Grinder Salad

Discover the Perfect Summer Dish: The Infamous Grinder Salad with Homemade Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette

Summer is the season for light, refreshing, and delicious meals that don't require hours in a hot kitchen. One of my favorite go-to dishes is the infamous Grinder Salad, made even more irresistible with a homemade lemon garlic vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick and healthy lunch. Packed with fresh veggies, flavorful meats, and a zesty dressing, it's sure to become a staple in your summer recipe rotation.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

• 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced

• 1/2 cup sliced salami

• 1/2 cup sliced ham

• 1/2 cup sliced provolone cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 can rinsed and drained garbanzo beans (baked or air-fried)

For the Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tbs dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, kalamata olives, and pepperoncini.

2. Air-fry your garbanzo beans tossed in salt pepper and paprika for a smoked flavor

3. Layer the sliced salami, ham, and provolone cheese on top of the salad mixture.

4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Making the Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette:

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and dried oregano until well combined.

2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Drizzle the homemade lemon garlic vinaigrette over the salad.

2. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

3. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures!

Tips and Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and add chickpeas or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

• Spicy Twist: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or use spicy salami.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

The Grinder Salad is a beautiful medley of crisp, fresh vegetables and savory meats, all brought together by the tangy and zesty lemon garlic vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures makes each bite exciting and satisfying. Plus, it's incredibly versatile—you can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or just looking for a quick, healthy meal, the Grinder Salad with homemade lemon garlic vinaigrette is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful salad as much as I do. Stay tuned for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!