Italian Sub Salad Two Ways

Imagine the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite Italian sub sandwich transformed into a crisp, refreshing salad. The Italian Sub Salad Two Ways delivers all the savory satisfaction of a classic deli sandwich without the bread—unless you want it! This versatile dish combines premium Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables with a tangy homemade dressing that will transport your taste buds straight to an authentic Italian deli. Whether you prefer it as a light, low-carb option or as a hearty pasta salad, this Italian Sub Salad adaptation offers the best of both worlds. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a satisfying family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Italian Sub Salad Two Ways is a game-changer for both entertaining and everyday meals. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible versatility—serve it as a crisp, lettuce-based salad for those watching their carbs, or transform it into a hearty pasta salad by adding tri-colored tortellini. The combination of textures is what elevates this dish: the crunch of fresh vegetables against the chewy, savory meats and the creamy, rich cheeses creates a perfect harmony in every bite.

The vibrant colors make this Italian sub bowl not just delicious but visually stunning on your table. The homemade dressing ties everything together with its perfect balance of tangy vinegar, aromatic herbs, and just a touch of sweetness. Best of all, this Italian submarine-inspired salad can be prepared ahead of time, actually improving as the flavors meld together overnight. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing for a gathering, this Italian deli salad offers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for the Italian Sub Salad Two Ways

This ingredient list combines authentic Italian deli flavors with fresh vegetables for a salad that’s both satisfying and vibrant. The quality of your meats and cheeses will really shine in this dish, so use the best you can find.

For The Salad:

• 2 Hearts of Romaine, Shredded
• 1/2 lb of Salami, Sliced, Cut into Squares
• 1/2 lb of Provolone, Sliced, Cut into Squares
• 8oz Package of Marinated Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls
• 1 Cucumber, Sliced Thin
• 1 Red Pepper, Sliced into Strips
• 1 C of Mild Pepper Rings
• 1 White Onion, Sliced into Strips
• 1 T Black Pepper
• 1 T Dried Basil
• 1 C of Parmesan, Cubed
• 1/2 lb Pepperoni, Diced

For The Dressing:

• 1 C Red Grape juice Vinegar
• 1/2 C Olive Oil
• 1 T Garlic Powder
• 1 T Dried Basil
• 1 T Brown Sugar (or a natural sweetener)
• 2 t Kosher Salt

Optional Add-In:

• 1 bag of tri-colored tortellini, cooked and cooled (for the carb-lover’s version)

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Italian Sub Salad requires attention to a few key details that will elevate your dish from good to exceptional:

Ingredient Preparation: Slice your meats and cheeses into uniform pieces about the same size as a bite of lettuce. This ensures that every forkful contains a perfect balance of flavors and textures. For the low-carb version, shred the romaine into bite-sized pieces rather than chopping it to better mimic the texture of the sandwich experience.

Dressing Development: Make your dressing at least 4 hours before serving—preferably overnight. This allows the garlic powder and dried basil to fully hydrate and infuse the vinegar and oil with their flavors. The brown sugar helps balance the acidity, but taste and adjust sweetness according to your preference.

Layering Technique: Rather than tossing everything together immediately, layer the ingredients as directed and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the vegetables crisp. For the tortellini version, add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl add the romaine lettuce and top the salad with the two peppers, meats, cheeses, onions, and cucumbers.

Step 2: Arrange in a pattern over the lettuce, sprinkle lightly with salt and some oregano, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Meanwhile whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing and also allow to sit in fridge overnight.

Step 4: Serve on the side of the salad when serving or toss the whole salad together with the dressing.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist: Transform your Italian Sub Salad with a Mediterranean flair by adding 1/2 cup of kalamata olives, 1/4 cup of chopped sundried tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Replace the grape juice vinegar in the dressing with red wine vinegar, and add 1 teaspoon of oregano for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile. This variation pairs beautifully with the low-carb option.

Vegetarian Option: Create a meatless version by omitting the salami and pepperoni, and instead adding 1 cup of roasted red peppers, 1 cup of marinated artichoke hearts, and 1/2 cup of olives. You can increase the cheese portions by 50% to maintain the protein content, or add 1 cup of drained and rinsed chickpeas for additional plant-based protein. This version works wonderfully with both the lettuce base and the tortellini variation.

Spicy Lover’s Version: Kick up the heat by adding 1/4 cup of chopped hot cherry peppers, substituting half of the mild pepper rings with hot pepper rings, and adding 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dressing. For even more heat, add thin slices of fresh jalapeño to the vegetable mix.

Storage and Serving

The Italian Sub Salad components can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, keep the dressing separate from the salad until ready to serve. If you’ve made the tortellini version, store the pasta separately from the other ingredients to prevent it from absorbing excess moisture and becoming soggy.

When serving the Italian Sub Salad, consider these presentation options:

For a buffet-style meal, present the salad in a large, shallow bowl with the dressing on the side, allowing guests to control their portion. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a professional touch.

Create individual mason jar salads for meal prep by layering the ingredients: dressing on the bottom, followed by heartier ingredients (meats, cheeses, peppers), and finally the lettuce on top. Just shake when ready to eat!

For an elegant dinner party presentation, serve the salad on chilled plates with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a side of warm, crusty Italian bread to complete the Italian sub experience.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the Italian Sub Salad improves when made ahead. Prepare all components and store separately, combining them 30 minutes before serving. For the tortellini version, add the pasta just before serving to maintain optimal texture.

Is there a lower-sodium version of this recipe?
Absolutely. Reduce sodium by using fresh mozzarella with no added salt, cutting the salt in the dressing by half, and choosing low-sodium meats. You can enhance flavor without salt by adding more fresh herbs like basil and oregano.

What can I substitute for the grape juice vinegar?
Red wine vinegar is the closest substitute, though it will be slightly more acidic. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar also work well. Adjust the sweetener as needed to balance the acidity.

How do I make this salad more substantial without adding pasta?
For a heartier low-carb option, add 1 cup of diced avocado and increase the protein by adding 1/2 cup of cooked and cooled Italian chicken sausage. You could also incorporate 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts for added texture and healthy fats.

Can I use pre-packaged Italian dressing instead of making my own?
While you can use pre-packaged dressing for convenience, the homemade version offers superior flavor and allows you to customize the taste. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality Italian vinaigrette and consider enhancing it with extra fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice.

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