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Embark on a flavor adventure with my irresistible Grinder Salad recipe. Packed with fresh greens, savory meats, hearty cheeses, a blend of authentic Italian ingredients, and a zesty dressing, this chopped sub salad delivers a symphony of delicious flavors in every bite. Discover the art of salad making with expert tips and tricks, guaranteed to make your tastebuds thank you.

“What a fabulous chopped salad! When I eat a salad, it’s GOT TO BE loaded and this one is totally loaded with all my favorite ingredients. Perfect for lunch or dinner.”

– NESSA

Update: This recipe was originally published in June 2020. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making the best italian grinder salad with deli meats at home.

Hi, friends! Now that the warmer weather is finally here, I figured it’s the perfect time to share one of my all-time favorite salads.

While I love any (and every) type of salad, chopped Italian sub salads have a special place in my heart. They are just so incredibly flavorful and super fun to eat. Since all the ingredients are chopped and bite-sized, I love that you get a little bit of everything in each and every bite!

Table of Contents

About this grinder salad recipe

Light and fresh, this grinders salad is yet hearty and totally satisfying. It’s filled with tasty mix-ins, packed with bold flavors, and comes together in a matter of minutes. Wohoo!

This Italian sandwich salad is made with a mix of fresh romaine, bitter radicchio, rich salami, creamy cheeses, refreshing vegetables, succulent marinated veggies and sweet basil. Generously drizzled and tossed with a bright, bold and zesty homemade Italian dressing, this salad is well balanced and seriously delish.

Forget any ideas you have about boring mixed green salads! Build a better salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor with this super simple, totally tasty Italian hoagie salad.

What’s a chopped cub salad?

A grinder salad, also known as an chopped Italian sub salad or hoagie sandwich salad, is similar to an antipasto salad. It usually includes a chopped mix of crisp lettuce, radicchio, red onion, cucumber and tomatoes along with an assortment of cured meats such as salami, cheeses and marinated vegetables like roasted red peppers. However, a chopped Italian salad can also be made vegetarian. Simply substitute the assorted cured meats for umami-rich ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes.

You can make grinder salad recipes as simple or complex as desired. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add whatever you have on hand and love.

Ingredients for Italian sub salad

  • Chopped Lettuce: I like to use a mix of fresh romaine lettuce and radicchio for a combination of fresh flavors. However, you can use just one variety of lettuce. Or, try iceberg lettuce in the mix.
  • Salami: I prefer to use both Genoa and Soppressata for the most flavor. However, you can use whatever salami you prefer. Or, try pepperoni or prosciutto instead.
  • Cheese: A combination of diced provolone cheese and mini mozzarella balls provide the perfect mild and creamy taste. But feel free to swap in Swiss or cheddar cheese.
  • Marinated vegetables: Sweet roasted red peppers offer a smoky and sweet flavor that just can’t be beat. While briny kalamata olives provide pops of fruity, almost wine-like flavor to the Italian grinder salad.
  • Fresh vegetables: I use a mix of fresh cucumber, red onion and cherry tomatoes for juicy, crisp freshness.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil is the most traditional addition. Sweet basil has a subtle peppery flavor that pairs excellently with all the other ingredients in the salad.

Optional mix-ins 

  • Pepperoncini Peppers: Sweet and mild pickled pepperoncini are commonly found on an Italian antipasto platter. They are mild with a slight sweetness that works well in Italian salads.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Jarred marinated artichoke hearts add an instant boost of flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich sun-dried tomatoes are a wonderful way to add flavor and chewy texture.
  • Celery: Chopped celery will add extra fresh crunch.
  • Green Bell Pepper: Crisp and refreshing green bell peppers add a slightly bitter-sweet freshness.
  • Fresh Herbs: Italian parsley and fresh oregano can offer herbaceous flavor.
  • Chickpeas: Drained and rinsed cooked chickpeas or toasted chickpeas are a great way to make this Italian grinder salad even heartier.
  • Crispy Cooked Bacon: Crispy bacon or maple candied bacon is no-brainer for bacon lovers.
  • Eggs: Velvety hard-boiled eggs are a great way to add a healthy dose of protein.
  • Croutons: Store-bought or Homemade Croutons are the obvious choice if you are looking for a delicious crunch.
  • Tortellini: Cooked and cooled tortellini are a great way to add creamy, cheesy flavor. Or, you can easily turn this salad into an Italian pasta salad by skipping the lettuce altogether and substituting tortellini.
  • Beans: Bite-sized beans are the perfect addition. They will give a chopped italian sub salad a bit of creaminess to contrast all the crunchy, fresh textures.
  • Grains: Cooked and cooled grains, such as Farro or quinoa, are a healthy way to add sustenance and chewy texture.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

How do you cut lettuce for a chopped salads?

The best thing about a chopped hoagie salad is you are able to get all the flavors of the salad together in just one bite! Plus, chopping a salad helps the dressing mix into the ingredients more evenly.

There are two ways to easily chop lettuce for a salad:

  • Mezzaluna: A curved knife, known as a mezzaluna, makes for quick work of chopping ingredients. Simply glide it gently from side to side over your salad greens, keeping the blade on the cutting board at all times.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: While not as fast, a Chef’s knife is also effective.
    • For leafy greens: Roll up a handful of leaves into a log. Start at the left side and use your knife to cut all the way down, through the greens, to the cutting board. Lift the knife and cut again in a parallel line roughly 1-inch from the previous cut. Repeat until you have reached the far-right side and the end of the lettuce. Rotate the board 90 degrees and repeat the cutting process. Tip: For a finer chop, toss the chopped greens on the cutting board, then chop in a grid formation once more.
    • Romaine: Slice the head of romaine in half lengthwise to create two long halves of lettuce. Remove the core by making angled cuts to form a triangle around the core. Discard core. With the lettuce cut side down, slice the lettuce again lengthwise into thirds. Rotate the board and chop the lettuce crosswise into bite-sized pieces, starting at the left side and moving towards the right.

How do I ensure my salad stays fresh and crunchy?

There are two keys to keeping your Italian grinder salad fresh and perfectly crisp:

  • Don’t Prep in Advance. Be sure to chop your vegetables and meats into bite-sized pieces just before serving. Prepping your ingredients too far in advance can lead to wilting and deterioration in quality.
  • Toss with Dressing before Serving. Toss the salad ingredients with the dressing right before serving to prevent wilting.

Can I customize the ingredients in my Italian sub salad?

Absolutely! One of the joys of making salads at home is the ability to customize them to your specific taste. You can easily add your favorite sandwich ingredients or substitute ingredients in this chopped italian sub salad recipe. For example, add artichoke hearts, black olives, banana peppers, and roasted red peppers. Or try swapping out the salami for roast beef, ham, turkey deli meat, or grilled chicken to create a twist on the classic italian salad recipe.

What dressing works best for an Italian sub salad?

Dressings really set the tone and define a salad. Italian sub sandwiches and grinder sandwiches are typically dressed with either zesty, oil-based vinaigrette dressing or a rich and creamy, mayo-based dressing.

This recipe for Italian sub salad uses a vinaigrette made with a blend of high-quality olive oil, vinegar, fresh lemon, Dijon, and parmesan cheese, and Italian spices. numerous herbs or spices. If you need a gluten-free salad dressing, be sure to use a brand of Dijon is gluten-free.

How long will dressing keep?

Homemade Italian dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for up to 2 weeks. The flavor of the dressing will actually improve overtime as the flavors have time to develop and meld.

Can you make a submarine salad ahead of time?

This recipe for grinder sandwich salad can easily be made in advance with a few simple modifications!

To make salad ahead of time:

  • Tear the lettuce leaves instead of chopping them with a knife. Tearing the lettuce prevents the greens from wilting or bruising as quickly.
  • Gather all the salad ingredients except the tomatoes, cucumbers and dressing.
  • Add the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Arrange the ingredients in individual sections so they are separated. Note: While you can prep the tomatoes, cucumbers and dressing in advance, do not add them to the bowl or they will cause the salad to get soggy.
  • Cover the bowl with a slightly damp paper towel. Place a sheet of plastic wrap loosely over the top.
  • Refrigerate the chopped italian sub salad for up to 24 hours.
  • To serve, add the tomatoes, cucumbers and dressing. Toss to combine. Enjoy!

Should I serve anything alongside my Italian sub salad?

This Italian grinders salad recipe is hearty enough to enjoy as a stand alone meal, but it’s also delicious complemented with a side of garlic breadsticks, crusty Italian bread, or even pasta salads.

How to make Grinders salad at home

Chopped italian sub salad can cost a fortune at restaurants and specialty delis. However, you can save money and easily make your own grinder salad recipe at home. Plus, you can tailor your salad specifically to your own taste – winning!

  1. Wash and dry the lettuce greens and radicchio. Chop into bite-sized pieces
  2. Prepare the fresh salad ingredients.
  3. Prepare the Italian dressing.
  4. Toss everything together and serve grinder salad.

Expert tips for the most success!

You can easily build the best light and refreshing chopped grinder sandwich salad right at home with these easy tips:

  • Wash and thoroughly dry greens. Lettuce needs to be crisp and thoroughly dry before preparing a salad. If the greens are not completely dry, the dressing won’t coat properly. The salad spinner is best way to wash and dry lettuce. However, you can also wash lettuce gently in a large bowl. Allow the lettuce to drain well and then arrange the leaves in a single layer on a clean, absorbent kitchen towel or a couple layers of paper towels. Cover the leaves with another towel or paper towels and pat thoroughly dry before making this Italian grinder salad recipe.
  • Use enough dressing. Make sure you add enough dressing to coat every ingredient.
  • Toss well. A chopped sub salad should be mixed thoroughly! Use large serving spoons to gather the ingredients from the bottom of the bowl and lift up and over the top. Repeat and continue tossing until everything is mixed together.

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

Overhead photo collage of how to make Italian Chopped Salad step by step with written instructions on each step.

Serving sub salads

This chopped Italian submarine salad is hearty enough to have on its own for dinner. However, it’s not so over-the-top that you can’t also enjoy it as a starter or side dish.

Common serving suggestions

Unique serving ideas

  • Light Bites: Dine al fresco and pair your Italian chopped salad with spiced and roasted nuts, warm goat cheese or spinach artichoke dip and double roasted garlic bread for dipping. Just don’t forget the chilled white wine or refreshing Italian sodas on the side.
  • Bread Bowls: Hallow out the inside of a large bread boule and serve this grinder salad recipe inside for a creative and fun presentation.
  • Build Your Own Station: Turn this italian grinder salad into a dinning experience. Lay out bowls of various salad toppings and let your guests help themselves.
  • Mason Jars: Layer the chopped italian sub salad inside mason jars for cute and convenient grab-and-go lunches. Don’t forget to pack a side of pita chips and basil hummus for a satisfying brown bag lunch.

Storing leftovers

To keep grinder salad recipes fresh, I recommend storing the salad separately from the vinaigrette if possible. Meaning, store the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the salad will keep well for up to 4 days.

Leftover salad tip: If you don’t plan to eat all of the chopped italian sub salad, dress only what you plan to eat right away!

This Italian chopped grinder salad recipe is light, yet bold and totally satisfying! Loaded with flavor and fresh ingredients, this sub salad is totally unforgettable and will give any Italian restaurant a run for its money!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to stellar salads!

Cheyanne

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More hearty chopped salads with meats

If you love this salad, try one of these fresh and delicious recipes next:

Overhead photo of a grinder salad with Italian meats, veggies and an Italian dressing.

Grinder Salad: Italian Chopped Sub Salad

5 from 3 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Embark on a flavor adventure with my irresistible Grinder Salad recipe. Packed with fresh greens, savory meats, hearty cheeses, a blend of authentic Italian ingredients, and a zesty dressing, this chopped Italian sub salad delivers a symphony of delicious flavors in every bite. Discover the art of salad making with expert tips and tricks, guaranteed to make your tastebuds thank you.

Equipment

  • 1 Mason Jar or Small Bowl (for dressing)
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl (for salad)

Ingredients 

Grinder Salad

  • 8 Cups Chopped Lettuce – rinsed, dried & chopped (SEE NOTES)
  • 8-10 ounces Salami – diced or sliced into matchsticks (SEE NOTES)
  • 5 ounces Provolone – diced
  • 5 ounces Mini Mozzarella Balls – drained & cut in half
  • 1 (7 ounce) Jar Roasted Red Peppers – drained & sliced (or 1 large red bell peppers, sliced)
  • 1 medium Cucumber – cut in half, seeded & sliced (SEE NOTES)
  • ½ medium Red Onion – peeled & thinly sliced
  • 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes – cut in half
  • ½ Cup Kalamata Olives – pitted & cut in half
  • 10 Large Basil Leaves – chiffonade (sliced into thin ribbons)
  • Optional Ingredients SEE NOTES SECTION

Italian Salad Dressing

Instructions

  • Make the Salad Dressing: To a jar with a tight fitting lid or a high powered blender, add all the dressing ingredients – extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, dijon, garlic, italian seasonings, and honey. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Then cover the jar and shake vigorously or cover the blender and process until the ingredients are fully combined.
    Set aside on the counter or store in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop and merry. Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors just before using.
    (NOTE: The dressing will keep in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to a week.)
  • Make the Grinder Salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuces, salamis, both cheeses, peppers, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and basil. Add any optional ingredients you love and then use to kitchen spoons to gently toss the ingredients together until they're combined.
  • Dress the Salad: Shake the dressing vigorously to re-emulsify. Then, pour JUST enough dressing to barely coat the salad greens. Use two kitchen spoons to gently toss the salad together.
    Taste the grinder salad and add more dressing, dried oregano, salt and/or pepper to taste.
  • Serve Chopped Sub Salad: Garnish the top of the italian sub salad with more freshly grated parmesan and serve immediately. Enjoy!
    Overhead photo of a grinder salad with Italian meats, veggies and an Italian dressing.

Notes

  1. Lettuce: You can use any type of chopped lettuce you prefer. To keep things traditional, use a mix of romaine and radicchio or red leaf. I used 1 Romaine heart + 1 small Radicchio.
  2. To chop lettuce: Roll up a handful of leaves and thinly slice. Proceed to chop thin slices of lettuce. (See post for full instructions)
  3. Salami: For the most flavor, use a mix of (4-5 ounces each): Genoa Salami & Sopressata (or other hard) Salami! Pepperoni or Prosciutto also work great too!
  4. Raw onions: If you do not like the taste of raw onions, you can mellow them in water. Place the sliced onions in a bowl and cover with ice water. Set aside for 10-15 minutes. Drain the onions and pat them thoroughly dry before proceeding with recipe.
  5. Optional ingredients: You can add whatever you love on a classic sub sandwich, but below are some ideas to help inspire:
    •  5-10 Pepperoncini Peppers – chopped
    • 1 (6 ounce) Jar Marinated & Chopped Artichoke Hearts – chopped
    • 1 Cup Chickpeas drained & rinsed
    • Shaved or Grated Parmesan
  6. To make in advance: The dressed salad does not keep well. If you would like to make the salad in advance, make the dressing and combine the salad ingredients. Store each separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. (See post for full instructions.)
  7. Make it vegan and dairy free: Replace the salami with umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes. Substitute parmesan with parmesan substitute.
  8. Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  9. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
     
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcal    Carbohydrates: 11g    Protein: 17g    Fat: 33g    Saturated Fat: 10g    Cholesterol: 42mg    Sodium: 1038mg    Potassium: 675mg    Fiber: 3g    Sugar: 4g    Vitamin A: 17849IU    Vitamin C: 49mg    Calcium: 311mg    Iron: 3mg
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian

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