Italian Grinder Rice Salad
All the bold, tangy flavors of an Italian grinder—now in a savory rice salad you can make in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 Minute® White Rice Cups
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 slices salami, chopped
- 3 slices turkey, chopped
- 1/2 cup store-bought creamy Italian dressing (see recipe tip for homemade grinder dressing)
- Croutons, optional garnish
Categories
Instructions
Step 1
Heat rice according to package directions.Step 2
Place the rice from each cup into a bowl.Step 3
Toss lettuce, mozzarella, red onion, pepperoncini, tomatoes, salami and turkey in a bowl.Step 4
Toss with dressing and divide between two bowls. Top with croutons, if preferred.Recipe Tip
To make a quick grinder dressing, whisk together the following ingredients:
1/4 cup mayo
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
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Italian Grinder Rice Salad: A Sandwich-Inspired Bowl That Hits Hard
If the viral grinder salad had a bolder, rice-powered upgrade, this would be it. The Italian Grinder Rice Salad layers crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pepperoncini, salami, turkey and mozzarella over warm Minute® White Rice, all tossed in a creamy Italian-style dressing that brings the whole thing together.
It’s fast, it’s filling and it hits like your favorite sub, minus the bread. You still get that sharp red onion bite, salty meats, crunchy lettuce and tangy dressing, but the rice gives it a satisfying base that holds up whether you eat it fresh or meal prep for later.
Your Favorite Grinder, Reimagined
This isn’t just a deli sandwich in salad form. It’s a grinder bowl. More texture and more ways to customize. Pile everything over warm rice, toss it in creamy dressing and you’ve got bold flavors in every bite. Serve it fresh for a quick lunch or pack it up for a satisfying, no-reheat meal that holds up wherever the day takes you.
Serve it with chips, focaccia or a sparkling lemonade, and you’ve got a low-effort lunch that feels like something you waited in line for.
What is an Italian grinder salad?
It’s a chopped salad version of an Italian grinder sandwich—loaded with deli meats, cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and creamy dressing.
Is a grinder the same as a hoagie?
They’re similar, but not exactly the same. Both are deli sandwiches on a long roll, but “grinder” is a regional term—often used in the Northeast—for a sandwich that’s typically hot and pressed, while a hoagie is usually served cold. The Italian grinder rice salad takes all the best parts of either version and turns them into a flavorful, no-bread bowl.
How is this different from a grinder sandwich?
This version skips the hoagie roll and adds rice instead, turning it into a bowl that’s easier to meal prep and just as satisfying.
Can I make this with different meats?
Totally. Try ham, pepperoni, prosciutto or roasted chicken. Just chop it up and toss it in.
What dressing works best in a grinder salad?
A creamy Italian or mayo-based dressing with vinegar, herbs and garlic. Try the homemade grinder dressing in the recipe tip if you want to DIY.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store the rice and salad separately, then toss with dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.
