TikTok Viral Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich: Crunchy & Zesty (Print Version)

TikTok Viral Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich recipe! Get crunchy, zesty flavors with this easy, viral sandwich. Perfect for quick lunches or dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Base

01 - 4 crusty sub rolls
02 - 4-8 slices provolone cheese
03 - 8 oz mixed sliced deli meats (capicola, salami, ham, turkey)

→ The Zesty Grinder Salad

04 - 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
05 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1/4 cup pickled banana peppers, sliced

→ The Creamy Dressing & Flavor Boosters

08 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
12 - Salt to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those veggies ready. Finely shred your iceberg lettuce—I find a sharp chef's knife works best, almost like you're chiffonading it. Slice your red onion super thin; I use a mandoline if I'm feeling brave, but a steady hand works too. Halve those cherry tomatoes and, if you're using them, slice your banana peppers. This is where the kitchen starts to smell fresh and vibrant, honestly! I always make sure everything is super dry after washing; nobody likes a soggy salad, especially in a TikTok Viral Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, a good pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Give it a little taste – this is your chance to adjust the tang or the seasoning. I always add a tiny bit more vinegar than I think I need, then back off if it's too much. My first attempt was a vinegar bomb, remember? Learn from my mistakes, friend!
03 - Add your shredded lettuce, thin red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and banana peppers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together really well until all the veggies are coated in that glorious, creamy, zesty dressing. You want every single piece of lettuce to get some love. This salad is the star of our TikTok Viral Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich, so make sure it's perfectly mixed.
04 - Preheat your oven or toaster oven to about 350°F (175°C). Slice your sub rolls lengthwise, but don't cut all the way through, you want a hinge. Lay a slice or two of provolone cheese inside each roll. Pop them into the oven for just 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly melty and the rolls are warm and a tiny bit toasted. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom; I learned that the hard way when my first sandwich collapsed!
05 - Once the rolls are warm and the cheese is soft, arrange your deli meats inside. I like to fold them artfully, creating a nice, thick layer. Think about getting a bit of each meat in every bite. This is where the TikTok Viral Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich really starts to look like the deli masterpiece it is. Don't be shy with the meat; pile it high!
06 - Now for the grand finale! Spoon a generous amount of your prepared grinder salad over the deli meats. Really pile it on, pressing it down slightly so it fits. Close up your sandwich, give it a gentle squeeze, and slice it in half if you like. The crunch, the tang, the savory meats – it all comes together beautifully. It’s messy, yes, but oh-so-worth it. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, honestly, I didn't expect that!

# Notes:

01 - Always toast your bread with the cheese on it; it creates a barrier against the wet salad.
02 - Store the grinder salad separately from the bread and meats to avoid sogginess.
03 - If you're out of red wine vinegar, a splash of apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
04 - A little extra black pepper in the dressing really makes the flavors pop!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Mixing bowls
02 - whisk
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board
05 - toaster oven or oven

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-600
Total Fat: 30-45g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 25-35g

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