Let me tell you, when I first decided to try making the Italian Sub Salad, I was pretty excited! Honestly, I thought I’d nail it right away, and guess what? I did, for the most part! The only surprise was how refreshing it turned out. I wasn’t expecting such a vibrant flavor explosion! A couple of tweaks did pop up, though. The original recipe called for some pickled peppers, but I switched them for roasted red peppers, and oh boy, they added such a perfect sweetness.

Italian Sub Salad

When you're craving that classic Italian sub flavor but want something lighter and fresher, the Italian Sub Salad is your perfect solution! Imagine all those yummy ingredients you love—salami, pepperoni, provolone, and crunchy veggies—combined in a vibrant salad. Not only is it colorful and satisfying, but it's also super easy to whip up any day of the week. Let’s dive into this flavorful dish together!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course lunch, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6 people

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups romaine lettuce or spinach for a twist
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved or diced regular tomatoes
• ½ cup cucumbers sliced these can be swapped for bell peppers
• ½ cup red onion sliced thinly or scallions for milder flavor
• 6 ounces salami sliced into strips try turkey salami or ham as another option
• 6 ounces pepperoni if you're feeling adventurous, try turkey pepperoni
• 6 ounces provolone cheese diced mozzarella or even feta will work! Go wild!
• ½ cup black olives sliced consider using green olives for a different zing
• ⅓ cup Italian dressing homemade is totally an option, but store-bought works great too!

Instructions

 

• Wash and dry your romaine lettuce (or spinach) and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place it at the bottom of a large bowl.
• Add the cherry tomatoes and cucumbers to the bowl.
• Next, throw in the red onion slices for that sharp flavor.
• Layer in the salami and pepperoni, making your salad feel like a party!
• Then, sprinkle the provolone cheese and black olives on top.
• Finally, drizzle the Italian dressing all over and toss gently until everything is nicely coated!

Keyword Easy salad recipe, Healthy Recipes, Italian cuisine, Italian sub salad, Quick dinner ideas

Nutrition Facts

5 Tips for this Recipe

• Take your time chopping – even-sized pieces make for a prettier salad!
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing with dressing – it’s like the flavors go on a little vacation together!
• Feel free to jazz it up with your favorite herbs, like basil or parsley!
• If you’re a fan of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
• Double or triple the recipe for meal prep – it keeps well in the fridge!

5 FAQs for this Recipe

• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
• Is this salad good for meal prep? Yes! Store it in airtight containers for a quick grab-and-go meal!
• Can I add more veggies? For sure! Avocado, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions.
• How long does it last in the fridge? Typically, up to 3 days if stored properly.
• Is it gluten-free? It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free deli meats and dressing!

5 Storage Tips

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store the salad dressing separately until serving to keep the greens crisp.
• Use glass containers to help the salad stay fresh longer.
• Label and date your containers if you’re prepping lots of meals!
• Freeze any leftovers if you don’t plan to eat them within a few days.

5 Common Cooking Mistakes

• Not washing veggies properly can affect flavor – wash ‘em good!
• Chopping veggies unevenly makes for inconsistent bites.
• Overdressing the salad can make it soggy, so drizzle, don’t drown!
• Forgetting to taste as you go! Check those flavors!
• Not letting it chill before serving can mean missing out on a flavor bomb!

Final Thoughts

Making this Italian Sub Salad was such a fun experience! I loved how quickly everything came together, and the results were fresh and flavorful. The benefits of creating a lighter version of a beloved sandwich made my taste buds dance! I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to mine.

Don’t forget, you can always get creative with your ingredients—this salad is all about you! Whether you go for traditional favorites or try something new, the possibilities are endless.

I can’t wait for you to try it, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Happy salad making!