Go Back
–+ servings

Ultimate Grinder Salad Recipe: Viral TikTok Chopped Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing

This Grinder Salad transforms the viral Italian grinder sandwich into a delicious low-carb chopped salad, perfect for meal prep or grinder pasta salad variations. Featuring crunchy lettuce, savory deli meats, Italian cheeses, and a tangy creamy dressing with pepperoncini liquid, this easy recipe is ideal for mason jar salads and healthy lunches.
Print Pin
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Chopped Salad, grinder pasta salad, Grinder Salad, Italian Salad, Low Carb Salad, Mason Jar Salad, Meal Prep Salad, Viral TikTok Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 485kcal

Ingredients 

Grinder Salad

  • 1 head romaine lettuce shredded
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers sliced
  • 8 slices provolone cheese thinly sliced
  • 1/4 pound ham sliced and chopped
  • 1/4 pound sopprasetta salami thinly sliced and chopped
  • 1/4 pound genoa salami thinly sliced and chopped

Creamy Italian Dressing

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini liquid from jar
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • crushed red pepper to taste
  • black pepper cracked, to taste

Instructions

  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
  • Chop all vegetables and meats on a cutting board using a sharp knife.
  • Add shredded lettuce to a large bowl and layer with ham, salami, cheese, onion, pepperoncini, and tomatoes.
  • Toss the salad with the prepared dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated and serve immediately.
  • For meal prep mason jar salads, divide dressing among jars, then layer with peppers, tomatoes, onion, meats, cheese, and finish with lettuce.
  • Store mason jars in refrigerator for up to 5 days, then invert into a bowl when ready to enjoy your fresh grinder salad.

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Large Bowl
  • Mason Jars

Notes

Customize your grinder salad by adding artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or black olives. For a grinder pasta salad variation, mix in cooked pasta. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if preferred. Store undressed salad in airtight container for up to one day for best freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 1850mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3200IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 380mg | Iron: 2.5mg