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The Italian Salad Sandwich: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Lunch (Ready in 15 Minutes!)

the italian salad sandwich

A make-ahead submarine sandwich masterpiece featuring chopped Italian meats, provolone cheese, crisp vegetables, and tangy vinaigrette packed into hollowed Italian bread. Gets better as it sits! Perfect for meal prep and picnics.

Ingredients

  • 1 large Italian bread loaf (16-18 inches)
  • 8 oz Italian deli meats, chopped
  • 6 oz provolone cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini, chopped
  • 1/3 cup olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Vinaigrette:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

  • Cut top off Italian bread loaf horizontally
  • Hollow out both halves, leaving 1/2-3/4 inch shell
  • Make vinaigrette: whisk all dressing ingredients
  • Chop all meats into 1/2-inch pieces
  • Cube cheese into small pieces
  • Chop all vegetables uniformly
  • Combine meats, cheese, and vegetables in large bowl
  • Pour 3/4 of vinaigrette over mixture; toss well
  • Brush inside of bread with remaining vinaigrette
  • Pack salad mixture tightly into bottom bread half
  • Press down firmly to compress
  • Place top back on sandwich
  • Wrap entire sandwich tightly in plastic wrap
  • Weight down with 5-10 lbs
  • Refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight preferred)
  • Slice into 2-inch portions with serrated knife
  • Wrap slices individually for storage

Notes

  • Sandwich improves after 24 hours
  • Keeps refrigerated up to 5 days
  • Don’t skip the weighting step
  • Chop all ingredients uniformly for best results
  • Use crusty bread, not soft sandwich bread
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