Vegan Viral Grinder Sandwich Recipe

TikTok's latest craze is the grinder sandwich, which is just another word for a sub, Italian sandwich, hoagie, hero, or spuckie. The sandwich is either served hot or cold and is full of various deli meats, cheese, and vegetables, but the one thing that sets this viral recipe apart is the addition of a flavorful dressed salad mix folded into the meat-layered sandwich.

Submarine sandwiches are typically a meat lover's paradise ... Until today! Popularized by Tiktok users @ohheyimgray and @cookiterica, this recipe is everywhere for a reason.

Try making this version with plant-based meats, dairy-free cheese slices, and eggless mayo! It’s so good, you’ll hardly miss the typical ingredients. Layers of sauces and spreads provide tangy and spicy flavors, while the shredded lettuce is tossed in an oregano-infused vinaigrette which adds a creaminess.

This sandwich is a one-of-a-kind eating experience you don’t want to miss out on!

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Want to make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Swap out the vegan deli slices with sliced tofu or tempeh.
Try making your own eggless mayo or hummus.
Replace the dairy-free cheese with B12-rich nutritional yeast or homemade cheese.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Cost: $3.96 recipe | $1.98 sandwich

Vegan Grinder Sandwich

Makes 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

Lettuce

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce ($0.08)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar ($0.10)
½ tablespoon olive oil ($0.06)
1 teaspoon dried oregano ($0.02)
A pinch of sea salt & pepper ($0.02)

Pepper spread

8 pickled spicy red peppers* ($0.16)
1 teaspoon cane sugar ($0.01)
½ teaspoon sea salt ($0.01)
1 tablespoon white or red wine vinegar ($0.05)

Sandwich

2 Italian sandwich rolls ($0.36)
2 tablespoons vegan mayo ($0.24)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ($0.10)
4-5 slices of plant-based salami ($0.96)
4-5 slices of plant-based turkey ($0.96)
3 slices dairy-free provolone ($0.37)
4-5 slices beefsteak tomato ($0.08)
Pickled pepperoncini peppers, sliced ($0.06)
2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.22)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar ($0.10)

Instructions

Mix the shredded iceberg lettuce, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Set aside.
Add the peppers, cane sugar, sea salt, and vinegar to a small food processor or blender. Pulse into a chunky paste. Set aside as well.
Slice the sandwich rolls in half lengthwise, but leave the top and bottom connected partially. Spread vegan mayo on one side and Dijon mustard on the other side followed by the pepper spread.
Layer on the deli slices, dairy-free cheese, shredded lettuce mixture, tomato slices, and pepperoncini peppers.
Mix the olive oil and red wine vinegar in a squeeze bottle, then drizzle the sandwiches with this dressing. Close and enjoy immediately.

Notes