The Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich went viral for a reason — it’s indulgent, creamy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor. This sandwich combines deli-style Italian meats, melty provolone, and a creamy grinder salad slaw tucked inside a crusty sub roll. Every bite delivers savory meats, tangy dressing, and refreshing veggies, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re making this for game day, a family lunch, or a picnic, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

TikTok famous – a trending sandwich that lives up to the hype.
Bold Italian flavors – savory meats + tangy slaw.
Hearty & filling – perfect for sharing (or not!).
Easy to customize – swap meats or cheese to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Grinder Salad Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Grinder Salad Slaw:

2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
½ cup sliced banana peppers

For the Sandwich Assembly:

4 large sub rolls (toasted if desired)
8 slices provolone cheese
8 slices Genoa salami
8 slices deli ham
8 slices turkey breast (or roast beef)
8 slices pepperoni
Extra lettuce or tomato slices (optional)

Instructions

Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
Toss the grinder salad: Add shredded lettuce, onion, cherry tomatoes, and banana peppers into the dressing. Toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
Prepare the rolls: Slice sub rolls lengthwise and lightly toast if desired.
Layer the meats and cheese: On each roll, layer provolone slices, salami, ham, turkey, and pepperoni.
Add the grinder salad slaw: Generously spoon the creamy grinder salad mix on top of the meats.
Finish and serve: Close the sandwich, press slightly, cut in half, and serve immediately.

Serving Ideas

Serve with potato chips or fries.
Pair with a sparkling soda or iced tea.
Make it party-ready by slicing into smaller portions for sharing.

Tips & Variations

Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella slices or a sprinkle of parmesan.
Spicy version: Use hot banana peppers or drizzle with sriracha.
Meal prep: Keep grinder salad slaw in a container and assemble sandwiches fresh.
Vegetarian: Skip meats and use roasted veggies with cheese