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A delicious Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich filled with cured meats, cheese, tomatoes, and a fresh lettuce and crumbled cheese topping.
Reda

Hearty Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

Turn your favorite Italian sub into a vibrant, deconstructed salad, perfect for a lighter meal or piled high into a crusty roll for an epic sandwich experience. This recipe delivers all the classic grinder flavors with fresh crunch in every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Grinder Salad
  • 1 head Romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1/2 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 Red onion thinly sliced, then roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Banana peppers sliced (from a jar)
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 4 oz Deli ham thinly sliced, then diced
  • 4 oz Genoa salami thinly sliced, then diced
  • 4 oz Pepperoni thinly sliced, then diced
  • 4 oz Provolone cheese diced into small cubes
For the Italian Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
For Assembly
  • 4 Hoagie rolls or sub rolls crusty preferred
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise optional, for spreading on rolls
  • 4 slices Provolone cheese optional, for melting on rolls

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl or Jar
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Air Fryer
  • Oven

Method
 

Prepare the Grinder Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, sliced banana peppers, and halved Kalamata olives.
  2. Add the diced ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone cheese to the bowl with the vegetables.
Make the Italian Vinaigrette
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, tossing occasionally.
Assemble the Sandwiches
  1. Preheat an air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or a conventional oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice each hoagie roll lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a hinge. If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the rolls.
  3. Place the open rolls in the air fryer or oven for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly toasted and warmed. If using extra provolone, add a slice to each roll during the last minute of toasting to melt slightly.
  4. Generously spoon the Italian Grinder Salad mixture into each toasted hoagie roll. Serve immediately and enjoy the classic Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich!

Notes

For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. If you prefer a less "wet" sandwich, drain some of the excess dressing from the salad before filling the rolls. This salad can also be served on its own as a hearty meal. Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed fresh.