Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways

If you’re looking for a refreshing salad that bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion, then you’ve come to the right place! My Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways is a delightful twist on the classic sub sandwich, minus the bread. This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s not only packed with wholesome ingredients but also incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this salad will surely impress everyone at the table!

What makes this Italian Sub Salad so special is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a low-carb option or add some pasta for your carb-loving friends. It’s light enough for hot summer days yet hearty enough to satisfy your cravings. Trust me, once you taste this salad, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This salad comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family-friendly appeal: With its delicious flavors and colorful ingredients, it’s sure to please even picky eaters!
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep it in advance and let the flavors marinate in the fridge for a fuss-free meal.
• Versatile options: Enjoy it as-is or add cooked tortellini for a heartier version that everyone will love!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh veggies, meats, and cheeses creates an explosion of taste that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Salad

• 2 Hearts of Romaine, shredded
• 1/2 lb of turkey slices, sliced and cut into squares
• 1/2 lb of Provolone, sliced and cut into squares
• 8 oz 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 turkey pepperoni, diced

For The Dressing

• 1 C apple cider 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

You can also make this salad for carb lovers by adding one cooked and cooled bag of tri-colored tortellini before serving. I love making and serving this salad both ways for my friends who have different preferences—it’s always a hit!

Variations

This Italian Sub Salad is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast or veggie slices instead of turkey slices for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some olives or artichoke hearts for an extra burst of Mediterranean goodness.
• Change the cheese: Try feta or goat cheese if you want something tangy and creamy.
• Make it gluten-free: Simply skip the tortellini or use gluten-free pasta if you’re serving that version.

How to Make Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large bowl, add the shredded romaine lettuce as your base. It’s crucial to have a sturdy base because it’ll hold all those delicious toppings beautifully!

Step 2: Layer on the Goodness

Next, top the lettuce with sliced peppers, turkey, cheeses, onions, and cucumbers. Arrange everything in an appealing pattern; this not only looks great but helps distribute flavors evenly when you serve it.

Step 3: Season and Chill

Sprinkle lightly with salt and some dried basil before covering with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. This chilling time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together!

Step 4: Whisk Up That Dressing

While your salad chills, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined. Letting it sit in the fridge overnight enhances its flavor too—it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Serve It Up!

When you’re ready to serve, either toss everything together with the dressing or keep it on the side so everyone can add their desired amount. Either way, this salad is bound to be a crowd-pleaser!

Enjoy your Italian Sub Salad made two ways—it’s sure to become a favorite at any table!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways

Creating the perfect Italian Sub Salad is easy with a few helpful tips!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce and high-quality meats and cheeses make a world of difference in flavor. Opting for seasonal vegetables can enhance the freshness of your salad.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This is especially important if you’re using a dressing that needs time to develop its taste.
• Customize Your Meats and Cheeses: Don’t hesitate to swap out turkey or provolone for your favorites! Lean turkey and flavorful cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can add unique twists to your salad.
• Make it Colorful: Adding a variety of colorful vegetables not only makes the salad visually appealing but also adds different textures and flavors. Think about incorporating ingredients like cherry tomatoes or radishes for an extra pop!
• Perfect Your Dressing: Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing according to your preference. If you love tangy flavors, feel free to add more vinegar or omit some sweetener!

How to Serve Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways

This Italian Sub Salad is versatile, making it great for casual dinners or festive gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions that will delight your guests!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving for a burst of flavor and color.
• Parmesan Shavings: Add delicate shavings of parmesan cheese on top for an elegant touch that enhances richness.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Breadsticks: These warm and savory breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing on your plate.
• Caprese Skewers: Assemble cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers; they’re light and refreshing complements to your salad.
• Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers creates a beautiful spread alongside your Italian Sub Salad.
• Crispy Zucchini Fries: Baked or air-fried zucchini fries offer a crunchy contrast that’s both healthy and delicious.

By combining these serving ideas with your Italian Sub Salad, you’ll impress everyone at your table while keeping things simple and enjoyable!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The salad will keep well for about 3 days, but for the best flavor, try to enjoy it within 2 days.
• If you have leftovers with dressing mixed in, consume them within 1 day for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the fresh ingredients and textures, especially the lettuce and cheese.
• However, if you make the dressing separately, you can freeze it in ice cube trays for future use.

Reheating

• This salad is best enjoyed cold; simply take it out of the fridge when you’re ready to eat.
• If you’ve added tortellini and prefer it warm, you can reheat the tortellini separately and mix it into the salad just before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways without cheese?

Absolutely! You can omit cheese or substitute it with dairy-free alternatives if desired. This will still keep your salad flavorful and satisfying.

What are some variations for Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways?

Feel free to customize your salad by adding different vegetables or proteins. You can also adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences!

How long does Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways last in the fridge?

This salad stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 days when stored properly. For the best taste, try to consume it within 2 days.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Italian Sub Salad, Two Ways as I am! It’s a delightful way to enjoy all those classic flavors in a light and refreshing way. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients! Happy cooking!