Name: Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Hearts of Romaine, Shredded; 1/2 lb of Salami, Sliced, Cut into Squares; 1/2 lb of Provolone, Sliced, Cut into Squares; 8oz 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

Get ready for a dish that checks every box: flavor-packed, ultra-satisfying, and flexible enough to please everyone at the table. That’s why I love Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways! It takes the best parts of a classic Italian sub—savory meats, snappy veggies, creamy cheese, and a zingy dressing—and transforms it all into a hearty, bread-free salad that still feels like a huge treat. Plus, there’s a tortellini twist for carb lovers, so everyone stays happy, whether you’re keeping it light or going all out.

Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the stars of this salad! Every ingredient in Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways is thoughtfully chosen: from the crisp bite of Romaine and fresh veggies to bold Italian meats and cheeses, each part brings either crunch, spice, creaminess, or a pop of color that makes the whole dish sing. Don’t forget the zesty homemade dressing—it ties everything together!

Romaine Hearts: Crisp, refreshing, and sturdy enough to hold up under all the toppings without getting soggy.
Salami: Brings smoky, savory flavor and classic deli vibes—cutting it into squares spreads the flavor out just right.
Provolone: Mild and creamy, it adds a melty richness that balances the tangy veggies and meats.
Marinated Mini Mozzarella Balls: These little gems soak up flavor and add irresistible creaminess.
Cucumber: Thinly sliced for crunch and freshness in every bite.
Red Pepper: Sweet and vibrant strips bring beautiful color and a little juicy sweetness.
Pepper Rings: Mild, tangy, and just a touch spicy—these are the secret to a true Italian sub flavor.
White Onion: Sliced thin for sharpness and zest, which cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
Black Pepper: A tablespoon may seem like a lot, but it adds a lovely warm kick throughout the salad.
Dried Basil: Brings aromatic, herby notes that shout “Italian sub.”
Parmesan, Cubed: Nutty, salty, and firm—these cubes are little flavor bombs in the mix.
Pepperoni: Diced for bold, spicy bites scattered all through the salad.
Red Wine Vinegar (Dressing): The bright tang that really wakes up all the flavors.
Olive Oil (Dressing): Adds smoothness and helps blend everything into a cohesive dressing.
Garlic Powder (Dressing): All the cozy garlic flavor you love, made easy.
Dried Basil (Dressing): Doubles up on the herby, Italian notes in the salad.
Brown Sugar or Sweetener (Dressing): A hint of sweetness rounds out the acidity for a balanced dressing.
Kosher Salt (Dressing): Essential for making every flavor pop.
Tri-Colored Tortellini (Optional): For the carb-lovers, adding this plumps up the salad into a full meal—cook, cool, and toss right before serving!

How to Make Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways

Step 1: Prep All Your Salad Ingredients

Start by chopping, slicing, and dicing everything so it’s ready to be tossed together without a fuss. Cut your Romaine into bite-sized shreds, cube the cheeses and meats, and slice the cucumber, red pepper, white onion, and mild pepper rings. This is the perfect time to get kids or friends involved—set out little bowls for each topping for a true “build your own” party vibe!

Step 2: Assemble The Salad Base

In a large, roomy salad bowl (the bigger, the better for mixing and serving!), spread out the Romaine as your green base. Layer all those gorgeous meats, cheeses, veggies, and pepper rings over the top in colorful sections, or artfully mix them all together—either way, you really can’t go wrong.

Step 3: Mix Up The Dressing

Grab a medium bowl or a big mason jar and whisk (or shake!) together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, brown sugar or sweetener, and kosher salt. You want a dressing that’s well-emulsified and slightly sweet, with plenty of oomph from the vinegar and garlic. Let it chill in the fridge while the flavors meld together for at least a few hours, best overnight.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Once the salad and dressing are prepped, cover your salad bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it refrigerate for four hours or overnight. The rest gives everything time to crisp up and the flavors to mingle perfectly—it’s absolutely worth the wait! Pop your dressing in the fridge, too, if you haven’t already.

Step 5: Toss or Serve “As You Wish”

Right before serving Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways, toss together the salad with the dressing for even flavor in every bite. Or, if you prefer, serve the zesty dressing on the side so each guest can add as much (or as little!) as they like. Remember: if you’re splitting the base for carb-lovers, toss in the cooked, cooled tri-colored tortellini to half the bowl—it instantly becomes a vibrant, hearty pasta salad everyone will be excited to dig into!

How to Serve Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley really lifts this salad, giving a burst of herbal freshness and a dash of color. Scatter a few extra Parmesan cubes or even a grind of black pepper on top to catch the eye. For an extra bite, toss a few more mild pepper rings over the salad just before serving.

Side Dishes

Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways is a standout main all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with garlic breadsticks (for the carb crowd!), a simple melon salad, or grilled vegetables for a summery spread. If the weather’s nice, serve it alongside a chilled rosé or crisp lemon iced tea for a picnic-worthy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the salad onto a big wooden platter so everyone can help themselves family-style, or portion it into little mason jars for a picnic or potluck—super cute and practical! If you’re serving a crowd, offer both the low-carb Romaine version and the hearty tortellini version side by side for a “choose your own adventure” salad bar. No one gets left out, and everyone feels like the guest of honor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. The lettuce may soften slightly over time, but the flavors get even better as they soak in the dressing. Store the dressing separately if you can to keep everything crisp.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well, especially with crisp veggies and delicate cheeses that can become watery or mushy after thawing. If you’re planning ahead, just prep the meats and cheese—those freeze beautifully—and assemble fresh with veggies and dressing when ready.

Reheating

Since Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways is meant to be served cold (or cool), there’s no need to reheat—just grab a fork and enjoy straight from the fridge! If you made the tortellini version and want to enjoy it warm, gently toss just the pasta portion with a little extra dressing for a cozy, unexpected twist.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the salad and dressing overnight gives everything time to marinate and develop even bigger, better flavor. If prepping more than a day ahead, just keep the dressing separate and toss together right before serving for the best crunch.

What other meats or cheeses can I use?

The beauty of Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways is that it’s totally customizable. Try sliced turkey, ham, mortadella, or roast beef, and swap in your favorite cheeses—think fontina, sharp cheddar, or even spicy pepper jack if you want a zippier kick!

How spicy are mild pepper rings?

Mild pepper rings add a zesty tang and gentle heat, but they’re generally much milder than sport or hot cherry peppers. If you like it spicier, go for hot pepper rings or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to bring the heat!

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the salami and pepperoni, and boost the other protein-rich ingredients, such as mozzarella balls, extra provolone, and maybe some chickpeas. The dressing and veggies do the rest of the delicious work.

What’s the best way to serve this at a party?

Set out two big salad bowls—one with the Romaine base and one with tortellini—and let your guests top their own bowls with any combination of meats, cheeses, and veggies they like. Offer the dressing on the side, and watch the crowd go wild for your colorful salad bar!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a lighter bite or wanting something a little more indulgent, Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways is a definite keeper in your summertime recipe rotation. It’s as easy to customize as it is to gobble up, and I can practically guarantee it’ll earn rave reviews. Make it once and you’ll be hooked—so why not invite some friends over and give both versions a try?

Italian Sub Salad, Two WaysItalian Sub Salad, Two Ways Recipe