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An extreme close-up of the Italian Grinder Salad, showing the texture of the finely shredded lettuce and creamy dressing.

Italian Grinder Salad: The Viral TikTok Recipe, Perfected

A detailed guide to making the viral TikTok Italian Grinder Salad. This recipe features crisp lettuce, savory deli meats, provolone cheese, and a creamy, zesty Italian dressing for the ultimate chopped salad experience. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp pepperoncini juice from the jar
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce finely shredded
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
  • 4 oz Genoa salami thinly sliced
  • 4 oz pepperoni thinly sliced
  • 4 oz smoked ham thinly sliced
  • 4 oz provolone cheese sliced into strips

Equipment

  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board

Instructions
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, pepperoncini juice, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. In a large salad bowl, combine the finely shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced red onion, halved tomatoes, and sliced pepperoncini peppers.
  3. Add the sliced salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone cheese to the bowl with the vegetables.
  4. Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated in the creamy dressing. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Notes

Tip 1: For best results, shred your iceberg lettuce as thinly as possible. This ensures the dressing coats every piece and provides the signature crunch.
Tip 2: Store the dressing and salad components separately in the fridge if making ahead of time. Combine just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
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