Low Carb Italian Grinder Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
• 6 oz salami, sliced into strips
• 6 oz provolone cheese, cubed or sliced
• ½ cup olives (black or green), pitted and sliced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Begin by preparing the romaine lettuce. Rinse the leaves under cold water and dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
2. Next, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Rinse them under cold water, then slice each tomato in half. Add the halved tomatoes to the bowl with the romaine lettuce.
3. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad bowl. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
4. Slice the pepperoncini and add them to the bowl, along with the salami strips and provolone cheese cubes.
5. Add the sliced olives to the mixture, ensuring an even distribution of all ingredients.
6. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is emulsified.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
9. Serve the salad immediately on a pristine white plate to highlight the vibrant colors of the ingredients.

Cooking Tips:

• For added flavor, consider marinating the salami and cheese in the dressing for about 30 minutes before adding them to the salad.
• This salad can be customized with additional low-carb vegetables such as cucumbers or bell peppers.
• If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top before serving.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving (varies based on specific ingredients used)