Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways: A Cozy Recipe to Gather Around
As the leaves start to change and the air grows crisp, there’s something about a hearty salad that makes my heart flutter with nostalgia. The Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, celebrate, and indulge in delightful flavors that remind me of those lazy summer picnics by the lake. With vibrant colors and a medley of textures, this salad embodies the warmth of sharing a meal with loved ones.
This cozy recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for special occasions. Whether you’re low-carb or a die-hard pasta lover, this versatile salad has something for everyone. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: serve it both ways for carb lovers and low-carb enthusiasts!
- Packed with flavors — a delightful mix of salami, provolone, and zesty vegetables.
- Great for meal prep or gatherings; it holds up well in the fridge.
- A vibrant dish that looks stunning on any table, making it a hit with friends and family.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 hearts of romaine, shredded
- 1/2 lb of salami, sliced, cut into squares
- 1/2 lb of provolone, sliced, cut into squares
- 8 oz package of marinated mini fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cucumber, sliced thin
- 1 red pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup of mild pepper rings
- 1 white onion, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 cup of Parmesan, cubed
- 1/2 lb pepperoni, diced
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or a natural sweetener)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- For those who love their carbs, add one cooked and cooled bag of tri-colored tortellini just before serving! This way, you can cater to both your low carb and carb-loving friends by splitting the ingredients in half.
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the shredded romaine lettuce.
- Top the salad with the red pepper, mild pepper rings, salami, provolone, pepperoni, mini mozzarella balls, white onion, and cucumber. You can arrange these ingredients in a colorful and pattern-like fashion to make it visually appealing!
- Sprinkle lightly with black pepper and dried basil, followed by a pinch of salt.
- Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if time allows. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- While the salad is chilling, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing in a separate bowl. Let it chill overnight as well; the flavors only get better!
- When ready to serve, either toss the entire salad with the dressing for a more casual feel, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add to their bowls.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Zesty Italian Twist: Add sliced black olives and cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Crunchy Delight: Toss in some sunflower seeds or crunchy croutons for added texture.
- Herbed Bliss: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a refreshing twist.
- Satisfying Protein Boost: Substitute turkey bacon for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advantage: Perfect for weekday meal prep! The salad stays fresh for a couple of days, making it a great lunch option.
- Storage: Store the dressing separately to keep the salad crisp. It can last in the fridge for 3 days if kept tight in a sealed container.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to switch up the cheeses or meats based on what you have on hand. Mozzarella can be replaced with feta for a tangy option.
- Slicing Tricks: When slicing the onion, soak it in cold water briefly to mellow the flavors if you prefer a milder taste.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 standard bowl
- Calories: 468
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 1g
- Fat: 36g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 950mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It’s ideal to prepare it a few hours in advance, or even overnight for the best flavor.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Swap out ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate to maintain crispness.
How long does it last?
The salad will typically stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways is a little taste of joy on a plate, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It captures the essence of sharing good food with good company, and it’s easy to customize for any dietary preference. With its bounty of fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
Save this Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways to your recipe board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Share it with friends or keep it on hand for those days when you just need a comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. Happy cooking!
Print
Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and vibrant salad that combines salami, provolone, and zesty vegetables, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 2 hearts of romaine, shredded
- 1/2 lb salami, sliced, cut into squares
- 1/2 lb provolone, sliced, cut into squares
- 8 oz marinated mini fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cucumber, sliced thin
- 1 red pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup mild pepper rings
- 1 white onion, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 cup Parmesan, cubed
- 1/2 lb pepperoni, diced
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cooked and cooled bag of tri-colored tortellini (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the shredded romaine lettuce.
- Top the salad with the red pepper, mild pepper rings, salami, provolone, pepperoni, mini mozzarella balls, white onion, and cucumber, arranging them for a visually appealing look.
- Sprinkle lightly with black pepper and dried basil, followed by a pinch of salt.
- Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- While chilling, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a separate bowl, letting it chill overnight as well.
- When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing or offer the dressing on the side.
Notes
Store the dressing separately to keep the salad crisp. It lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 standard bowl
- Calories: 468
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
