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Italian Grinder Sandwich (TikTok Salad Sandwich)

This Italian Grinder Sandwich was a TikTok sensation thanks to the tossed salad topping made with chopped lettuce and pepperoncini in a tangy dressing. Piled high with your favorite Italian lunch meats and melted cheese on a crust roll, this is one heck of a sandwich. It's no surprise that it caught the attention of millions and gets rave reviews!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 909 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl Medium

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayo creamy base that holds everything else together
  • 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar adds brightness and balances out the mayo
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt brings out the flavors
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for that subtle peppery note
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano gives it that classic Italian flavor vibe
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, add moar!
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced or grated, a must for savoriness
  • ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers tangy with just a bit o’ heat
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds salty richness and texture
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 3-4 cups iceberg lettuce
  • 1 large loaf crusty Italian bread or focaccia or ciabatta sliced in half
  • 4 ounces sliced muenster cheese or havarti or Colby Jack
  • 4 ounces sliced provolone cheese
  • ¼ pound roasted turkey breast thinly shaved
  • ¼ pound ham
  • 3 ounces sopressata salami
  • 3 ounces capocollo (aka gabagool) or genoa salami
  • 3 ounces prosciutto
  • 2 ounces deli sliced pepperoni
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium beefsteak tomato
  • olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Whisk mayo, vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic together in a bowl.
  • Add sliced pepperoncini, Parmesan, red onion, and lettuce. Toss well with tongs until thoroughly coated. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Slice bread in half. Layer cheese on both sides of the bread and toast until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is toasted (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Layer sliced tomato over the meat, then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Pile the lettuce mixture and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add the top piece of bread, slice in half or fourths and serve!

Notes

Inspired by @ohheyimgray on TikTok. From what I can tell this was the genesis of this viral sandwich.