Description
This Chopped Italian Sandwich recipe is packed with salami, ham, provolone, and crisp veggies, all drizzled with zesty Italian dressing. Easy, authentic, and perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 1 loaf Italian bread or sub rolls (serves 4) – Use a crusty bakery loaf for the best texture
- 8 oz thinly sliced salami – The salty, savory foundation
- 8 oz thinly sliced ham – Adds a mild, sweet balance
- 8 oz thinly sliced mortadella (optional) – For authentic Italian flavor
- 4 oz thinly sliced provolone cheese – Creamy and melts beautifully
- ½ head iceberg lettuce, shredded – Crisp and refreshing
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced – Juicy and bright
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced – A little bite and color
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced – Tangy and mildly spicy
- ½ cup sliced black olives – Briny and rich
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional) – Balances the acidity
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ons:
- Provolone or mozzarella pearls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Banana peppers
- Grated Parmesan
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Let it sit for a few minutes while you prep everything else—this gives the flavors a chance to meld and get even better.
Slice your Italian bread or rolls lengthwise, cutting through horizontally to create a top and bottom. If you’re using a long loaf, you’ll slice it into sandwich portions after assembling.
On the bottom half of the bread, start layering your salami, ham, and mortadella (if using). Don’t be shy—overlap those slices generously.
Top with the provolone cheese, laying it evenly over the meats.
Now pile on the good stuff! Add your shredded lettuce first, then layer the sliced tomato, red onion, pepperoncini, and black olives over the cheese.
This is where the sandwich gets its personality, so be generous.
Give your dressing one more quick whisk, then drizzle it evenly over all the layered ingredients. Make sure you get it into all the corners—every bite should be flavorful.
Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich and press down gently. This helps everything settle together and lets the dressing soak in just a bit.
Use a sharp serrated knife to slice your sandwich into individual portions.
Notes
- Don’t overdress – You can always add more, but too much dressing will make the bread soggy
- Press the sandwich – After assembling, wrap it tightly in foil and place something heavy on top for 10 minutes—this helps all the flavors meld
- Toast the bread – A quick toast adds crunch and creates a barrier against moisture
- Prep ahead – Make the dressing the night before for even better flavor
- Common mistake to avoid – Don’t cut the tomatoes too thick or they’ll slide out; paper-thin is perfect
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American