It’s the sandwich that’s been lighting up our social media feeds, and we completely understand the hype. We’re talking about the magnificent, wonderfully messy, and absolutely delicious Italian Grinder Sandwich. This is far more than your average sub; it’s a true culinary event. It begins with a hearty, crusty roll, which we layer with premium Italian cured meats and sumptuously melted Provolone cheese. However, the real showstopper is the creamy, zesty, and crunchy salad that’s piled generously on top. We simply had to create our own version of this viral sandwich, and after many delightful experiments, we’ve perfected our very own Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich Recipe. Prepare to elevate your lunch routine to a whole new level.

So, what gives this sandwich its star quality? It’s all about the glorious opposition of textures and temperatures. You get the warm, toasted bread holding gooey, melted cheese and savoury meats, which is then crowned with a cool, crisp, and tangy salad. The dressing is the secret to its success—a flavour-packed, creamy blend of mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs that beautifully coats the shredded lettuce and onions, creating something truly special. This is the kind of sandwich that demands both hands, might involve a few napkins, and will have you dreaming about it long after you’ve finished. Say goodbye to mundane midday meals; this is a sandwich that feels like a proper treat. Let’s get started and craft the most memorable sandwich you’ll enjoy all year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Symphony of Flavours: This sandwich is a masterclass in taste. You have the savoury saltiness of the cured meats, the tangy creaminess of Provolone cheese, the fresh burst from the tomato, and the unbelievably zesty, garlicky crunch of the grinder salad. Each mouthful is an absolute delight.
• Incredibly Simple to Make: Although it looks and tastes like something from a top-tier deli, this sandwich is remarkably straightforward to assemble. The salad comes together in moments, and the rest is simply layering. It’s the perfect choice for a speedy weeknight meal or a show-stopping weekend lunch.
• Fresh and Utterly Satisfying: We insist on using crisp iceberg lettuce for that unbeatable crunch, along with sharp red onion and tangy peppers, all harmonised by a simple yet punchy dressing. It’s a brilliant method for turning everyday ingredients into a deeply satisfying feast.
• Wonderfully Versatile and Adaptable: One of the best things about this grinder sub is how easily you can tailor it to your own tastes. Not keen on salami? Try some sliced turkey instead. Craving a bit more heat? Add a few more chilli flakes or some fresh sliced jalapeños. Feel free to mix and match your meats, cheeses, and even toss in extra vegetables to create your perfect sandwich.

Ingredients

For the ultimate italian grinder sandwich, using high-quality ingredients is paramount. A beautifully fresh loaf, flavour-packed deli meats, and wonderfully crisp lettuce are what will truly set your creation apart. Here is everything we’ll need to get started.

• For the Grinder Salad:
• 200g good quality mayonnaise
• 60ml red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, very finely shredded
• 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced
• 100g pepperoncini or banana peppers, drained and roughly chopped
• For the Sandwich:
• 4 large, crusty sub rolls or 1 large ciabatta loaf
• 8-12 slices of Provolone cheese
• 100g thinly sliced salami
• 100g thinly sliced mortadella or cooked ham
• 100g thinly sliced prosciutto or capocollo
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Now, let’s get to the best bit: putting it all together. This is a simple process that focuses on building up incredible layers of flavour. We suggest making the salad right before you assemble everything to keep the lettuce as crisp and fresh as possible. Just follow these steps for sandwich nirvana.

1. Craft the Creamy Dressing: In a generously sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, chilli flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until you have a smooth and fully combined dressing. Have a quick taste and add a little more seasoning if you think it needs it.
2. Assemble the Grinder Salad: Now, add your finely shredded iceberg lettuce, slivers of red onion, and chopped pepperoncini directly into the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything with tongs until the salad ingredients are beautifully coated. This forms the soul of our grinder salad recipe. Pop it to one side as we get the bread ready.
3. Get the Bread Ready: Slice your sub rolls open horizontally, but be careful not to cut completely through, so they hinge open nicely. Lightly drizzle or brush the inside surfaces with a little extra virgin olive oil and a final sprinkle of dried oregano to boost the flavour.
4. Layer up the Cheese and Meats: On the bottom slice of each roll, arrange your Provolone cheese slices, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Then, it’s time to generously pile on your chosen Italian cured meats. We find that a mix of salami, mortadella, and prosciutto offers a wonderful variety of tastes and textures.
5. Toast to Golden Perfection: Arrange the open-faced sandwiches onto a baking tray and place them under a preheated hot grill for about 2-4 minutes. You’re aiming for gloriously melted, bubbly cheese and bread that is golden and toasted at the edges. Watch them closely, as they can catch and burn quite quickly!
6. Introduce the Fresh Layers: Once toasted, carefully take the hot sandwiches out from under the grill. Layer the thinly sliced fresh tomatoes over the warm meats and melted cheese. This contrast between the warm foundation and the cool, juicy tomato is just divine.
7. Load up with Salad: Here comes the moment we’ve been waiting for. Spoon a very generous helping of the creamy grinder salad over the layer of tomatoes. Don’t be shy; you want a substantial, even layer. This is what truly makes it an authentic italian salad sandwich. It’s perfectly fine if some spills over the sides – that’s part of the fun!
8. Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Close the sandwich top over firmly, slice it in half with a sharp serrated knife if you like, and serve it right away. This creation is at its absolute best when the bread is still warm and the salad is cool and crunchy. If you enjoy this, you may also love our comforting Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe for another fantastic family meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

And there you have it – the definitive Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich. This recipe is delicious proof that sometimes, the most generous and slightly messy sandwiches are the absolute best. It’s so much more than a simple lunch; it’s a flavour-packed experience that brings the authentic spirit of an Italian-American deli straight to your own kitchen. The marriage of warm, melted cheese and savoury meats with that cool, creamy, and crunchy salad is a culinary game-changer that we are sure you will adore.

We really hope you have fun with this recipe and adapt it to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re preparing it for a special lunch, a laid-back dinner, or to satisfy a hungry family, it is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. After a main course as spectacular as this, you might fancy a simple yet indulgent dessert, and our much-loved Biscoff Truffles provide the perfect sweet finale.

If you give this Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich recipe a go, we would be thrilled to hear about it! Please leave a comment for us below or tag us in your photos on social media. We absolutely love to see how you bring our recipes to life in your own homes. Happy cooking!

Recipe Card

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• For the Grinder Salad:
• 200g good quality mayonnaise
• 60ml red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, very finely shredded
• 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced
• 100g pepperoncini or banana peppers, drained and roughly chopped
• For the Sandwich:
• 4 large, crusty sub rolls or 1 large ciabatta loaf
• 8-12 slices of Provolone cheese
• 100g thinly sliced salami
• 100g thinly sliced mortadella or cooked ham
• 100g thinly sliced prosciutto or capocollo
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Craft the Creamy Dressing: In a generously sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, chilli flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until you have a smooth and fully combined dressing. Have a quick taste and add a little more seasoning if you think it needs it.
2. Assemble the Grinder Salad: Now, add your finely shredded iceberg lettuce, slivers of red onion, and chopped pepperoncini directly into the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything with tongs until the salad ingredients are beautifully coated. This forms the soul of our grinder salad recipe. Pop it to one side as we get the bread ready.
3. Get the Bread Ready: Slice your sub rolls open horizontally, but be careful not to cut completely through, so they hinge open nicely. Lightly drizzle or brush the inside surfaces with a little extra virgin olive oil and a final sprinkle of dried oregano to boost the flavour.
4. Layer up the Cheese and Meats: On the bottom slice of each roll, arrange your Provolone cheese slices, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Then, it’s time to generously pile on your chosen Italian cured meats. We find that a mix of salami, mortadella, and prosciutto offers a wonderful variety of tastes and textures.
5. Toast to Golden Perfection: Arrange the open-faced sandwiches onto a baking tray and place them under a preheated hot grill for about 2-4 minutes. You’re aiming for gloriously melted, bubbly cheese and bread that is golden and toasted at the edges. Watch them closely, as they can catch and burn quite quickly!
6. Introduce the Fresh Layers: Once toasted, carefully take the hot sandwiches out from under the grill. Layer the thinly sliced fresh tomatoes over the warm meats and melted cheese. This contrast between the warm foundation and the cool, juicy tomato is just divine.
7. Load up with Salad: Here comes the moment we’ve been waiting for. Spoon a very generous helping of the creamy grinder salad over the layer of tomatoes. Don’t be shy; you want a substantial, even layer. This is what truly makes it an authentic italian salad sandwich. It’s perfectly fine if some spills over the sides – that’s part of the fun!
8. Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Close the sandwich top over firmly, slice it in half with a sharp serrated knife if you like, and serve it right away. This creation is at its absolute best when the bread is still warm and the salad is cool and crunchy.

`);win.document.close();win.focus();win.print()})})})