Description
Originating from the Italian-American tradition, this refreshing salad offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinners. What sets the grinder salad apart is its perfect balance of freshness and ease of preparation, allowing home cooks to whip up a delicious meal in minimal time.
Ingredients
For the salad:
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 cup arugula (optional, for a peppery kick)
1 cucumber, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional, for tangy flavor)
1 cup provolone cheese, cubed
1 cup salami, sliced into strips
1 cup pepperoni, sliced
1 cup deli ham, sliced into strips
½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the salad ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, arugula (if using), cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss them together to mix.Add the proteins and cheese:
Add the cubed provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, deli ham, and black olives to the bowl. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.Dress the salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad as a garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: grinder salad