Chopped Italian Sandwich

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I love this version of a Chopped Italian Sandwich. It’s just as delicious as the classic, if not better! It’s great for a quick lunch, dinner, or to make for a party. The best part is that if you don’t like any of the ingredients included in this sandwich, you can customize it.

An Italian sub sandwich filled with chopped ham, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and seasoning is placed on a white background. Nearby are plates with sliced tomatoes, onions, and additional toppings.

There’s just something so good about Italian meats. This sandwich has salami, pepperoni, and ham so it’s savory, and a little spicy. I like using banana peppers because they have great texture and add a subtle heat that compliments the dressing.

If you like tasty sandwich recipes, you will love my best Roast Beef Sandwich and this Chicken Apple Brie Sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe

Ready in 10 minutes: It only takes 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients for this Italian chopped salad sandwich.
Great to make ahead: This is the perfect recipe to make ahead of time for a party or a weeknight meal.
Crowd favorite: Everyone loves this sandwich! If you bring it to a potluck, I guarantee there will be no leftovers.

Ingredients

Below are all of the ingredients I used to make this Italian chopped sandwich recipe. It’s fairly inexpensive and the fresh items are always delicious.

You can mix it up and use what you like when it comes to meat, cheese, and condiments. I do recommend that you try this version at least once because it’s just that good!

Ingredients to make a chopped Italian sandwich on a wooden cutting board.

Iceberg lettuce: I like the crisp texture of iceberg lettuce in contrast with the other ingredients. You may use romaine or another green leaf lettuce if you prefer.
Deli meat and cheese: For this recipe, I chose ham, salami, and pepperoni. I feel like it’s a good variety and all of the meats play well with the toppings. Provolone keeps this chopped Italian grinder sandwich classic, but mozzarella, American, or even cheddar are great as well.
Tomato: Fresh, juicy tomato is a must-have on any cold-cut sandwich.
Red onion: I like the subtle sweetness and crunch of raw red onion. If you don’t like onions, feel free to leave them out.
Banana peppers: These are great to ensure that the sandwich filling isn’t too spicy. You can omit the peppers or use a different variety such as pepperoncini.
Condiments: Mayonnaise, oil, and red wine vinegar are my favorites. The mayo adds a creamy texture and richness while the vinegar brightens it up!
Seasonings: I use Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The spices in the Italian seasoning blend work perfectly for this sandwich recipe.
Sandwich rolls: Hoagie or sub rolls would work perfectly. Kaiser rolls are great as well but can be a little messy.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free sub rolls and ensure the meats are labeled gluten-free.
Spicy: Ty this Italian chopped sandwich with hot soppressata, hot peppers (like jalapenos), and red pepper flakes to bring the heat! It's also quite tasty with a few drops of our homemade hot pepper sauce .
Greek: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers. Then, swap the mayonnaise for homemade tzatziki sauce to give this chopped sandwich a Greek twist.

How to Make a Chopped Italian Sandwich

Here are the instructions on how to make the viral Italian chopped sandwich. It’s a quick and easy process so you don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but you still can enjoy a yummy meal.

You can mix it up and use what you like when it comes to meat, cheese, and condiments. I do recommend that you try this version at least once because it’s just that good!

Fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses piled up on a cutting board.

Step 1: Gather the ingredients. Add the lettuce, Italian meats, cheese, tomato, onion, and peppers to a cutting board.

Ingredients chopped up on the cutting board with a knife to the side and condiments in little bowls around it.

Step 2: Chop it up. Use a chef’s knife to chop all of the ingredients into bite-size pieces. Transfer everything to a large bowl.

Dressing added to the chopped meats and veggies.

Step 3: Add dressing components. Next, add the mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, and spices to the bowl of ingredients.

Chopped sandwich ingredients mixed together.

Step 4: Toss it together. Gently toss everything together until it’s fully mixed and evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve. Scoop the filling into sub rolls and enjoy!

Three Italian submarine sandwiches filled with a mixture of diced meats, vegetables, and seasonings are placed on a baking tray. C

⭐️ Hint: If you are not going to serve it immediately, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and stick it in the refrigerator. This can also help the ingredients marinate and enhance the flavors, too!

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our Loose Meat Sandwich or our Mediterranean Tortellini Caprese Salad.

Serving Suggestions

Try this viral chopped Italian sandwich with homemade Italian Herb and Cheese Bread.
Use Chardonnay Vinaigrette Dressing as a tasty replacement for olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Serve this sandwich with Mixed Green Salad with Fruit and Nuts or Easy Air Fryer Steak Fries.
This is a great summer meal that can be served alongside a refreshing Mango Mai Tai.

Italian chopped sandwich served on a plate with a black and white napkin in the front and condiments behind the sandwich on the plate.

Recipe Tips

Keep it cold: If you are not serving immediately, keep the salad in the refrigerator so it’s nice and cold. This will prevent the bread from becoming soggy too quickly when you assemble the sandwiches.
Chop it uniformly: Do your best to chop all of the ingredients evenly and into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to eat.
Store: Store the filling separately from the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Refresh the leftovers: Add a touch more mayo and vinegar to the chopped sandwich filling to bring it back to life before enjoying the leftovers.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! Leave out the deli meats and use grilled eggplant, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts as an alternative. Sweet roasted red peppers are fantastic, too.

Can I store leftovers of the sandwich filling in the freezer?

I don’t recommend freezing the chopped sandwich ingredients because the veggies don’t thaw without becoming mushy. You may store the meats and bread in the freezer but make the dressing and add the produce fresh for best results.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Sure! Prepare the chopped Italian salad up to 24 hours before you’re ready to eat and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a tightly covered bowl.

Three Italian chopped sandwiches filled with assorted meats, cheeses, red and yellow peppers, red onions, and seasoning, displayed on a table with a plate of sliced tomatoes and chopped onions in the background.

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More Delicious Italian Dishes

Do you like Italian meals? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.