Taste Viral Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

Okay, so you’ve definitely seen *that* sandwich all over TikTok, right? The Italian Grinder salad sandwich! It looks like a crime against cheese, but in the best way possible. I get so excited about recipes that are a little bit extra and totally achievable, and this one is exactly that. It’s got that ‘approachable elegance’ Catherine talks about – it looks super fancy and indulgent, but honestly, it’s pretty simple to whip up. I’ve tested this recipe myself, channeling Catherine’s dedication to getting it just right, and trust me, it delivers all the flavor you’re hoping for.

Why This Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich Recipe is a Winner

You’re going to love this Italian Grinder salad sandwich because it’s:

• Super Easy to Make: Seriously, it comes together in a flash, perfect for when you need something delicious without a ton of fuss.
• Packed with Flavor: That tangy chopped salad, the layers of savory deli meats and gooey cheese? It’s a flavor explosion!
• Totally Viral Worthy: It’s the sandwich everyone’s talking about on TikTok for a reason – it’s just that good.
• So Customizable: You can swap out the meats and cheeses to make it exactly how *you* like it.

Ingredients for Your Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

Alright, here’s what you’ll need to make this dream sandwich happen. It’s all about getting the good stuff in there:

• 1 loaf Italian bread: A nice, crusty loaf is best. It holds up to all the goodies!
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Your creamy base for the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: This is key for that signature tang!
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings that classic Italian herb flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to bring out the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a little kick.
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce: Gotta have that crisp, fresh crunch!
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes: Juicy little bursts of freshness.
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Adds a nice sharpness.
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper: I like using a mix of colors for pretty factor!
• 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers: These are SO important for the authentic grinder flavor. Don’t skip ’em!
• 8 ounces thinly sliced Italian deli meats: Think ham, salami, capicola – whatever Italian cured meats you love. A good mix makes it extra special.
• 4 ounces sliced provolone cheese: Melty, sharp, and perfect.
• 4 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, cheesy pull!

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Crafting the Perfect Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! It’s not complicated, but doing it in the right order really makes all the difference, trust me.

Preparing the Dressing and Salad for Your Italian Grinder

First things first, let’s get that amazing salad dressing mixed up. In a small bowl, just whisk together the mayonnaise, that red wine vinegar (don’t be shy with it!), oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined. Then, in a slightly bigger bowl, toss in your shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and those all-important pepperoncini peppers. Pour that dreamy dressing over everything and toss it gently. You want everything coated, but try not to mush it up!

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Assembling and Baking the TikTok Grinder Salad Sandwich

Okay, grab your Italian bread and slice it in half horizontally. We need to get this sandwich ready for its hot bath! Pile those delicious Italian deli meats onto the bottom half of the bread, then lay your provolone and mozzarella cheese right on top. Spoon that gorgeous, dressed salad mixture evenly over the cheese. Carefully place the top half of the bread on, then wrap the whole thing up TIGHTLY in aluminum foil. Like, really wrap it so no steam escapes! Pop it into your preheated oven (remember, 375°F!) for about 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to get all melty and gooey. Let it rest for a few minutes after it comes out – the cheese will keep melting, and it’ll be easier to cut.

Tips for the Best Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

Want to make your Italian Grinder salad sandwich even more amazing? Here are a couple of my go-to tricks that I always use. It’s all about those little touches! First off, for an extra-special sandwich, go ahead and lightly toast the bread before you assemble everything. You can pop it in the oven for just a few minutes until it’s a little golden and crisp. This gives it even more structure! And for heat? If you like things with a bit of a kick, definitely just toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with your salad. It adds a lovely little warmth that’s perfect.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

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Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Italian Grinder Sandwich

So, you actually had leftovers? Wow, you must have been really full! To store any leftover Italian Grinder salad sandwich, let it cool down a bit first. Then, wrap it up really well in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about a day, though honestly, it’s best eaten fresh. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way is to just pop it back into a foil packet in a medium oven, like around 350°F (175°C), for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if you can – it makes the bread a little sad and chewy.

Understanding the Nutrition of Your Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

Just a friendly heads-up: all the nutritional info you see for recipes like this amazing Italian Grinder salad sandwich is just an estimate. It can really change depending on the brands you pick and the exact ingredients you use!

Share Your Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich Creation!

Okay, now that you’ve made this incredible Italian Grinder salad sandwich, I *really* want to hear about it! Did you try it? How did it turn out for you? Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite part, or tell me about any twists you added! And if you share a snap on social media, please tag me – I’d just about *die* to see your amazing creation!

Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich

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A TikTok-famous Italian grinder salad sandwich with layers of deli meats, cheese, and a tangy chopped salad.

• Author: Cat
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf Italian bread
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers
• 8 ounces thinly sliced Italian deli meats (such as ham, salami, capicola)
• 4 ounces sliced provolone cheese
• 4 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the Italian bread in half horizontally.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and pepperoncini peppers.
5. Add the mayonnaise dressing to the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
6. Layer the deli meats and cheeses onto the bottom half of the Italian bread.
7. Spoon the salad mixture evenly over the cheese.
8. Place the top half of the bread over the salad.
9. Wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
11. Let the sandwich rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For an extra crispy sandwich, you can toast the bread before assembling.
• Feel free to customize the deli meats and cheeses to your preference.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 1800mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg