Name: Italian Grinder Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chopped

Introduction

This Italian Grinder Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich favorite. Packed with crisp lettuce and a tangy, homemade dressing, it’s perfect as a light meal or side dish. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, it brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your table.

A wooden bowl filled with a creamy salad that has several layers: light green chopped lettuce, small bright red cherry tomato halves, pale yellow cheese cubes, and pieces of pinkish-red deli meat, all mixed together with a white creamy dressing that coats everything evenly. Two wooden salad spoons with white handles rest on the side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 head of iceberg lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasonings, and oregano until smooth and well combined to create the dressing.
Step 2: Wash and dry the iceberg lettuce thoroughly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped lettuce with the prepared dressing until evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve immediately, or chill briefly to let the flavors meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch and flavor, include sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, or black olives.
Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing alternative.
Add some grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese to enhance the Italian flavor.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The lettuce may wilt and become soggy over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If stored, toss the salad again before serving and consider adding fresh lettuce to restore crispness.

How to Serve

A large wooden bowl filled with a creamy salad showing a mix of shredded pale green and white lettuce, small red cherry tomato halves, diced light yellow cheese, and chunks of reddish-pink meat, all coated in a white creamy dressing with visible black pepper specks. The salad looks fresh and well mixed. Two white-handled wooden utensils rest on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?

Yes, you can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine, butter lettuce, or mixed greens depending on your preference. Each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before tossing it with the lettuce.

Italian Grinder Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

This Italian Grinder Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by the classic Italian sandwich, the grinder. It combines crisp iceberg lettuce with a zesty homemade Italian dressing featuring mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Perfect as a refreshing side or a light meal, this salad delivers a tangy, herb-infused crunch with every bite.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
1 teaspoon oregano

For the Salad

1/2 head iceberg lettuce, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian seasonings, and oregano. Whisk together until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Chop the Lettuce: Rinse the iceberg lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels, then chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces suitable for a salad.
Toss the Salad: Place the chopped lettuce in a large salad bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the lettuce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure the lettuce is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
Serve: Serve the Italian Grinder Salad immediately for the best texture and freshness, or refrigerate for up to one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.