Easy Italian Sub Salads
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I have noticed something in several sandwich shops that also offer salads. Many have a spot on their menu that says, “turn any sandwich into a salad”. That is where I drew inspiration from for today’s recipe for easy Italian sub salads. It’s the same place that the inspiration for the bacon cheeseburger salad that I shared earlier this week came from.
So, this salad includes everything you could find in an Italian sub sandwich, minus the bread. Now, I only used ham in this salad. However, feel free to use a combination of meats and just reduce the amount of ham used to compensate for it. You could use salami, pepperoni, capicola, or mortadella in any combination.
As far as the veggies go, I included pickles, banana peppers, cucumbers, mini bell peppers, and grape tomatoes. I also included provolone cheese in there.
Last, to finish it all off is a simple dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian dressing. I kept it just like the oil, vinegar, and seasonings I usually add to my Italian sub sandwich. This does make for a tart dressing. If you want it sweeter, you could add a little sugar to taste. These easy Italian sub salads are delicious!
Ingredients for Sub Sandwich Salads
- SMOKED DELI HAM
- ROMAINE LETTUCE (OR ICEBERG LETTUCE)
- PROVOLONE CHEESE
- PICKLES
- BANANA PEPPER
- CUCUMBERS
- MINI BELL PEPPER
- GRAPE TOMATOES (OR CHERRY TOMATOES)
- OLIVE OIL
- RED WINE VINEGAR
- ITALIAN SEASONING
Instructions for Easy Italian Sub Sandwiches
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine: deli ham, crisp chopped lettuce for freshness, provolone cheese for a creamy, tangy bite, and sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, chopped pickles for a salty, crunchy kick, banana peppers for a mild, tangy heat. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.
Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients to create a bold, tangy vinaigrette.
Toss & Serve: Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated evenly. Divide the salad between four bowls, then serve with the remaining dressing on the side, allowing each person to adjust the flavor to their preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. For the best texture, assemble and toss with dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What kind of deli meats work best?
Classic Italian sub flavors come from ham, salami, turkey, and pepperoni, but you can mix and match with roast beef, prosciutto, or even grilled chicken for a different twist.
Can I use a different dressing with this salad?
A zesty Italian vinaigrette will work well, but you can also try balsamic dressing, creamy Caesar, or a simple olive oil and lemon juice mix for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If already dressed, eat within 24 hours for the best texture.
Can I add extra toppings?
Definitely! Try black olives, roasted red peppers, artichokes, or shredded mozzarella for even more flavor.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Mini Italian Sub Sandwiches
- Hot Baked Italian Subs
- Zucchini Marinara Subs
- Ham and Havarti Sub Sandwiches
Easy Italian Sub Salads
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 20 slices smoked deli ham sliced into thin strips
- 6 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 12 slices provolone cheese cut into strips
- 12 pickles chopped
- 16 banana peppers
- 2 cucumbers sliced into half moons
- 4 mini bell peppers cut in half and sliced
- 12 grape tomatoes cut in half
Dressing:
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add all of the meat, lettuce, cheese, and veggies. Toss together.
- In another bowl, whisk together the salad ingredients. Drizzle half the amount of dressing over the salad and toss together. Divide salad between 4 bowls. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side to adjust as needed for individual tastes. Makes 4 salads.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Kasey Trenum.
