Chopped Italian Grinder Salad – A Flavorful, Hearty Salad

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by Kevin Cossairt

Introduction

There’s something about a chopped salad recipe that makes every bite more enjoyable. When all the flavors are perfectly balanced and packed into a single forkful, it takes a simple salad to the next level. That’s exactly why this Chopped Italian Grinder Salad is a must-try.

Inspired by the flavors of a classic Italian salad, this dish brings together fresh lettuce, savory deli meats, provolone cheese, and a creamy Italian dressing. It’s crunchy, bold, and completely satisfying—whether you’re eating it as a meal or serving it as a side.

This salad is one of my favorite meal prep dishes because it holds up well in the fridge and is easy to customize. Whether you love the zesty tang of banana peppers, the boldness of Italian dressing, or the heartiness of chopped deli meats, this chopped Italian salad has something for everyone.

Key Points

What Makes This Chopped Salad Special?

  • Bold Italian Flavors – A delicious mix of salami, turkey, ham, provolone, and Parmesan.
  • Creamy & Tangy Dressing – The chopped salad dressing ties everything together with the perfect balance of richness and acidity.
  • Great for Meal Prep – This salad stays crisp and fresh even after sitting for a day or two.
  • Customizable Ingredients – Swap the meats, cheeses, or dressing to fit your dietary needs.

Variations & Customization Options

  • Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it as a lettuce wrap or just as a hearty salad without bread.
  • Switch Up the Meats: Try adding pepperoni, soppressata, or capicola for even more flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan cheese alternatives or a vinaigrette dressing instead.
  • Add Extra Spice: Include crushed red pepper flakes or pickled cherry peppers for heat.

How to Make Chopped Italian Grinder Salad

This chopped salad recipe is all about balance—freshness, crunch, and a perfect mix of textures. Even chopping is key to getting that perfect bite every time.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Chop the Lettuce & Vegetables – Use a mix of iceberg lettuce and romaine for crunch. Slice red onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Dice the Meats & Cheese – Chop deli turkey, ham, and salami into small squares, along with provolone cheese.
  3. Prepare the Dressing – Whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Combine Everything – Toss the chopped ingredients in a large mixing bowl and coat evenly with the dressing.
  5. Let It Rest & Serve – Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to help the flavors meld.

Tips for Best Results

  • Chill the Salad Before Serving: Let it rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can blend.
  • Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The best chopped salad recipes start with premium deli meats and cheese.
  • Make Extra Dressing: The creamy chopped salad dressing works great as a dip for vegetables or grilled meats.
  • Chop Everything Evenly: This ensures balanced bites with every forkful.
  • Store Dressing Separately for Meal Prep: If making ahead, keep the dressing in a separate container until ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this chopped Italian salad is its versatility. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

  • Classic Salad Style: Serve it as a main meal or a side salad for an Italian-inspired dinner.
  • Low-Carb Wraps: Scoop it into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly option.
  • Perfect Party Salad: Serve in a large bowl with tongs for an easy buffet-style dish.
  • Pair with Pasta: Enjoy it with spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti for a full Italian feast.

Additional Resources

If you love chopped salad recipes, check out these related dishes:

  • [Portillo’s Chopped Salad Copycat] – A restaurant-inspired version of a classic chopped salad.
  • [Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe] – The perfect dressing for any chopped salad recipe.
  • [Best Italian Salad Recipes] – A collection of classic and modern Italian salads.

Chopped Italian Grinder Salad Recipe

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Chopped Italian Grinder Salad – A Flavorful, Hearty Salad

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Description

This Chopped Italian Grinder Salad is a bold, tangy, and satisfying dish packed with crisp lettuce, hearty deli meats, cheese, and a creamy Italian dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish, a sandwich filling, or even a standalone meal. Every bite is bursting with savory, salty, and zesty flavors that mimic the classic Italian sub in salad form.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 1 small head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1 small head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional, for creaminess)
  • 6 slices deli turkey, chopped
  • 6 slices deli salami, chopped
  • 6 slices deli ham, chopped
  • 4 slices provolone cheese, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup banana peppers, chopped (optional, for tanginess)
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup croutons (optional, for crunch)

For the Creamy Italian Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For Garnish & Extras:

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (for extra Italian flavor)

Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

  1. Chop the iceberg and romaine lettuce into small bite-sized pieces.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado (if using).
  3. Chop the deli meats and cheese into small pieces for easy mixing.

2. Make the Creamy Italian Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped lettuce, onion, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, meats, cheese, banana peppers, olives, and croutons (if using).
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and oregano if desired.
  2. Serve immediately as a salad or use it as a sandwich filling in a toasted hoagie roll.

Serving Suggestions

 

  • Serve as a main dish with garlic bread or focaccia on the side.
  • Use as a filling for an Italian grinder sandwich in a crusty sub roll.
  • Pair with a bowl of tomato soup or minestrone for a complete meal.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a main dish with garlic bread or focaccia on the side.
  • Use as a filling for an Italian grinder sandwich in a crusty sub roll.
  • Pair with a bowl of tomato soup or minestrone for a complete meal.

 

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Key Takeaways:

  • Inspired by Italian Flavors – This salad brings together meats, cheese, and fresh veggies in every bite.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and flavorful even after a day or two.
  • Customizable & Versatile – Adjust ingredients based on dietary needs or personal taste.

Comments and Reviews

Have you tried this Chopped Italian Grinder Salad? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your version.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Kevin!

I love to cook—it’s something I’ve always enjoyed, and luckily, I’m pretty good at it… most of the time.

It all started in my grandma’s kitchen when I was a kid. I’d watch her cook, help out where I could, and probably got in the way more than anything. But that’s where I fell in love with food. Fast forward a few decades, and after 25+ years as a chef, I’m still just as into it—except now, I get to share my recipes instead of just sneaking bites when no one’s looking.

That’s what Kevin’s Daily Dish is all about—good food, simple recipes, and meals that bring people together. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a holiday spread, or just a Tuesday night dinner, I want to help people make food that’s worth gathering around.

Follow me on:
YouTube Channel: @kevinsdailydish

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