Name: Italian Chopped Salad Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 loaf of crusty Italian bread; 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced; 1/4 cup black or green olives, sliced; 6 slices salami; 6 slices provolone cheese; 6 slices ham or turkey; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

There's nothing quite like biting into an Italian Chopped Salad Sandwich and savoring the burst of flavors from its vibrant, tangy filling paired with crusty bread. It’s the best of both worlds: the crisp, zesty appeal of a classic Italian salad combined with the satisfying heartiness of a sandwich.

I first tried this recipe as a way to elevate my usual deli sandwich routine. It quickly became a favorite for casual lunches and picnic spreads, thanks to its bold flavors and effortless assembly. Trust me, this sandwich will be a hit at your next gathering or just as a quick lunch for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chopped Salad Sandwich

Prepare to fall in love with a sandwich that’s as colorful as it is delicious. This Italian Chopped Salad Sandwich has all the elements of a crowd-pleaser.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to put together. With just a little chopping and mixing, you’ll have a meal that looks gourmet in under 20 minutes.

The flavors are simply unbeatable. The tangy vinaigrette, salty cured meats, and creamy cheese come together in perfect harmony, while the fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch.

Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile. You can customize the fillings to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you love it meaty, cheesy, or veggie-packed, this sandwich delivers every time.

Lastly, the sandwich holds up well for meal prep. Make it ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and you’ll have a ready-to-eat lunch that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Italian Chopped Salad Sandwich lies in its high-quality, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make it shine:

Crusty bread or rolls: The foundation of this sandwich! Choose a sturdy option like ciabatta, focaccia, or a French baguette to soak up the dressing without getting soggy.
Cured meats: Salami and capicola are classics here, adding a savory punch that pairs beautifully with the vinaigrette. Feel free to swap or add prosciutto for extra indulgence.
Cheese: Provolone is the go-to for its creamy, mild flavor, but mozzarella or even Parmesan shavings work well too.
Chopped vegetables: A mix of romaine lettuce, radicchio, and pepperoncini gives this sandwich its iconic salad-like freshness. Don’t skip the pepperoncini—it adds a zesty kick!
Olives: Chopped Kalamata olives or a mix of green and black olives lend a briny depth to the salad.
Vinaigrette: A simple blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings brings everything together.

Optional equipment: A good serrated knife for slicing the bread and a mixing bowl to toss your chopped salad filling.

How To Make This Italian Chopped Salad Sandwich

Creating this irresistible sandwich is as fun as it is easy. Let’s break it down step by step:

Prepare the bread: Start by slicing your crusty bread lengthwise. Scoop out some of the soft interior to create space for the filling. This step helps prevent the sandwich from becoming too bulky.
Chop the salad filling: In a large bowl, combine finely chopped romaine, radicchio, pepperoncini, olives, and red onion. Toss in chopped slices of salami, capicola, and provolone cheese for a hearty mix.
Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour it over the salad mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Assemble the sandwich: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or pesto on the cut sides of the bread if desired. Pile the chopped salad filling generously onto the bottom half of the bread.
Close and press: Place the top half of the bread over the filling, then wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Let it sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Slice and serve: Using a serrated knife, cut the sandwich into portions. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to a few hours for even better flavor.

This sandwich is perfect for a casual lunch, a road trip snack, or a picnic treat.

Storage Options

Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your Italian Chopped Salad Sandwich fresh and tasty:

Short-term storage: Wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even better the next day!
Separate components: If you’re planning ahead, store the chopped salad filling and bread separately. This prevents the bread from absorbing too much moisture. Combine just before serving.
Reheating: While this sandwich is best enjoyed cold, you can warm the bread slightly in the oven before assembling for a toasty variation.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Vegetarian version: Skip the cured meats and add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or marinated tofu for a meat-free option.
Cheese swap: Try sharp cheddar, tangy goat cheese, or creamy ricotta for a unique flavor twist.
Spicy kick: Add a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the salad mix for heat lovers.
Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread or wraps to accommodate dietary needs.
Low-carb option: Skip the bread altogether and serve the chopped salad in lettuce cups or on its own as a hearty salad.

Experimenting with these ideas ensures you’ll never tire of this versatile recipe.

This Italian Chopped Salad Sandwich combines bold, vibrant flavors with the comforting satisfaction of a hearty sandwich. Whether you’re serving it for a party, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a simple weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!