By now I know you have heard of an Italian grinder sandwich, but let’s take all of that goodness and turn it into a wedge salad instead! I love a good wedge salad and there are so many other options for flavor combinations other than the traditional wedge salad that you find at most steakhouses. With so many people going low carb or carb-free these days, this Italian grinder sandwich inspired wedge salad is the perfect way to get your cravings satisfied and is truly delicious too. This Italian grinder wedge salad is going to quickly become one of your favorite easy lunches or light dinners as we roll into the warmer months of the year.

If you happen to not know what an Italian grinder sandwich is, it is usually a mix of cold cuts and Italian meats, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers. The sandwich is dressed with a light dressing that consists of mayo, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, olive oil, and red chili flakes. Of course there are variations of the sandwich, but you get the idea here. And while I happen to love a good sandwich, I also love a good salad as well.

This Italian grinder wedge salad came to me on day when I didn’t have any of the right kind of bread for a sub sandwich, but I did have some iceberg lettuce. It was one of those recipes that happens by accident and ends up being so good that I had to share it with yall!

Here are some variations:

• Instead of a wedge, simply turn it into a regular salad with crunchy romaine.

• Use any mix of turkey, ham, prosciutto, salami, pepperonis or any other cold cuts or Italian meats.

• Use this exact recipe but turn it into a sandwich or a wrap if you prefer.

• Instead of red wine vinegar, use white vinegar.

I cannot wait for you to give this recipe a try for yourself! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Ingredients:

• 1 Head of Iceberg Lettuce

• 4 Large Slices of Pepperoni or 8 Small, diced

• 4-6 Slices of Salami, diced

• 2-3 Slices of Smoked Turkey (or Ham), diced

• 2-3 Slices of Provolone Cheese, diced

• 1/4 Cup Chopped Pepperoncini Peppers (or banana peppers)

• 1/2 Cup Chopped Tomatoes

• 1/4 Cup Finely Diced Red Onion

• 2 Tbsp. Mayonnaise

• 1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

• 1 Tsp. Italian Seasoning

• 1 Tsp. Kosher Salt

• 1/2 Tsp. Red Chili Flakes

• 1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper

Directions:

• Slice iceberg lettuce into 4 wedges.

• Mix pepperoni, salami, turkey, provolone, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.

• Make dressing by combining mayo, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, red chili flakes, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.

• Pour half of the dressing into the bowl with the meats and veggies and toss to combine.

• Spoon this mixture over each wedge of iceberg lettuce. (it’s okay if it spills down the sides.

• Drizzle the remaining dressing over each wedge and sprinkle with extra salt and pepper if desired.

• Serve with a knife and fork and enjoy.

How good does this look? Would you be into trying to wedge salad version of the classic Italian grinder sandwich? I hope you will give it a go and see just how delicious this grinder wedge salad truly is.