Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, I find myself longing for hearty, comforting meals that evoke warmth and nostalgia. One delightful dish that fulfills this craving is my Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways. This cozy salad is perfect for gathering friends around the table, offering both a light, fresh version for the health-conscious and a satisfying carb lover’s delight with a twist! It transports me back to childhood picnics, where flavors danced upon our tongues and laughter filled the air.
Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends, this salad wins everyone over.
- Versatile Options: Serve it low carb or as a hearty pasta dish—perfect for both dietary preferences!
- Quick and Easy: Simply toss everything together and let it chill, making it a simple choice for busy weeknight dinners.
- Loaded with Flavor: With layers of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and a zingy dressing, your taste buds will rejoice!
- Make-Ahead Magic: It’s an excellent dish to prepare in advance, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully by serving time.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
For The Salad:
- 2 Hearts of Romaine, Shredded
- 1/2 lb of Salami, Sliced and Cut into Squares
- 1/2 lb of Provolone, Sliced and 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: For the pasta lovers, add one cooked and cooled bag of tri-colored tortellini just before serving. I often prepare both variations, splitting the ingredients so everyone can enjoy their preference!
Let’s Make It Together
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, add the shredded romaine lettuce.
- Layer the Ingredients: Top the lettuce with the sliced peppers, salami, provolone, marinated mozzarella, cucumbers, onions, pepper rings, and cubed Parmesan.
- Season and Chill: Drizzle lightly with salt and oregano, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until well blended. Allow it to chill in the fridge overnight, too, so the flavors infuse.
- Serve: When ready to serve, you can either toss the salad with the dressing or serve the dressing on the side, allowing your guests to add their desired amount.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Zesty Italian Twist: Try adding diced cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives for an extra burst of flavor.
- Creamy Avocado Flair: Slice in some ripe avocado for a rich, buttery texture that enhances each bite.
- Crunchy Croutons: Add homemade croutons for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the salad’s tender ingredients.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano to elevate the Italian elements even further.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: This salad is ideal for prepping a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld overnight.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out any meat or cheese for what you have on hand or prefer—don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days; the flavors will continue to develop.
- Slicing Tricks: For easier assembly, ensure all ingredients are cut uniformly; this not only looks nice but also offers a more balanced bite.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for optimal flavor melding.
Can I use different ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your favorites or what you have available.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy within 2-3 days for the best taste.
How long does it last?
While the salad is best fresh, it will hold well for a few days in the fridge—just remember to keep the dressing separate until serving!
Wrapping It Up
Our Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways is more than just a dish; it encapsulates the warmth of shared meals and the joy of coming together. Perfect for any gathering or simply as a delightful treat for yourself, this salad promises layers of flavor and a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Save this Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways to your “Cozy Eats” board so it’s ready when you need a delicious, comforting treat!
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Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy Italian salad offering both a light version and a hearty carb-lovers delight, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Hearts of Romaine, Shredded
- 1/2 lb of Salami, Sliced and Cut into Squares
- 1/2 lb of Provolone, Sliced and 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 bag of cooked and cooled tri-colored tortellini
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the shredded romaine lettuce as the salad base.
- Top the lettuce with the sliced peppers, salami, provolone, marinated mozzarella, cucumbers, onions, pepper rings, and cubed Parmesan.
- Drizzle lightly with salt and oregano, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 240 minutes or overnight to meld flavors.
- In a separate bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until well blended; chill overnight for best flavor.
- When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.
Notes
Ideal for prepping a day in advance for the best flavor. Feel free to swap ingredients based on preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
