I love this Italian Grinder Salad because it has the perfect combination of crisp romaine, savory deli meats, and cheesy goodness with a creamy tangy dressing. This low carb twist on a viral grinder sandwich brings together diverse textures and irresistible flavors that make it incredibly satisfying and ideal for brightening up any meal.
I came across this Low Carb Italian Grinder Salad and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. This recipe is a lower carb alternative to the TikTok viral grinder sandwich, and it’s loaded with flavor and nutrition.
I use 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce as the base, which is rich in vitamins and fiber. Then I toss in 3 oz of sliced deli ham along with 3 oz of Genoa salami and 3 oz of pepperoni.
The combination of these deli meats provides high-quality protein and adds a savory kick without too many carbs. I also add 3 slices of provolone cheese that I chop up and 2 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese to boost the flavor with a tangy finish.
The diced tomatoes and red onion add freshness to each bite. The creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder ties everything together for a fulfilling meal that’s perfect for lunches at work or a quick dinner.
Why I Like this Recipe
I’ve always been a sucker for recipes that bring a twist to classic favorites, and this Italian Grinder Salad really does it for me. I made it a while back when I first heard about that viral TikTok grinder sandwich, but this version is way cooler because it cuts out the carbs without skimping on flavor.
One reason I like this recipe is that I love how it mixes crunchy romaine with savory deli meats like ham, salami, and pepperoni. I also really dig that it has a variety of cheeses, and the blend of provolone and parmesan gives it a rich, satisfying taste. Another big plus is the creamy tangy dressing; it ties everything together perfectly with its smooth, zesty flavor. Lastly, I appreciate how this salad feels fresh and colorful even though it’s got all that robust flavor—it’s like getting the best of both healthy eating and indulgent treats.
I guess what really sells it for me is that it feels like a homemade hack on something super popular online. The textures and flavors just mesh in a way that’s totally irresistible, and I always find myself coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp greens that are full of fiber and vital vitamins for a healthy crunch.
- Deli Ham: Lean protein that brings a savory, satisfying bite without being too heavy.
- Genoa Salami: Spicy, protein-rich slices which add a bold, hearty taste to the mix.
- Pepperoni: Zesty meat that contributes a kick of spice and a smoky finish.
- Provolone Cheese: Creamy dairy that melts into every bite, boosting flavor and calcium.
- Dressing: A tangy blend of mayo, red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard for a zingy burst.
- Tomatoes and Red Onions: Fresh diced tomatoes and crisp onions that offer juiciness and a sharp, sweet note.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and flavorful depth to every bite.
- Mixed Flavors: Balanced proteins, crunchy greens, and tangy dressing create an irresistible low carb salad.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 3 oz sliced deli ham, torn into bite size pieces
- 3 oz sliced Genoa salami, roughly torn
- 3 oz sliced pepperoni, cut into strips
- 3 slices provolone cheese, chopped up
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise for the creamy tangy dressing
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make this
1. In a big bowl, toss together the 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce with the 3 oz deli ham (torn into bite size pieces), 3 oz Genoa salami (roughly torn), and 3 oz pepperoni (cut into strips).
2. Add in the 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion.
3. Mix in the 3 slices of provolone cheese (chopped up) and 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese.
4. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard.
5. Stir in 1/2 tsp garlic powder along with salt and pepper to taste into the dressing.
6. Whisk the dressing well until it’s smooth and creamy.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are nicely coated.
8. Let the salad sit for a couple of minutes if you can so the flavors blend, then serve and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Large bowl for tossing together the salad ingredients
2. Small bowl for mixing up the creamy dressing
3. Whisk for beating the dressing until smooth
4. Measuring cups and spoons to get the dressing and other ingredients right
5. Knife and cutting board for chopping the cheese, tomatoes, and red onion
6. Salad tongs or a large spoon for gently tossing the salad ingredients together
FAQ
Low Carb Italian Grinder Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- You can swap the romaine lettuce with spinach or mixed greens if you want a slightly different texture.
- If you’re not into Genoa salami, try using turkey salami for a leaner alternative.
- Instead of mayonnaise for the dressing, plain Greek yogurt works well and gives a similar creaminess.
- If you dont have red wine vinegar, use apple cider vinegar for a more mild tang.
- Can replace Dijon mustard with yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand, though it gives a bit different flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Try using freshly grated parmesan instead of the pre-grated stuff since it really brings out a richer flavor in the salad. It might seem like a small change, but it makes the difference between a bland and a much more flavorful bite.
2. If you can, chop your veggies and meats just right so they blend well when tossed with the dressing. Sometimes uneven pieces can lead to some bites being too heavy with meat and others lacking flavor.
3. Let the dressing sit for a minute while you chop the rest of your ingredients. This helps the flavors mellow out and mix better, giving you a dressing that’s a lot more balanced and tasty.
4. Don’t over-toss the salad once the dressing is added. Gently mix everything so the lettuce stays firm and crunchy instead of getting all wilted and mushy.
Low Carb Italian Grinder Salad Recipe
My favorite Low Carb Italian Grinder Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large bowl for tossing together the salad ingredients
2. Small bowl for mixing up the creamy dressing
3. Whisk for beating the dressing until smooth
4. Measuring cups and spoons to get the dressing and other ingredients right
5. Knife and cutting board for chopping the cheese, tomatoes, and red onion
6. Salad tongs or a large spoon for gently tossing the salad ingredients together
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 3 oz sliced deli ham, torn into bite size pieces
- 3 oz sliced Genoa salami, roughly torn
- 3 oz sliced pepperoni, cut into strips
- 3 slices provolone cheese, chopped up
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise for the creamy tangy dressing
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a big bowl, toss together the 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce with the 3 oz deli ham (torn into bite size pieces), 3 oz Genoa salami (roughly torn), and 3 oz pepperoni (cut into strips).
2. Add in the 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion.
3. Mix in the 3 slices of provolone cheese (chopped up) and 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese.
4. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard.
5. Stir in 1/2 tsp garlic powder along with salt and pepper to taste into the dressing.
6. Whisk the dressing well until it’s smooth and creamy.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are nicely coated.
8. Let the salad sit for a couple of minutes if you can so the flavors blend, then serve and enjoy!
