors of your favorite deli sub into a crave-worthy salad, this Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) is about to be your new obsession. Imagine everything you love in a classic grinder — zesty meats, melty cheese, tangy banana peppers, crisp iceberg lettuce, and a creamy, punchy dressing — all chopped up into the perfect forkful. This salad is a riot of colors, textures, and savory goodness that’s hearty enough for lunch, easy enough for a weeknight, and special enough to share at any get-together.

Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) plays a vital role: some bring crunch, others saltiness or zing, and all together they create that magical harmony found in your favorite sub shop order. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Iceberg Lettuce: The crisp, refreshing base that carries all the flavors and gives the salad that signature chopped crunch.
Red Onion: Sliced thin for just the right pop of sharpness and pretty streaks of purple throughout the mix.
Banana Peppers: Chopped for a tangy, mildly spicy kick that’s a grinder essential.
Grape Tomatoes: Bursty bites of juiciness and bright color to cut through the richness.
Salami: Savory and peppery, this Italian favorite delivers classic deli flavor in every bite.
Pepperoni: Adds a bold, spicy note that wakes up the palate.
Turkey: Tender and mild, it balances out the stronger meats and adds protein.
Provolone Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melds perfectly with the meats and dressing.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated for sharp, salty umami that ties everything together.
Mayonnaise: The luscious foundation of our dreamy grinder-style dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar: Brings tang and brightness to cut through the creamy dressing.
Banana Pepper Juice: A secret splash to echo the zingy peppers and heighten the flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds warm, savory undertones without raw garlic’s bite.
Dried Oregano: The classic Italian herb that sends your tastebuds straight to the deli counter.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings balance.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.

How to Make Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad)

Step 1: Add All the Salad Goodies to a Big Bowl

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl — trust me, you’ll want extra room to toss everything together! Finely chop your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the banana peppers and grape tomatoes. Cube up the salami, pepperoni, turkey, provolone, and toss it all, along with the parmesan cheese, into the bowl. Layering all these wonderful components at this stage means each forkful is full of variety and flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Grinder Dressing

In a separate small bowl or a handy jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, banana pepper juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. The dressing should come together smooth and creamy — perfectly bracing thanks to the vinegar and pepper juice, with a deeply savory, robust backbone. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.

Step 3: Bring Everything Together and Toss

Now, the magic happens! Pour that luscious dressing over your awaiting salad mixture. Using salad tongs or your clean hands, toss, toss, and toss again to make sure every last bit of lettuce, meat, cheese, and veg is evenly coated. Take a moment to appreciate those layers and colors melding together — it’s what makes Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) so visually and texturally exciting.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Dish the salad into servings bowls or heap onto a platter. Each bite should have a bit of everything: crisp greens, hearty meats, creamy cheese, and that irresistible, tangy dressing. Dig in while it’s cold and crunchy — this is the type of salad that’s downright fun to eat!

How to Serve Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad)

Garnishes

A few finishing touches go a long way! Sprinkle extra grated parmesan or a scatter of finely chopped fresh parsley for a little extra color. If you love heat, a handful of sliced pepperoncini or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a zesty kick. A light drizzle of olive oil right before serving can give the salad even more richness and sheen.

Side Dishes

This salad easily stars as a main dish, but pairing it can make any meal feel complete. Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to soak up the fabulous dressing. A simple bowl of minestrone soup or roasted potatoes is also classic and comforting. For a lighter spread, offer alongside marinated olives or a crisp Prosecco spritz.

Creative Ways to Present

The Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) is incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation! Pile it high in a hollowed-out Italian loaf for a show-stopping party centerpiece; serve as hearty lettuce wraps for a hand-held appetizer; or stuff into hoagie rolls for a playful take on the classic sandwich. For picnics, pack into mason jars for portable, mess-free lunches that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer your Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) to an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad stays fresh and crisp for up to two days, although the lettuce is best enjoyed sooner rather than later to preserve its crunch. Give everything a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the lettuce and veggies will lose their crisp texture upon thawing and the dressing may separate. The best experience comes from enjoying it fresh or within a couple days of assembly.

Reheating

Salads like this one really shine when served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’re using leftover Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) as a hoagie or in a lunch wrap, just enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for the ultimate deli experience.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can whisk up the grinder dressing up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding to your salad for maximum creaminess and flavor.

What other meats can I use?

Feel free to switch up the meats based on what you have or love. Ham, roast beef, or even chopped chicken breast work beautifully and keep the Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad) just as hearty and satisfying.

Is there a good vegetarian option?

Definitely! Just swap the meats for canned chickpeas, marinated artichokes, or extra cheese for a vegetarian grinder salad that’s loaded with protein and flavor. The dressing ties it all together.

How can I keep my lettuce extra crisp?

To ensure maximum crunch, use very cold, freshly chopped iceberg lettuce. Spin it dry after washing and only add the dressing just before serving to keep every leaf wonderfully crisp and refreshing.

Can I serve this salad for a party?

Yes, this salad is a total hit for parties! You can double or triple the ingredients and toss everything together right before your guests arrive. It’s colorful, super tasty, and easy to serve buffet-style or in individual cups for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to jazz up your salad routine or wow your family and friends, you truly can’t go wrong with this Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad). It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and it’s completely irresistible — so go ahead, chop up your favorite sub and give it a spin. I know you’ll fall in love, bite after bite!