Some girls like flowers, some like candies. If you want to impress me? Bring me a perfectly crafted Corned Beef Sandwich! To be honest, mostly any sandwich will do. And yes, I consider hamburgers and even some forms of hot dogs as “sandwiches”. 😉
When it comes to yumminess between two slices of carbs, I absolutely cannot resist! Are you a sandwich fanatic like I am? Make sure to check out my Meatball Stuffed Mexican Tortas, this Lusty Reuben with a Cheese Blanket, and my famous Pickle Juice Crispy Fried Chicken served on Brioche Buns.
WATCH ME MAKE THIS ON THE GRAM!
HISTORY BEHIND THE “GRINDER SALAD”:
I realize I have to step-up my game on TikTok, and I will… I promise! It’s so easily shared across channels, and I’m very active on Instagram. I guess that means I’m getting old? LOL! Or am I just busy? Eeeeek! Anyway, I heard some people talking about this recipe and I automatically swooned. I mean, this is genius! Here’s the original TikTok video that went viral.
Now, I made mine slightly different to accommodate my own tastebuds (as well as the neighbors that I often feed my blog recipes to… because I can’t eat everything I cook!); You’ll need the following ingredients:
FOR MY VERSION OF GRINDER SALAD:
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Mayonnaise
- Salt + Pepper
- Dried Oregano
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Celery Seeds
- Minced Shallots
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
FOR THE SANDWICH:
- Hoagie Rolls (from the deli)
- Corned Beef
- Provolone Cheese
- Seasoned Tomato Slices
NOTE: You can use any type of meat and cheese you prefer for this recipe. I actually have some Genoa Salami I am going to experiment with next (stay tuned!), but feel free to use whatever you enjoy! I toasted mine in the air fryer, which is an AWESOME shortcut. Traditionally, you can use a regular oven or toaster oven if that’s what you have on hand. Or a hand torch to melt the cheese! Oh man, I wouldn’t trust myself with one of those. I am faaaaaar too clumsy.
WHY DO YOU CHOP UP THE DELI MEAT?
Have you ever bitten into a sandwich and all the meat falls into your lap? This happens when you don’t bite down hard enough to slice off your particular bite… ending in a big mess. Well my friends, I have a solution for you. CHOP UP YOUR DELI SLICES! It tastes the same, it actually adds texture and this method makes noshing on a hoagie that much easier! Trust me, once you try it you’ll never go back to sliced deli meat sandwiches again. Hello, game changer!
NOTE: The key thing to remember is this method only works for hoagie sandwiches with melted cheese that holds it all together. If you chop up your deli meat for sliced sandwiches that are not toasted and melty, it might not work so well.
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
Toasted Meatball and Italian Sub
My Favorite Air Fryer Falafel Pita Pockets
Roast Beef Sandwich-Sushi on Crispy Rice Cakes
Ross Geller’s Turkey Sandwich (with a moist maker)
Brunch-Style Banh Mi Handhelds
- 1 tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
- 4 tbsp. Mayonnaise
- Salt + Pepper, to taste (about ½ tsp. each)
- 2 tsp. Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp. Celery Seeds
- 1 tbsp. Minced Shallots
- 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
- 2 Hoagie Rolls (from the deli)
- ½ lb. Corned Beef
- 4 slices Provolone Cheese, sliced in half
- 4 Tomato Slices, cut in half
- Whisk together all ingredients for the "Grinder Salad", except for the lettuce, in a large bowl. Using tongs, fold in the lettuce until coated. Set aside.
- Chop up the corned beef, slice the cheese and tomatoes, and season the tomatoes with salt and pepper if you wish.
- Cut the hoagie rolls in half, divide the corned beef mixture between the two and then cover each sandwich with four half slices of cheese.
- Air fry for 2 - 3 minutes at 400F, or until cheese if bubbly and starting to brown.
- Remove and top with the grinder salad and tomatoes. Cut in half and enjoy immediately.
NOTES ON THIS RECIPE:
- Traditionally, I would add some sort of pepper to this recipe. However, like I mentioned above… I feed my neighbors quite a bit of my items right after I photograph them. So… to keep it tastebud friendly, I left them out. If you’re a spicy food lover like I am, go ahead and mix in banana pepper, jalapeño peppers or your favorite chili peppers into the grinder salad! Yummy.
- Have you never had celery seeds? Oh man, you’re missing out. They add this savory, earthy flavor, that makes you wonder… what is that awesome flavor (and I personally think the longer they marinate they develop some spiciness)?? They’re great! Give them a try. As always, if you don’t have them on hand you can skip this ingredient all together.
- Not a fan of corned beef? Not a problem! The grinder salad pairs perfectly with just about any sandwich. Use it with turkey, chicken, ham… heck, even on burgers or a topping for fully loaded fries! Oh, fries. Now that’s an idea! Mmmmm.
PIN THIS FOR LATER:
Stephen
We made this for lunch today and it was delicious! I had leftover deli pastrami and looking for ways to use when I found your recipe. Followed directions exactly except used pita bread because that’s what I had. We will definitely have again and try other deli meats as well. Thank you for sharing!
Jessica
So glad you enjoyed it! You can use leftover pastrami for reuben sandwiches or reuben egg rolls! Both are on my blog 🙂