Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad: 1 Tasty Recipe
Unleash Italian Flavor: The Ultimate Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad for a Zesty Meal
Tired of the same old lunch routine? Imagine all the robust, savory flavors of your favorite Italian deli sandwich, perfectly chopped and tossed into a vibrant, satisfying salad. This Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming classic ingredients into an exciting and easy-to-prepare dish. Forget soggy bread and embrace the crisp freshness, packed with savory meats, cheeses, and a tangy dressing that will make your taste buds sing. It’s a fantastic alternative to a traditional sandwich and gives a refreshing twist on a classic Antipasto Salad, perfect for meal prep or a delightful gathering.
What You’ll Need
Gather your ingredients for this delightful salad. Most items are readily available at any grocery store, making this a convenient and delicious choice for a quick meal.
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
4 oz sliced genoa salami, chopped
4 oz sliced pepperoni, chopped
4 oz sliced deli ham or turkey, chopped
4 oz provolone cheese, diced or shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
½ cup pepperoncini, thinly sliced
½ cup pitted black olives, halved
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation Instructions
Creating this vibrant Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad is wonderfully simple and quick, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a refreshing weekend lunch. The key is in the chopping, ensuring every bite gets a taste of all the delicious components, much like a well-composed Antipasto Salad.
1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. Chop Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Chop the salami, pepperoni, ham (or turkey), and provolone cheese into similar small, manageable pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, pepperoncini, and black olives.
3. Combine Salad Components: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, salami, pepperoni, ham (or turkey), provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, and black olives.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
5. Toss and Serve: Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Italian flavors!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
Add Some Crunch: Incorporate homemade or store-bought croutons, toasted ciabatta pieces, or even crushed bruschetta for extra texture.
Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing or add some sliced Calabrian chilies to the salad for a fiery touch.
Extra Protein: Grill and chop some chicken breast or add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for an additional protein boost.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meats and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or cannellini beans for a delightful meat-free version.
Cheese Please: Swap provolone for fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), crumbled feta, or shaved Parmesan for different cheesy notes.
Reviews
“This salad is a game-changer! All the flavors of my favorite Italian sub without the heavy bread. So fresh and satisfying!” – Maria P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Easy to make and absolutely delicious. My family devoured it, even my picky eater loved the combination of meats and cheese.” – David L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone asked for the recipe. The dressing is perfect.” – Sarah K. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQ
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.
Q: How long does the salad last in the refrigerator?
A: For best results, it’s recommended to dress the salad just before serving. If you have leftovers, they will keep for about 1-2 days in an airtight container, though the lettuce may become slightly less crisp.
Q: What other meats can I use?
A: Feel free to customize with your favorite Italian deli meats, such as capicola, mortadella, or even thinly sliced prosciutto.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), cucumbers, and even artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers would be delicious additions.
Q: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, you can chop all the solid ingredients and store them in a large container. Keep the dressing separate and add it right before you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Conclusion
This Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary. It perfectly captures the essence of a beloved Italian sandwich, offering a refreshing and hearty alternative that’s bursting with flavor in every chopped bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing dinner, or a vibrant addition to any gathering, this salad delivers on taste and satisfaction. Embrace the joy of Italian cuisine and elevate your mealtime with this fantastic Antipasto Salad variation.
Recipe Note
For the freshest taste and crispest texture, always dress your Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad just before serving. If preparing ahead for a party or meal prep, store the chopped solid ingredients and the dressing in separate containers, combining them only when it’s time to enjoy.
Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course Salad
Servings: 4
Calories: 480
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 4 oz sliced salami, chopped
- 4 oz sliced pepperoni, chopped
- 4 oz sliced provolone cheese, cut into small cubes or chopped
- 4 oz sliced turkey or ham (optional), chopped
- 1/2 red onion, very thinly sliced and then chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup banana peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup croutons or toasted ciabatta bread cubes for serving
Instructions
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped romaine lettuce, chopped salami, chopped pepperoni, cubed provolone cheese, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced banana peppers, pitted and halved Kalamata olives, and diced cucumber.
2. In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together (or shake vigorously if using a jar) the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
3. Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped salad ingredients in the large bowl.
4. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if using, and with croutons or toasted ciabatta bread cubes on the side if preferred for extra crunch.
Chef’s Notes: This salad perfectly deconstructs all the savory, tangy flavors of a classic Italian sub into a refreshing and satisfying meal. It’s highly customizable with your favorite deli meats and cheeses.
