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Italian Grinder Salad

Italian Grinder Salad
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Italian Grinder Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed salad inspired by classic Italian deli sandwiches. Featuring crisp romaine lettuce, zesty Italian deli meats, provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, and a zesty Italian vinaigrette, this salad delivers bold flavors and satisfying crunch perfect for quick meals or entertaining guests. Easy to customize for dietary preferences, it’s a fresh, colorful, and versatile dish that delights the senses and satisfies the appetite.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 3 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup red onions, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup banana peppers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, roughly chopped

Meats & Cheese

  • 1 cup sliced Italian deli meats (salami, ham, and capicola)
  • ½ cup provolone cheese, sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces

Additional Ingredients

  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and scattered
  • ⅓ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade vinaigrette)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onions and banana peppers, and roughly chop fresh basil or parsley.
  2. Layer the Meats and Cheese: Slice the Italian deli meats and provolone cheese into strips or bite-sized pieces, then spread evenly over the bed of greens and vegetables to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  3. Add the Olives and Dressing: Scatter Kalamata olives over the salad for a salty touch. Drizzle with Italian dressing—either store-bought or a homemade mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients together to combine flavors without bruising the vegetables. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Use freshly sliced, high-quality Italian deli meats for authentic flavor.
  • Keep vegetables and dressing chilled before assembling to maintain crispness.
  • Homemade Italian dressing enhances flavor and allows ingredient control.
  • Toss gently to avoid bruising delicate vegetables for best texture.
  • Add fresh herbs last to keep them vibrant and aromatic.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian grinder salad, Italian deli salad, quick Italian salad, fresh Italian salad, gluten free Italian salad, easy Italian recipes, deli meat salad

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/italian-grinder-salad/