Italian Sub Salad Two Ways

This hearty Italian Sub Salad delivers all the bold flavors of your favorite deli sandwich without the bread. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing lunch, it combines classic Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables in a tangy vinaigrette that will transport you straight to an authentic Italian deli.

I first created this recipe when hosting friends with different dietary preferences. The dual-version approach was such a hit that it's now my go-to contribution for potlucks where I'm never sure who might be watching their carbs.

Ingredients

• Romaine hearts provide the perfect crisp base while holding up well to hearty toppings
• Salami and pepperoni deliver that classic Italian sub flavor profile
• Provolone cheese adds a mellow creaminess that balances the spicy meats
• Fresh mozzarella balls contribute pockets of milky freshness throughout
• Cucumber adds refreshing crunch and lightness
• Red pepper provides sweet notes and beautiful color contrast
• Mild pepper rings bring tangy brightness without overwhelming heat
• White onion adds essential aromatic bite to complete the authentic sub experience
• Black pepper and dried basil create that signature Italian seasoning profile
• Parmesan cubes offer little bursts of savory umami depth
• Red wine vinegar forms the tangy foundation of our dressing
• Olive oil balances the acidity with richness and authentic Mediterranean flavor
• Brown sugar softens the vinegar's edge without making the dressing sweet

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Base

Layer shredded romaine hearts in a large serving bowl, creating a sturdy foundation for all those delicious toppings. The romaine should be thoroughly dried to prevent a watery salad.

Layer Your Toppings

Artfully arrange the meats, cheeses, vegetables and seasonings over the lettuce in a pleasing pattern. This not only creates visual appeal but ensures every serving gets a good balance of flavors. Take time to distribute ingredients evenly for the best eating experience.

Season and Marinate

Sprinkle the arranged salad lightly with salt and oregano, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This resting period allows flavors to meld and ingredients to get acquainted, resulting in a much more cohesive final dish.

Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, sweetener, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined. Allow the dressing to rest in the refrigerator overnight alongside the salad. This patience pays off with a perfectly balanced flavor profile where no single ingredient dominates.

Serve with Style

Either present the salad with dressing on the side so guests can control their portion, or toss everything together just before serving for a thoroughly dressed experience. The choice depends on your preference and whether you plan to have leftovers.

Bookmark

The marinated mozzarella balls are my secret weapon in this recipe. Their herb-infused oil adds extra flavor throughout the salad, and I often drizzle a bit of it into the dressing for even more complexity. My husband, who typically avoids salads, requests this one regularly because it satisfies his sandwich cravings without the carbs.

Perfect Storage Solutions

This salad maintains its quality remarkably well when stored properly. Keep the dressing separate from the undressed salad in airtight containers for up to three days. The flavors actually continue developing over the first 48 hours, making this an excellent prep ahead option. For best results, bring the dressing to room temperature before serving leftover portions, as cold olive oil can thicken and affect texture.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Turkey or ham work beautifully in place of or alongside the salami and pepperoni. For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and double the cheese varieties, perhaps adding chickpeas for protein. Kalamata olives make an excellent addition for more Mediterranean flair. When fresh mozzarella is unavailable, cubed block mozzarella works fine though you may want to add a touch more olive oil to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

For an impressive spread, present both versions side by side in large, shallow bowls that showcase the colorful ingredients. Accompany with crusty Italian bread for those who want extra carbs. This salad pairs wonderfully with a chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon. To make it a complete meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp on the side. For casual gatherings, set up a build your own Italian sub salad bar with components in separate bowls.

Cultural Context

The Italian sub or hoagie originated among Italian immigrant communities in the Northeast United States in the early 20th century. This deconstructed version honors those origins while adapting to contemporary dietary preferences. The combination of cured meats, provolone, and tangy vegetables dressed in oil and vinegar reflects the resourceful spirit of Italian American cuisine, where delicious flavors take center stage regardless of presentation.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make the Italian Sub Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually benefits from being prepared ahead of time. Assemble the ingredients, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 4 hours or even overnight. Keep the dressing separate until serving time. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

→ What substitutions can I make for the meats?

Feel free to customize the meats based on your preferences. Ham, mortadella, capicola, or turkey would all work well. You can also adjust quantities or omit certain meats altogether. Just aim to maintain a similar total amount of protein to keep the salad substantial.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit all meats and increase the cheese varieties. Add extra vegetables like artichoke hearts, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers to enhance flavor and texture. The tortellini version can be made with cheese-filled pasta for added protein.

→ What can I use instead of red wine vinegar in the dressing?

White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar make great substitutes. Apple cider vinegar will give a slightly different but still delicious flavor. If you prefer less acidity, reduce the vinegar amount and increase the olive oil proportion. You can also add a touch more sweetener to balance a sharper vinegar.

→ How long will leftover Italian Sub Salad keep in the refrigerator?

Undressed salad will keep for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Once dressed, it's best consumed within 24 hours as the lettuce will begin to wilt. For meal prep, store components separately and assemble individual portions when ready to eat.

→ What sides pair well with this salad?

Crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or breadsticks make perfect accompaniments. For a lighter meal, serve with a cup of tomato soup or minestrone. If serving as a side dish itself, it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of an Italian-themed dinner.