Chopped Italian Sandwich
Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor? Look no further than the Chopped Italian Sandwich! This delightful blend of deli meats, vibrant veggies, and zesty dressings offers a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weekday lunch or a casual family gathering. With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you can whip up a delicious sandwich that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s a sandwich that does all the talking with its colorful ingredients and satisfying crunch!
Why you’ll love this dish
This Chopped Italian Sandwich is not only delicious but also remarkably easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Budget-friendly, too—who doesn’t love meals that please both the palate and the wallet? Plus, this dish combines familiar flavors that the whole family will adore. Kids especially love the chewy texture of the meats and the crunchy freshness of the veggies.
"This sandwich is a game-changer! The flavors mesh so well together, and it’s a breeze to customize it based on what I have at home. My kids keep asking for it!" – A satisfied home cook.
Step-by-step overview
Making this Chopped Italian Sandwich is a straightforward process, ideal for those who might not be culinary experts but still want to impress. The news gets even better—you can whip this up in about 30 minutes! Start by chopping your ingredients and mixing them all together with the dressing. Once that’s done, it’s simply a matter of filling your sub rolls and serving them up fresh. It’s as simple as that—no cooking involved, just a little bit of chopping!
What you’ll need
To make the most scrumptious Chopped Italian Sandwich, gather these ingredients:
- 4 ounces deli ham
- 4 ounces salami
- 4 ounces pepperoni
- 4 ounces provolone cheese
- 2 generous cups shredded iceberg lettuce or 3 ounces leafy lettuce
- 2 sliced intact rings of a medium red onion (about 2 ounces)
- 1/4 cup banana pepper rings
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 8-inch sub or hoagie rolls
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing of choice
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t forget—you can substitute fresh veggies or different cheeses to tailor the dish to your liking!
Directions to follow
- Begin by chopping the lettuce, ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, onion, banana peppers, and tomato into small bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer these chopped ingredients to a mixing bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, followed by the red wine vinegar, Italian salad dressing, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
- Finally, fill each sub roll with a portion of the chopped mixture.
And just like that, you’ve got four delectable sandwiches ready to serve!
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your Chopped Italian Sandwich experience, consider pairing it with a side of crispy potato chips or a refreshing pasta salad. You might even serve it with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a light touch. When it comes to drinks, a chilled soda or iced tea would complement the flavors perfectly!
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret! Store any uneaten sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, for utmost freshness, it’s best to keep the filling and the rolls separate until you’re ready to serve. If you want to freeze extras, consider storing the filling in bags and defrosting it in the refrigerator before assembling your sandwich again.
Helpful cooking tips
- For an extra kick, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- If you’re a fan of herbs, fresh basil or oregano can give the sandwich a vibrant flavor boost.
- Be mindful of the ripeness of your tomatoes; a ripe tomato will add sweetness and juiciness that enhance the whole sandwich!
Creative twists
Love to experiment? You can easily switch things up by using different deli meats like turkey or roast beef. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using a whole wheat or gluten-free roll. Want a vegetarian option? Substitute the meats with marinated grilled vegetables to keep all that vibrant flavor while satisfying different dietary preferences.
Your questions answered
- What’s the prep time for this recipe? Prep time is around 15 minutes, with another 15 for assembly.
- Can I use other cheese types? Absolutely! Mozzarella or Swiss can work perfectly for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Is this sandwich suitable for meal prep? Yes! Just keep the fillings separate from the bread until you’re ready to eat for the best taste and texture.
This Chopped Italian Sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s a happy gathering of flavors and textures that you’ll want to make time and time again. So go ahead and tuck in; you won’t regret it!
Chopped Italian Sandwich
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the lettuce, ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, onion, banana peppers, and tomato into small bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer these chopped ingredients to a mixing bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, followed by the red wine vinegar, Italian salad dressing, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
- Fill each sub roll with a portion of the chopped mixture.
