Hey y'all! If you're craving all the bold, savory flavors of an Italian sub without the carbs, this low-carb Grinder Salad is about to be your new obsession. It's loaded with crisp lettuce, a medley of deli meats, tangy cheeses, and the quintessential creamy Grinder dressing that'll keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it's a quick lunch, party side dish, or light dinner, this recipe fits the bill—no bread needed! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Low-Carb Grinder Salad
- It's keto-friendly and packed with protein for guilt-free satisfaction.
- Quick to prepare in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy days!
- Bursting with crunchy textures and classic deli flavors.
- Easy to customize with all your favorite cold cuts and veggies.
- Makes an impressive, crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering or meal prep.
Low-Carb Grinder Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 6 oz sliced Genoa salami
- 6 oz sliced turkey or ham
- 4 oz sliced provolone cheese
- 4 oz sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
How To Make Low-Carb Grinder Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and diced tomato. Gently toss to mix the veggies evenly.
Step 2: Slice Deli Meats & Cheeses
Stack and cut the Genoa salami, turkey (or ham), provolone, and mozzarella into thin strips, about ½-inch wide, for perfect bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Grinder Salad Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Toss & Serve Your Low-Carb Grinder Salad
Add the meats and cheeses to the bowl of veggies. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss everything together until well-coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to chill before serving.
Notes For The Best Low-Carb Grinder Salad
- Use pre-sliced deli meats for speed and uniform bites—learn how to choose the best at Bon Appétit.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of chopped cucumbers or shredded cabbage.
- Go light on the salt until you’ve tossed the salad—many deli meats are already salty!
Low-Carb Grinder Salad Variations
- Spicy Grinder Salad: Add jalapeño slices and extra crushed red pepper.
- Chicken Grinder Bowl: Swap deli meats for grilled, shredded chicken breast.
- Vegetarian Grinder Salad: Use extra cheese, roasted peppers, and artichoke hearts instead of meats.
Required Equipment For Low-Carb Grinder Salad
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl for dressing
- Tongs or salad servers
Storage Instructions
Store Leftover Low-Carb Grinder Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the crispiest texture, add the dressing just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Enjoy as a stand-alone meal or pair with a warm cup of high-protein soup for a filling lunch.
- Add a side of keto-friendly garlic bread or roasted veggies for extra flavor.
- Perfect for meal prepping—try serving in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches!
Pro Tips For the Best Low-Carb Grinder Salad
- Thinly slicing the meats and cheeses guarantees the best blend of flavors in every forkful—find slicing techniques at Serious Eats.
- If prepping ahead, keep dressing and veggies separate until just before serving.
- Chill your bowl first for an ultra-crisp, refreshing salad experience.
FAQ: Low-Carb Grinder Salad
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap out the cheeses for your favorite dairy-free alternatives—still creamy and delicious.
How spicy is the creamy Grinder dressing?
The base dressing is tangy with a slight kick from red pepper flakes; adjust the amount for your heat preference.
What’s the best way to meal prep this low-carb salad?
Prep and store veggies, meats, and dressing separately, then toss together just before eating to keep everything fresh.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced deli turkey breast
- 1 cup sliced deli ham
- ¾ cup sliced provolone cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini.
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2Slice deli turkey, ham, and provolone cheese into strips and add them to the bowl.
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3In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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4Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to combine.
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5Serve immediately, garnished with extra pepperoncini or herbs if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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