Name: Italian Sub Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 hearts of romaine, chopped; 1/2 pound salami, chopped; 1/2 pound provolone, chopped; 8 oz package mini fresh mozzarella balls; 1 cup shredded Parmesan; 1 package mini pepperoni; 1 cucumber, sliced thin; 1 red pepper, sliced into strips; 1 cup mild pepper rings; 1 white onion, sliced thinly; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/3 cup red wine vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon salt

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Looking for a vibrant, fresh, and flavor-packed dish that channels all the magic of your favorite deli sandwich, minus the bread? This Italian Sub Salad is your new go-to for weeknight dinners, gatherings, and meal-prep lunches. Each bite is like a trip to a bustling New York Italian deli: crisp romaine, savory salami, zesty pepper rings, and a creamy trio of cheeses, all tossed in an herby homemade vinaigrette. Not only does this salad feel hearty and indulgent, but it’s also a breeze to assemble, making it perfect for busy schedules. If you’ve ever longed for your favorite Italian sub in salad form, this is the recipe to remember.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Italian Sub Salad is how each simple ingredient shines. Every addition brings a perfect balance of crunch, zing, richness, or color to the bowl—so don’t skip anything if you want that authentic sub shop effect!

Romaine hearts: The crisp, refreshing base that gives the salad its signature crunch and bright green color.
Salami: Brings a deeply savory note and classic Italian deli flair—use your favorite variety.
Provolone cheese: Adds a mellow, buttery richness that ties everything together.
Mini mozzarella balls: Soft and mild, these add little pockets of creamy goodness in every bite.
Shredded Parmesan: The salty, nutty finish elevates each forkful with big Italian umami.
Mini pepperoni: These bite-sized rounds offer spicy, tangy pops throughout the salad.
Cucumber: Sliced thin for an extra layer of freshness and a cool contrast to the meats and cheeses.
Red bell pepper: Gorgeous color and sweet crunch make every plate look as stunning as it tastes.
Pepper rings: Mild and tangy, they give that familiar sub shop zing without overwhelming heat.
White onion: Sliced nice and thin, it brings a sharp, clean bite that balances the cheese and meats.
Black pepper: For a subtle kick—use freshly cracked for best flavor.
Dried basil: Sprinkled over the top, this gives a fragrant hint of summer and ties in with the dressing.
Olive oil: The base of your homemade dressing, bringing richness and classic Mediterranean flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Lively acidity wakes up all the flavors—don’t substitute with anything less bold.
Garlic powder: Savory depth that infuses the dressing and complements the salty meats.
Italian seasoning: Brings together oregano, thyme, and other herbs for an instantly recognizable Italian flavor.
Honey: Just a touch, to soften the acidity and round out the vinaigrette.
Salt: Season each ingredient to perfection, letting every element sing.

How to Make Italian Sub Salad

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by assembling the dressing so the flavors have time to meld. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, honey, and salt. The result should be a bright, herby, slightly sweet vinaigrette that instantly smells like your favorite Italian sub shop. Once it’s all combined, cover the dressing and set it aside while you prep the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Base and Toppings

Chop the romaine hearts into crisp, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large serving bowl—the kind you’d use for a big pasta salad or potluck dish. Pile the chopped salami, provolone, mini mozzarella, shredded Parmesan, mini pepperoni, sliced cucumbers, red pepper strips, mild pepper rings, and thinly sliced onion on top of the lettuce. Don’t worry about layering perfectly—the beauty of this Italian Sub Salad is in its rustic, abundant look.

Step 3: Season and Refrigerate

Sprinkle the entire salad with black pepper and dried basil. These small touches bring a punch of aroma and warmth, mirroring the sub shop flavors we all crave. At this point, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. This step is essential: letting everything chill together allows the flavors to mingle and develop, making each bite that much better.

Step 4: Toss and Dress Before Serving

When you’re ready to serve, gently toss the salad so every bite has a bit of each ingredient. Drizzle with your homemade dressing right before serving—this keeps the greens crisp and makes sure the flavors shine. Give it one last gentle toss, then you’re ready to plate and enjoy. The final bowl should look colorful and irresistibly fresh!

How to Serve Italian Sub Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or even a handful of Italian parsley adds a beautiful burst of green. To really nail that deli look and taste, you can also scatter a few extra pepper rings or an extra dusting of shredded Parmesan on top right before serving. For a little spice, don’t hesitate to crack more black pepper over the salad just before eating.

Side Dishes

Italian Sub Salad is hearty enough to be a main event, but it pairs perfectly with a basket of warm garlic knots or a simple bowl of tomato basil soup. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider offering some crunchy breadsticks or a platter of antipasto veggies like olives and cherry tomatoes for that full Italian deli spread effect.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving for a party? Try piling the Italian Sub Salad into individual mason jars or clear plastic cups for a portable, party-friendly appetizer. For extra flair, create a DIY salad bar—lay out the meats, cheeses, and veggies so everyone can build their own perfect bowl. Or, if you want a bolder presentation, mound the salad onto a giant platter, family style, so guests can dig in and help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Italian Sub Salad, don’t worry! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the dressing separate until serving to help retain the salad’s crunch and prevent wilting.

Freezing

While salads with high-moisture vegetables like lettuce and cucumber don’t freeze well, you can freeze the meats and cheeses used in this Italian Sub Salad if you want to prep parts of the recipe ahead of time. Just thaw completely in the fridge before assembling the salad.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, there’s no need for reheating! If you find the ingredients have gotten a bit soft, try adding a handful of fresh chopped romaine and a splash of new dressing to revive the dish for another meal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While romaine is wonderfully crisp and classic for this Italian Sub Salad, you can swap in iceberg, mixed greens, or even baby spinach for a slightly different flavor and texture profile.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, Italian Sub Salad is naturally gluten-free as long as your meats and cheeses are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if serving someone with an allergy, just to be safe.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the salami and pepperoni, and double up on the cheeses or add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or roasted artichoke hearts. The salad will still be wonderfully hearty and satisfying.

How much in advance can I make the salad?

You can assemble the salad (minus the dressing) up to one day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, and add the dressing and give it a toss just before serving for maximum freshness.

What’s the best way to pack this salad for lunch?

For meal prep, layer the Italian Sub Salad in airtight containers, placing the dressing in a small separate cup. This keeps everything super crisp until you’re ready to eat—just drizzle and toss right before enjoying a no-soggy lunch!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Italian Sub Salad has become such a beloved classic in my kitchen—it’s bold, colorful, and delightfully satisfying, every single time. Whether you’re looking to shake up your lunch routine or impress your friends at your next get-together, this salad is always up to the challenge. Gather your favorite meats and cheeses, toss with those bright veggies, and savor that unmistakable Italian deli flavor in every bowl. Give it a try and watch it disappear!