Name: Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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; 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

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If you’re craving all the flavors of an Italian sub but want to skip the bread, Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways is your new secret weapon! Imagine generous heaps of crispy romaine, zingy pepperoncini, vibrant veggies, layers of smoky salami and pepperoni, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette—all tossed up for the ultimate satisfying salad. The kicker? You can split the base and add tortellini for your carb-loving friends while keeping one bowl beautifully low-carb. This salad is hearty enough for dinner, easy enough for lunch, absolutely ideal for picnics, and the definition of fresh-meets-indulgent comfort.

Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this showstopper are simple, but every single one adds something special—crunch, zest, creaminess, or spice. Some are power players for flavor, others punch up the color or classic sandwich texture. Don’t skip the extras; every element has a role in making Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways totally unforgettable!

Romaine Hearts: The perfect crisp base, offering a fresh crunch that stands up to hearty toppings.
Salami: Brings a rich, peppery kick and that classic sub-shop taste.
Provolone Cheese: Mild, creamy, and melts just a little with the dressing—delicious!
Marinated Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Juicy, tangy, and a delightful, creamy chewiness in every bite.
Cucumber: Adds a ribbon of cool, refreshing crunch to balance out the bold meats and cheese.
Red Pepper: Sweet, bright strips add stunning color and a gentle bite.
Mild Pepper Rings: For that irresistible tang and a pop of Italian sub personality.
White Onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle, sharp kick—you can soak in water to mellow it if you prefer.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked if possible; brightens the whole bowl.
Dried Basil: Lends earthy, aromatic flavor throughout.
Parmesan, Cubed: Savory, nutty, and savory—these small cubes are little bursts of umami.
Pepperoni, Diced: Adds bite-size spicy richness for indulgence and nostalgia.
Red Wine Vinegar: The backbone of your dressing, giving everything that bold acidity.
Olive Oil: Choose a good one for a lovely, peppery silkiness in the dressing.
Garlic Powder: A touch of mellow garlic warmth, without any harshness.
Dried Basil (for dressing): Deepens the flavor profile, echoing the salad’s herbs.
Brown Sugar (or natural sweetener): Balances the tartness and brings out the subtleties in the vinegar.
Kosher Salt: For heightening flavors—taste and season as you like.
Tri-Colored Tortellini (optional): For the carb lovers, tender, cheese-filled pasta turns this salad into a filling, wildly satisfying meal!

How to Make Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping and slicing all your components so they’re ready to assemble: cube or slice all the meats and cheeses, wash and shred the romaine, thinly slice cucumbers and onions, and cut red pepper into strips. If you’re using tortellini for the second bowl, cook according to package instructions, then rinse and cool completely.

Step 2: Layer the Salad Base

Grab your largest serving bowl (or split between two if you’re making both versions). Add a hearty layer of shredded romaine for the low-carb dish or substitute with cooled tortellini for the carb-lover’s version. The greens or pasta will catch all the flavors from the cheese and meats.

Step 3: Add Meats, Cheeses, and Veggies

Now comes the fun part! Arrange the salami, pepperoni, provolone, mozzarella balls, sliced cucumbers, red peppers, pepper rings, white onion, and cubed parmesan over the base. For a classic deli look, lay them in sections or patterns. Overlap the salty meats with the creamy cheeses, nestle in the crunchy veggies, and sprinkle over the black pepper and dried basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 4: Chill for Flavor

Sprinkle everything lightly with a pinch of salt and a touch more dried basil if that’s your style. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, so the flavors can really marry and the salad stays crisp and vibrant.

Step 5: Make the Zesty Homemade Dressing

While your salad chills, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, brown sugar, and kosher salt in a jar or bowl. Give it a good blend and let it chill in the fridge alongside the salad—it gets better the longer it sits.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

When ready to eat, give the dressing a quick shake or whisk. You can serve the dressing on the side for guests to drizzle on their plates, or toss everything together for the ultimate flavor explosion. If making Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways, serve both bowls side by side to keep everyone happy, whether they’re craving greens or pasta.

How to Serve Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways

Garnishes

Bring your salad to life with a flurry of fresh basil ribbons, extra cracked black pepper, or a little more parmesan shaved right on top. If you’ve got gorgeous cherry tomatoes or olives, feel free to scatter a few over for a splash of color and Italian flair.

Side Dishes

Since Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways is substantial and packed with bold flavors, keep the sides light and simple. Serve with a small bowl of Italian olives, a dish of marinated artichokes, or some roasted bell peppers. For pasta salad fans, offer slices of fresh melon or a simple fruit salad for a perfectly refreshing finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning party platter, arrange the salad ingredients artfully on a large board—turn it into a showy antipasto “bar.” Or, fill individual mason jars for picnic-ready portions. To keep things interactive, put out all the toppings and let everyone build their own version—some with lettuce, some with tortellini.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways keeps beautifully in the fridge; just make sure to store the dressing separately. Place any undressed salad in an airtight container and use within 2-3 days for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

These fresh ingredients and creamy cheeses don’t take well to freezing—so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. Freezing will likely affect the crispness and taste, especially for the lettuce and mozzarella.

Reheating

There’s no reheating needed! If you’d like to refresh a day-old salad, toss in a handful of new lettuce or an extra splash of dressing to liven up the texture and flavors. For the tortellini version, you can microwave chilled pasta for a few seconds before tossing with toppings, though it’s designed to be enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I make this salad truly gluten-free?

Absolutely! As long as you skip the tortellini or use a gluten-free pasta, the rest of the ingredients in Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your packaged meats and cheeses to be sure.

What other proteins can I use?

Feel free to substitute turkey or chicken for the salami and pepperoni if you want something leaner, or toss in some flaked tuna or roasted chickpeas for a Mediterranean spin. It’s endlessly customizable!

Can I prep the salad ahead for a picnic or potluck?

Yes, this recipe is a picnic superstar. Layer tightly in a portable container, keep the dressing on the side, and toss everything together right before serving for max crunch and freshness.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can absolutely create a dairy-free variation of Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways by omitting the cheese and adding extras like marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, or extra veggies for bulk and flavor.

What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

No worries! White wine vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can step in for that tangy dressing zing. Just taste and adjust seasoning as you go until it’s just right.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made a main-course salad that feels like a total treat, Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways is the place to start. It’s a party in a bowl—fresh, filling, and totally customizable for every crowd. Give it a try, and see just how fun and flavorful salad night can be!