Looking for a vibrant, easy meal that satisfies everyone at the table? The Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways, is just the solution! This delightful salad is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also versatile enough to cater to both carb-lovers and health-conscious eaters.
Imagine biting into a fresh, crispy salad topped with savory salami, creamy provolone, and a zesty dressing that brings everything together. This dish shines with its bold Italian flavors and refreshing textures, making it a standout choice for any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a festive occasion, this salad is sure to delight!
One of the best things about the Italian Sub Salad is its adaptability. You can throw it together quickly for a busy weeknight meal, and it’s perfect for meal prep. Plus, with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, you can enjoy delicious flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Perfect for weekly meal prep
- Naturally versatile for various diets
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
- 8 oz 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 Wine 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: You can also make this salad for carb lovers by adding one cooked and cooled bag of tri-colored tortellini right before serving. You can serve this dish both ways to cater to your friends’ differing cravings.
Step-by-Step Instructions of Italian Sub Salad
- Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded romaine and layer the salami, provolone, mozzarella, cucumber, red pepper, mild pepper rings, and onion.
- Season the salad: Sprinkle black pepper and dried basil over the top of the salad.
- Add Parmesan and pepperoni: Toss in the cubed Parmesan and diced pepperoni, mixing all the ingredients gently.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, tossing to coat all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add tortellini (optional): For a hearty version, fold in the cooked and cooled tortellini at this stage.
Tips for Success
- Chill the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are cold for a more refreshing taste.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak the seasoning before serving to match your preferences.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance but keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Substitutions & Variations of Italian Sub Salad
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Swap salami and pepperoni with vegan deli slices or chickpeas and ensure your dressing is gluten-free. Use a sweetener like maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Variations: Add sliced olives for a briny punch, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. You can even try different cheeses to make it your own.
Storage Instructions of Italian Sub Salad
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: This salad is not ideal for freezing, but leftovers can still be kept fresh in the fridge.
Make-Ahead: Chop all the vegetables a day ahead to save time on meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Italian Sub Salad
Can I customize the proteins in this salad?
Absolutely! You can add chicken, turkey, or even tofu to suit your taste.
How do I prevent my salad from getting soggy?
Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve the salad to maintain the crunchiness of the veggies.
Can I use different dressings?
Definitely! Feel free to try Italian vinaigrette or a creamy dressing if you prefer.
Final Toughts
Enjoy the vibrant and flavorful Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways it’s a dish that caters to everyone’s cravings while bringing a smile to faces all around the table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a night in, this recipe is the perfect fit. Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating; we’d love to hear how your version turns out!
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Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways
A vibrant and easy Italian Sub Salad packed with flavor, perfect for various diets and meal prep.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Hearts of Romaine, Shredded
- 1/2 lb of Salami, Sliced, Cut into Squares
- 1/2 lb of Provolone, Sliced, Cut into Squares
- 8 oz 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
- 1 C Red Wine 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: 1 cooked and cooled bag of tri-colored tortellini
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded romaine and layer the salami, provolone, mozzarella, cucumber, red pepper, mild pepper rings, and onion.
- Sprinkle black pepper and dried basil over the top of the salad.
- Toss in the cubed Parmesan and diced pepperoni, mixing all the ingredients gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving, tossing to coat all the ingredients thoroughly.
- For a hearty version, fold in the cooked and cooled tortellini at this stage.
Notes
Chill the ingredients for a refreshing taste. Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian