{ “@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad”, “description”: “This Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad has all the bold flavors of an Italian sub without the bread—loaded with salami, pepperoni, cheese, veggies, and a zesty Italian dressing.”, “author”: { “@type”: “Person”, “name”: “Ayoub” }, “recipeCategory”: “Salad”, “recipeCuisine”: “Italian-American”, “keywords”: “Italian salad, chopped salad, deli salad, sandwich salad”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “image”: [ “https://example.com/chopped-italian-sandwich-salad.jpg” ], “recipeIngredient”: [ “1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped”, “1 cup cucumber, diced”, “1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce, finely chopped”, “1/2 cup red onion, finely diced”, “1/2 cup black olives or kalamata olives, sliced”, “1/2 cup pepperoncini or banana peppers, sliced”, “1/2 cup provolone or mozzarella cheese, diced”, “1/2 cup salami, chopped”, “1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped”, “1/4 cup olive oil”, “2 tablespoons red wine vinegar”, “1 teaspoon Dijon mustard”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “Salt and pepper to taste” ], “recipeInstructions”: [ { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, cheese, salami, pepperoni, and peppers to a large mixing bowl.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl or shake in a jar.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour dressing over the salad and toss until fully coated.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately and enjoy.” } ], “nutrition”: { “@type”: “NutritionInformation”, “calories”: “320 calories”, “fatContent”: “24g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8g”, “proteinContent”: “14g” } }

Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad: All the Flavor, None of the Fuss!

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into a bowl of pure, unadulterated joy? Because today, we’re transforming a beloved classic into something fresh, vibrant, and utterly addictive: the Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad! Forget the bread, but keep ALL the incredible, zesty Italian Sub Flavors you crave. This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of deli dreams, perfect for a sunny afternoon lunch or a light, satisfying dinner. It’s got all the savory meats, sharp cheeses, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressing that makes an Italian sub iconic, but in a fork-friendly, gloriously chopped form. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing your sandwich could be *more* salad, your culinary wish has just been granted! This Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad is about to become your new obsession.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

Why You’ll Love This Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad!

This salad is a game-changer, my friends! It’s everything you adore about a hearty Italian sandwich, meticulously chopped and tossed into a vibrant, textural wonderland. It’s light yet incredibly satisfying, packed with protein, fresh veggies, and a dressing that sings with tangy Italian flair. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or when you just want a taste of Italy without the carb overload. Plus, the chopping action is surprisingly therapeutic!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The magic of this Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad lies in its perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Every bite delivers a symphony of salty cured meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and the irresistible tang of pepperoncini, all bound together by a simple yet potent red wine vinaigrette. It’s truly an experience, not just a salad!

Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad Recipe

Ingredients

•  1 large head romaine lettuce
   ½ lb sliced salami
   ½ lb sliced pepperoni
   ½ lb sliced provolone cheese
   ½ lb sliced deli ham
   1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
   ½ red onion, thinly sliced
   ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
   ½ cup pitted black olives, sliced
   ½ cucumber, diced
   ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• For the Dressing:
   ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
   ¼ cup red wine vinegar
   1 clove garlic, minced
   1 tsp dried oregano
   ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
   Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar for dressing
• Whisk

What You’ll Need

Ready to gather your delicious components? Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Fresh, high-quality ingredients truly make all the difference here!

• Lettuce: Crisp romaine is key for that satisfying crunch.
• Meats & Cheese: Salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone are the classic quartet, but feel free to mix and match.
• Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and black olives add freshness and texture.
• Tangy Bites: Pepperoncini are non-negotiable for that authentic Italian sub kick!
• Dressing Essentials: Olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes create a zesty, balanced dressing.

How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad

Let’s get chopping! This is where the magic happens and your ingredients transform into a vibrant, cohesive salad.

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
2. Chop the Greens: Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Lay the leaves flat and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Transfer to your largest mixing bowl.
3. Slice & Dice the Deli: Stack the salami, pepperoni, ham, and provolone slices on top of each other. Roll them tightly and then slice them into thin strips, then chop those strips into small, uniform pieces (think about the size of the chopped lettuce). Add to the mixing bowl with the lettuce.
4. Chop the Veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Slice the pepperoncini and olives. Dice the cucumber. Add all chopped vegetables to the mixing bowl.
5. Toss & Dress: Pour about half of the prepared dressing over the chopped ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the dressing coats all components evenly. Add more dressing as desired, keeping in mind you don’t want to drown the salad – just lightly coat it.
6. Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve this magnificent Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad fresh and enjoy!

Chef’s Tip:

For the best texture, make sure your lettuce is really dry after washing. Excess water can dilute your dressing and make your salad less flavorful and crisp. A salad spinner is your best friend here!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad is fantastic as is, but here are some ideas to make it even more your own:

• Add Crunch: Toss in some homemade croutons or crushed pita chips right before serving for extra texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes, or finely chop some jalapeño for a spicier kick.
• Cheese Please: Swap provolone for fresh mozzarella balls, sharp cheddar, or even crumbled feta.
• Veggie Boost: Include bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Make it a Wrap: Pile the salad into a large tortilla or pita bread for a portable sandwich-salad hybrid.
• Pasta Salad Remix: Add cooked and cooled rotini or penne pasta to turn it into a fantastic pasta salad.
• Serve With: A warm crusty baguette to sop up any leftover dressing, or alongside a simple tomato soup.

FAQs About Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can chop all the ingredients and prepare the dressing a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Toss everything together just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Q: What kind of red wine vinegar is best for the dressing?
A: Use a good quality red wine vinegar for the best flavor. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but avoid anything that tastes overly acidic or thin.

Q: Can I add chicken to this salad?
A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover chicken breast would be a fantastic addition to boost the protein even further.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your deli meats and cheese do not contain gluten additives (which is rare but worth checking if you are highly sensitive). The dressing and vegetables are naturally gluten-free.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sarah L.
“This salad is a revelation! I’ve always loved Italian subs, and this captures all those amazing Italian Sub Flavors without the heavy bread. Made it for a potluck and it was the first thing gone. The dressing is perfect!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mike R.
“My new go-to lunch! The Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad is so easy to prep, and the blend of textures and tastes is just phenomenal. The pepperoncini are a must for that tangy punch. Highly recommend!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jessica P.
“Finally, a salad that feels like a full meal! I’ve been trying to eat lighter, and this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. I added some chickpeas for extra protein. Absolute perfection!”

Hungry for More?

I hope this Chopped Italian Sandwich Salad brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. If you loved this recipe, be sure to explore more of my fresh and flavorful creations. Don’t forget to share your photos and tell me how you made this recipe your own – I love seeing your culinary adventures!

Recipe Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Ingredients

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped (optional, for extra crunch)
• 4 oz sliced genoa salami, cut into small pieces
• 4 oz sliced pepperoni, cut into small pieces
• 4 oz sliced provolone cheese, cut into small cubes or strips
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, or 1 large ripe tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini, plus 2 tbsp liquid from the jar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• For the Dressing:
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for emulsification)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1.In a large serving bowl, combine the finely chopped romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce (if using).
2. Add the chopped salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced pepperoncini. Add the optional chopped fresh parsley if desired.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Be sure to include 2 tablespoons of the liquid from the pepperoncini jar for extra tang.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
5. Using large tongs or salad servers, toss the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors of a deconstructed Italian sandwich!

Chef’s Notes: This salad takes all the delicious, savory, and tangy components of a classic Italian sub and transforms them into a refreshing, easy-to-eat chopped salad. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and highly customizable with your favorite deli meats and cheeses.