This Italian Grinder Sandwich is a deli dream come true! With layers of savory meats, melted provolone, crisp tomatoes, and a creamy, tangy grinder salad, it delivers serious flavor and crunch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying lunch, this viral-inspired grinder sub is quick to assemble and irresistibly good.
If you love sandwiches, try my Prime Rib Sandwich, Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches, and Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese!
This Grinder Sandwich went viral on tiktok for a reason! It’s packed with deli meats, melty provolone, and a zesty chopped salad that ties everything together. I love serving these on toasted hoagie rolls, perfect for parties, game day, or a next-level lunch. It’s so customizable, and my boys love it! This sandwich inspired my Grinder Pasta Salad! You just can’t go wrong with this flavor combination!
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Recipe Highlights
- Inspired by viral grinder sandwich trends on TikTok!
- Easy to customize with different meats or cheeses.
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or hearty lunches.
- Delivers bold flavor and crunch in every bite!
Ingredient Notes
- Iceberg lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness to the grinder salad.
- Pepperoncini: Brings a mild heat and tangy flavor.
- Green olives or banana peppers: Add briny, zesty contrast.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives the salad a salty, umami boost.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar & Dijon mustard: love the tang.
- Italian seasoning: Rounds out the flavor with herbs.
- Hoagie rolls: Toasted for structure and flavor.
- Deli meats: A mix of salami, ham, and turkey.
- Provolone cheese: Melts perfectly under the broiler.
- Sliced tomato: Adds juiciness and brightness.
- Optional extras: Red onion, olive oil, or balsamic glaze for finishing.
How to Make a Grinder Sandwich
- Step 1: Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Step 2: Toss dressing with grinder salad ingredients.
- Step 3: Add provolone to hoagies and toast.
- Step 4: Add deli meats.
- Step 5: Add slice tomatoes and season to taste.
- Step 6: Top with grinder salad and enjoy!
Charlotte’s Tips for making the best Italian Grinder Sandwich
- Use a serrated knife to slice hoagie rolls cleanly.
- Toast the rolls before assembling to help them hold up to the salad.
- Make the grinder salad ahead and chill for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately to prevent a soggy sandwich!
Recipe Variations
- Swap in shredded rotisserie chicken or roast beef or proscioutto and arugula.
- Try fresh mozzarella instead of provolone.
- Add roasted red peppers and other roasted vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms and zuchini for a vegetarian alternative.
- Make it spicier with crushed red pepper or some of the pepperoncini juice in the dressing.
Recipe Substitutions
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing for a tangier, lighter twist.
- Swap out deli meats based on what you have on hand.
- Use a gluten-free roll to make this sandwich gluten-free.
Storage Tips
Grinder sandwiches are best assembled fresh. You can prep the grinder salad up to 1 day ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly and store in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just keep in mind that the bread will be soggy.
Recipe
Grinder Sandwich
This Italian-style Grinder Sandwich is a deli dream come true! With layers of savory meats, melted provolone, crisp tomatoes, and a creamy, tangy grinder salad, it delivers serious flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
For the Grinder Salad
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini
- ¼ cup sliced green olives or banana peppers
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Grinder Sandwiches
- 2 large hoagie or sub rolls
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 4 slices salami
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices turkey
- 4 slices tomato
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Stir in shredded lettuce, pepperoncini, and olives. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
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Slice hoagie rolls and toast them open-faced under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
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Add provolone slices to one side of each roll and return to broiler for 1 minute to melt.
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On the bottom half of each roll, layer salami, ham, turkey, and pepperoni if desired. Add sliced tomatoes and optional onions.
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Spoon a generous amount of grinder salad over the top. Close the sandwich and slice in half. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife to slice hoagie rolls cleanly.
- Toast the rolls before assembling to help them hold up to the salad.
- Make the grinder salad ahead and chill for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately to prevent a soggy sandwich!
I hope you love this Grinder Sandwich Recipe. If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a rating! I’d love to know how you liked it. Enjoy, xoxo!
