Description
The Chopped Italian Sandwich is a quick and delicious sandwich featuring a vibrant mix of Italian cured meats, provolone cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy oil and vinegar dressing. Chopped and tossed together, this sandwich offers a harmonious balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors inside crusty Italian bread or hoagie rolls. Perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, or meal prep, it is customizable and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Italian Cured Meats
- Salami, 2 oz, sliced or chopped
- Capicola, 2 oz, sliced or chopped
- Pepperoni, 2 oz, sliced or chopped
Cheese
- Provolone cheese, 4 oz, chopped or sliced
Fresh Vegetables
- Lettuce, 1 cup, finely chopped
- Tomato, 1 medium, finely chopped
- Red onions, 1 small, finely chopped
- Pepperoncini, 4-5 slices, finely chopped
Dressing
- Extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp
- Red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp
- Italian seasoning, 1 tsp
- Salt, pinch
- Freshly ground black pepper, pinch
Bread
- Crusty Italian bread or hoagie rolls, 2 rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and finely chop the lettuce, tomato, red onions, and pepperoncini. This chopped mixture will form the fresh, crisp layer that balances the rich flavors of the meats.
- Chop the Italian Meats: Slice or roughly chop the salami, capicola, and pepperoni into bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite bursts with smoky, savory flavor.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple vinaigrette that ties all ingredients together.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables, meats, and provolone cheese with the dressing. Make sure everything is evenly coated for maximum flavor and texture.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the crusty Italian bread or hoagie rolls open and generously fill them with the chopped mixture. Press lightly to compact and serve immediately, or wrap for later enjoyment.
Notes
- This sandwich is easily customizable; swap or omit meats for dietary preferences.
- Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make ahead by preparing the chopped mixture and storing it separately from the bread to keep it fresh.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini or omit for less spiciness.
- For a low-fat option, use reduced-fat provolone or less cheese.
