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–+ servings
Italian Grinder Salad

Italian Grinder Salad: A Crunchy Twist on Classic Flavors

Experience the delightful crunch and vibrant flavors of Italian Grinder Salad—a refreshing twist on classic hoagies!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Best Recipe Ideas
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Croutons
  • 5 cups country-style bread can substitute with gluten-free bread
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Fontina or Provolone cheese or mozzarella, cheddar as substitutes
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives or black/green olives
  • 1/2 cup Peppadew peppers or roasted red peppers
  • 6 cups iceberg lettuce or romaine/mixed greens
  • 1 medium red onion or green onions
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
  • 8 ounces pearl mozzarella or diced fresh mozzarella
  • 4 ounces deli ham or other cold cuts
  • 4 ounces salami
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic/apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh oregano/Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Tear the country-style bread into bite-sized pieces, aiming for about 5 cups. Spread evenly on a baking sheet, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, tossing halfway through until golden and crisp. Cool the croutons.
  4. Finely chop the kalamata olives, Peppadew peppers, and slice the red onion. Shave/dice the Fontina cheese. Prepare cherry tomatoes and pearl mozzarella.
  5. In a large bowl, assemble the salad with iceberg lettuce, onions, tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, diced ham, olives, Peppadew peppers, and cooled croutons.
  6. Drizzle with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and sprinkle with dried oregano. Toss thoroughly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Customize with different meats, cheeses, and seasonal veggies.

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