Name: Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 2 hoagie rolls or sub sandwich rolls; 4 slices provolone cheese; 8 slices deli meats (salami, pepperoni, capicola); 2 cups iceberg lettuce, thinly shredded; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini, chopped; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

The Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich takes everything I love about a classic Italian sub—bold deli meats, creamy dressing, crispy lettuce—and turns it into a fresh, flavorful sandwich with serious crunch. It’s messy, tangy, satisfying, and totally worth the hype.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this sandwich because it has all the flavors of an Italian deli sandwich, plus the texture of a loaded chopped salad. The creamy, tangy grinder salad adds freshness and a bit of spice that balances perfectly with the salty meats and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or when I’m craving something hearty but still crisp and refreshing.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Hoagie rolls or sub sandwich rolls
Sliced provolone cheese
Deli meats: salami, pepperoni, or capicola
Iceberg lettuce, thinly shredded
Red onion, thinly sliced
Banana peppers or pepperoncini, chopped
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Mayonnaise
Red wine vinegar
Dried oregano
Garlic powder
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper

Directions

I start by slicing the hoagie rolls lengthwise and layering the bottom half with slices of provolone and deli meats.
I toast the sandwich open-faced in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm and slightly crisp.
While the sandwich bakes, I make the grinder salad by mixing mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
I toss the shredded lettuce, onions, banana peppers, and tomatoes (if using) in the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
I remove the sandwiches from the oven and generously pile the grinder salad over the meat and cheese layer.
I top with the other half of the roll, press gently, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 large sandwiches.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: 17 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the meats for turkey and roast beef when I want a milder version. I’ve also used spicy mustard or aioli in place of mayo for a flavor twist. For a low-carb option, I turn the whole thing into a grinder salad bowl—no bread, just the meats and salad tossed together.

storage/reheating

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. If I need to store leftovers, I keep the salad and sandwich components separate. The meat and cheese can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat the bread and meat in the oven, then add the salad just before eating to keep it from getting soggy.

FAQs

What’s a grinder sandwich?

It’s another name for a sub or hoagie, especially popular in the Northeast. I love it because it’s typically layered with meats, cheese, and sometimes a chopped salad on top.

Can I use different cheese?

Yes, I’ve used mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for extra heat. Provolone just gives that classic Italian flavor.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

I always toast the bread first and only add the salad right before serving. If I’m packing it to go, I bring the salad in a separate container.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. I skip the meat and add marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and more cheese for a veggie-packed version.

What bread works best?

I usually use hoagie or sub rolls that are crusty on the outside and soft inside. Ciabatta or Italian rolls also work great.

Conclusion

The Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich is a bold, crunchy, flavor-packed upgrade to the traditional sub. With creamy dressing, crisp lettuce, and layers of savory meats and melted cheese, it’s the kind of sandwich that keeps me coming back for more. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or making a quick lunch for myself, this one always delivers.