Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the traditional sub rolls for your favorite gluten-free bread or wraps. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, but always check your deli meat and dressing ingredients to be certain they don't contain hidden gluten.

How can I make this sandwich less messy to eat?

The beauty of the chopped method is that it's already designed to be less messy! For extra insurance, hollow out some of the bread from the center of your roll before filling, creating a deeper well for ingredients. You can also wrap the bottom half of the sandwich in parchment paper or foil as you eat.

Can I prepare these sandwiches the night before for a party?

You can prepare the filling the night before, but I recommend assembling sandwiches no more than 4 hours before serving. To keep rolls fresh, wrap assembled sandwiches individually in plastic wrap. For best results, keep the filling and rolls separate until 1-2 hours before the event.

What's the best way to transport these sandwiches for a picnic?

After assembling, wrap each sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil, then place in a rigid container to prevent crushing. Keep them in a cooler with ice packs. Alternatively, transport the filling mixture in a chilled container and bring rolls separately, assembling just before eating.

Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe

Name: Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 ounces deli ham; 4 ounces salami; 4 ounces pepperoni; 4 ounces provolone cheese; 2 generous cups shredded iceberg lettuce or 3 ounces leafy lettuce; 2 sliced intact rings of a medium red onion (about 2 ounces); 1/4 cup banana pepper rings; 1 large tomato, sliced; 4 8-inch sub or hoagie rolls; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing of choice; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

This incredible Chopped Italian Sandwich transforms traditional deli meats, cheeses, and veggies into a perfectly balanced handheld masterpiece. By chopping all ingredients together, every bite delivers the complete flavor experience – no more ingredients sliding out! Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or casual dinners when you need something satisfying without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Flavor Distribution: Chopping everything together means you get all the flavors in every single bite – no more losing half your toppings after the first bite!
Quick Assembly: From start to finish in just 10 minutes – faster than a drive-thru and infinitely more delicious.
Crowd-Pleaser: These sandwiches are perfect for gatherings, game days, or packing for a picnic – everyone gets to customize their own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the filling in advance and assemble when ready to eat for even faster meal solutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Deli Ham: Adds a mild, smoky foundation to complement the stronger flavors. Look for quality ham with minimal processing.
Salami: Provides rich, garlicky depth and that distinctive fermented tang. Go for the good stuff here – it makes a difference!
Pepperoni: Brings that spicy kick and unmistakable flavor that makes Italian subs so craveable. Slice it extra thin if buying whole.
Provolone Cheese: The perfect cheese with its mild, buttery flavor that melts slightly with the warm meats. Sharp provolone works particularly well.
Iceberg Lettuce: Adds essential crunch and freshness. Don’t skimp here – the lettuce provides the textural contrast we need.
Red Onion: Delivers that sharp, aromatic bite that cuts through the richness. Slice thinly if you’re onion-sensitive.
Banana Pepper Rings: These tangy, mildly spicy peppers add brightness and acidity. Feel free to substitute with pepperoncini if you prefer.
Tomato: Brings juicy sweetness and fresh flavor. Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for best results.
Sub Rolls: The foundation of our sandwich. Look for rolls with a slightly crusty exterior and soft interior for the perfect texture.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for our dressing that helps everything stick together.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds vital acidity that balances the rich meats and cheese.
Italian Dressing: Infuses everything with classic Italian herbs and flavors without extra work.
Italian Seasoning: Reinforces those aromatic herb notes for an authentic Italian sandwich shop experience.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mediterranean Style

Swap the meats for prosciutto and capicola, add chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and swap provolone for fresh mozzarella. Use a balsamic glaze instead of the dressing.

Veggie Lover’s Version

Skip the meat entirely and double up on veggies – add chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, olives, and avocado. Use a garlic aioli instead of mayo.

Spicy Kick

Add chopped calabrian chilis or hot cherry peppers, substitute pepper jack for provolone, and add a drizzle of hot honey to the dressing.

Toasted Delight

After assembling, brush the outside of the roll with butter, press in a panini maker or toast in the oven until golden and warm.

How to Make the Chopped Italian Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare Your Chopping Surface

Grab a large cutting board with plenty of space. This is where the magic happens!

Step 2: Chop Everything Together

Place all your sandwich fillings – lettuce, ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, onion, banana peppers, and tomato – on the cutting board. Using a large chef’s knife, chop everything into small, bite-sized pieces. The goal is uniform pieces that will stick together and fit perfectly in your sandwich.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing Components

Add mayonnaise directly onto your chopped ingredients. Drizzle with red wine vinegar and Italian dressing. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over everything.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Using two large spoons or your (clean) hands, mix everything together until well combined. The mayo and dressings should lightly coat all ingredients, helping them stick together.

Step 5: Fill Your Sandwiches

Split the mixture into four equal portions. Slice your sub rolls lengthwise (not completely through) and fill each with a portion of the mixture, pressing it in slightly so it stays put.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Proper Chopping Technique: Chop ingredients to a medium dice – not too fine (which gets mushy) and not too large (which falls out). Aim for pieces about the size of a dime.
Drain Wet Ingredients: Pat the banana peppers and tomatoes with paper towels before chopping to prevent soggy sandwiches.
Let It Marinate: If time allows, mix everything except the lettuce and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before adding the lettuce and assembling. This develops incredible flavor.
Hollow Out the Bread: Remove some of the soft interior bread to create more room for fillings and prevent overflow.
Sharp Knife Is Key: Use your sharpest knife for clean cuts through meats and vegetables, making the chopping process much easier.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with kettle chips, a simple side salad, or a cup of minestrone soup for a complete meal. For drinks, try a cold Italian beer like Peroni, sparkling water with lemon, or a simple glass of Chianti.

Presentation Ideas

Wrap sandwiches in parchment paper and secure with twine for picnics or lunches. For home serving, cut diagonally and display the colorful interior.

Make It a Meal

Set up a DIY sandwich bar with the chopped mixture and additional toppings for guests to customize their own creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead

Chop all ingredients and mix with dressing up to 24 hours ahead, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep lettuce separate until serving time to maintain crispness.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover filling mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day! Keep assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 8 hours.

Packing for Lunch

To prevent sogginess when packing for lunch, toast the inside of the rolls lightly before filling, and pack any extra dressing separately to add just before eating.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the traditional sub rolls for your favorite gluten-free bread or wraps. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, but always check your deli meat and dressing ingredients to be certain they don’t contain hidden gluten.
How can I make this sandwich less messy to eat?

The beauty of the chopped method is that it’s already designed to be less messy! For extra insurance, hollow out some of the bread from the center of your roll before filling, creating a deeper well for ingredients. You can also wrap the bottom half of the sandwich in parchment paper or foil as you eat.
Can I prepare these sandwiches the night before for a party?

You can prepare the filling the night before, but I recommend assembling sandwiches no more than 4 hours before serving. To keep rolls fresh, wrap assembled sandwiches individually in plastic wrap. For best results, keep the filling and rolls separate until 1-2 hours before the event.
What’s the best way to transport these sandwiches for a picnic?

After assembling, wrap each sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil, then place in a rigid container to prevent crushing. Keep them in a cooler with ice packs. Alternatively, transport the filling mixture in a chilled container and bring rolls separately, assembling just before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Chopped Italian Sandwich recipe takes everything wonderful about a classic Italian sub and transforms it into something even better. The simple act of chopping creates perfect flavor harmony in every bite while making it easier to eat. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a make-ahead lunch option, or a crowd-pleasing party food, these sandwiches deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try – I promise they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!

Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Category: Side-dishes
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

An irresistible chopped Italian sandwich that’s bursting with savory deli meats, creamy provolone, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. This flavorful sandwich is a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch, picnics, or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients
Place the shredded lettuce, deli ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, red onion, banana pepper rings, and sliced tomato on a cutting board. Chop all the ingredients into small bite-size pieces, ensuring everything will blend well together in your sandwich.
Make the Dressing and Combine
In a mixing bowl, top the chopped mixture with mayonnaise. Drizzle on the red wine vinegar and Italian salad dressing. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste over the mixture. Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
Portion Out the Filling
Divide the flavorful chopped filling into 4 equal portions. This will make it easier to evenly distribute between the rolls.
Assemble the Sandwich
Take the 8-inch sub or hoagie rolls and carefully fill each one with one portion of the chopped mixture. Press slightly to secure the ingredients inside the rolls.
Serve
Enjoy immediately for the freshest and most vibrant flavors!

Notes

For variety, consider toasting the sub rolls lightly for added crunch and texture.
Add a little extra Italian seasoning or red chili flakes for a spicier kick.
This sandwich pairs beautifully with a side of potato chips or a light Italian pasta salad.
To make ahead: Prep the chopped mixture and dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh.