If you have spent any time on TikTok, you have probably seen the viral grinder salad sandwich. It takes a classic deli-style sub and upgrades it with a creamy, tangy chopped salad that gets piled right on top of the meat and cheese. The result is a sandwich that is loaded with flavor in every bite.
What makes this version so popular is how easy it is to recreate at home. You do not need fancy ingredients or a trip to a specialty deli. With a few simple items, you can make a sandwich that tastes just as good, if not better.
If you like Tiktok Recipes check out some of these recipes!
Blackstone Big Mac Tacos, Baked Feta Pasta, Upside Down Puff Pastries, Smoked Queso (Tiktok Inspired), Viral Cottage Cheese Cream Recipe.
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Why You Will Like This
- Feels like a restaurant sandwich at home and the sandwich can be toasted in the air fryer!
- Packed with flavor from the creamy grinder salad
- Easy to make with simple deli ingredients
- No complicated steps or hard to find items
- Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
- Customizable based on what you already have
What Ingredients do I need for Grinder Salad Sandwich
In this section, you can find substitutes or suggestions for certain check here
- Mayonnaise - Mayonnaise is the ultimate condiment for just about anything and there are different types of it. Only use the reduced-fat mayonnaise if you’re on a special diet of some sort.
- Red Wine Vinegar - If you don’t have red wine vinegar sub white wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice
- Garlic - Chopped fresh garlic can take some time to chop so I often always use the freshly minced garlic that comes already made in a jar.
- Red Pepper Flakes - Red pepper flakes are small pieces of dried hot peppers, typically made from cayenne, that are crushed or ground into small flakes.
- Banana Peppers are yellow peppers usually found in a jar near the condiments and dressings at the grocery stores. You will have to drain them for the recipe.
- Red Onions or shallots - thinly sliced
- Thinly Sliced Tomatoes
- Cheddar, Provolone, or Swiss Cheese Slices
- Good Artisian crusty bread with your type of favorite meats. I used provolone, salami, and prosciutto.
Substitution Tips
I like to use Swiss cheese instead of mozzarella since it's lower in lactose and I can't eat dairy.
Sometimes, if I'm really lazy, I will make this sandwich without the red onions and bananas especially if I don't have them.
You can find all these ingredients at Aldi.
How to make Grinder Salad Sandwich
Step 1: In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 2: In a larger bowl add the lettuce, drained banana peppers, and thinly sliced onions, Pour in the dressing and mix well to combine
Step 3: Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees.
Step 4: Place the cheese and meat on top of a hoagie bun or bread and place it in the air fryer. Air Fry for 4 to 6 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
Add the salad mix on top of the toasted sandwich and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Do not overdress the salad or it can make the sandwich soggy
- Toasting the bread helps it hold up better with the filling
- Use pre-shredded lettuce to save time and effort
- Let the meat and cheese get warm before adding the salad for the best texture contrast
- Add a pinch of sugar to the dressing if you want to balance the tang
- Wrap the sandwich tightly and let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld
Storage
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store components separately.
Keep the grinder salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the meat and bread separately to prevent sogginess.
If you need to store a fully assembled sandwich, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The texture may soften, but it will still taste good.
Tools Used for Grinder Salad Sandwich
- Here are some tools that will help you with the recipes. All links will open in Amazon. Yes I do get a small earning if purchase from the link
- Mixing Bowls
- Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set with 1, 1.5, 2.5 Quart Mixing Bowls for Kitchen, Baking, and Storage, Microwave
- Banana Peppers
- Pickerfresh Banana Peppers - Deli-sliced Pepper Rings - Medium Hot Deli Style Chili Pepper
Recipe FAQS
Some air fryers require preheating and some do not. Be sure to check your air fryer manual.
I have two air fryers. The Cosori 4 Qt Air Fryer and Ninja Woodfire Grill which is an outdoor air fryer. It’s pretty awesome! It has 5 different functions on it.
It is the combination of deli meats, cheese, and the signature creamy chopped salad that sets it apart from a regular sub.
Yes, but it is best to assemble right before eating. You can prep all the ingredients in advance.
It is the combination of deli meats, cheese, and the signature creamy chopped salad that sets it apart from a regular sub.
Other Recipes To Try
If you tried this Grinder Salad Sandwich or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Grinder Salad Sandwich Tiktok
- Prep Time: 4 min
- Cook Time: 6 min
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Description
What are grinders? It’s just a fancy name for a sub sandwich. The term is used in different parts of the US and at different sandwich shops. Been seeing this grinder sandwich all over my For You page on Tiktok lately so let's make it!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- ½ cup banana peppers
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Thinly sliced tomatoes
- 4 hoagie buns or rolls
- 12 slices of Salami
- 4 slices of prosciutto
- 4 to 8 slices of provolone cheese or any type of cheese you like!
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl add the shredded lettuce, drained banana peppers, and thinly sliced onions. Pour in the dressing and mix well to combine.
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Place the cheese and meat on top of a hoagie bun or bread and place it in the air fryer. Air Fry for 4 to 6 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
- Add the salad mix on top of the toasted sandwich and enjoy.
Notes
Use any type of good Italian crusty bread for this sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 1427
- Sugar: 16g
- Fat: 101g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 111g
- Fiber: 33g
- Protein: 49g
Sherri says
Can I use ACV or balsamic in place of red wine vinegar?
Linda says
This recipe is an amazing addition to our summertime menu! Fresh and delicious!
Jenna says
Right? It's so good! 🙂
Caron says
The absolute best!!!!!
Caron says
Looks fantastic!! I am making this tonite! Thank you for sharing
Jenna says
You won't be disappointed!
Autumn says
Making this tonight for supper can't wait sounds pretty darn good
Jenna says
Any kind! Usually a sliced cheese. I updated the ingredients list to include that.
Jenn says
I’m making this now and I’m confused - I bought all the ingredients listed and then go to the instructions and see that you’re suppose to add cheese, but I didn’t get any because it wasn’t listed. What type of cheese is used for these?
Jennifer says
So good! Have made this 4 times already!