Italian Sub Salad Two Ways: Low-Carb or Pasta—A Crowd-Favorite!
Hey foodie friends! Chef Alex here, your kitchen partner-in-crime. Today we’re mixing things up with one of my absolute summer favorites: an Italian Sub Salad—with no bread (gasp)! No worries though, because we’re creating two delicious versions: a fresh low-carb option and a hearty pasta-loaded twist that’ll keep everyone asking for seconds.
If you love Italian subs, but you’re looking for something a little lighter, this tangy, satisfying salad is about to become your new BFF. Perfect for backyard BBQs, summer picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings—it’s got all your favorite sandwich fixings, minus the heavy feeling afterwards. Ready to give your lettuce some love? Let’s dive in!
💭 Why I Love This Recipe: A Personal Story 🌞
This epic salad nostalgia takes me back to summers at my grandma’s house. Nana Maria was a little Italian lady who loved hosting weekend feasts (you know the type). Every Sunday, her kitchen turned into our family’s summer party zone—music, laughter, and plenty of delicious Italian treats.
One sizzling summer day, Nana had this genius idea of combining everyone’s favorite sandwich flavors into a big, refreshing salad. She knew we were tired of heavy pastas and wanted something fresh and filling. This salad was born, and boy—was it a HIT! Nowadays, my family can’t imagine a summer without Nana’s famous Italian Sub Salad recipe gracing the table.
Now I want you to create this crowd-pleasing masterpiece for your loved ones. Let’s get to it!
🥗 Gather Your Ingredients: Salute Fresh Flavors!
Great news—this salad is easy to prep and has ingredients you can find in almost any store.
Salad Ingredients:
– 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, shredded
– ½ pound salami, diced
– ½ pound provolone cheese, diced
– ½ pound pepperoni, diced
– 8 oz marinated mini mozzarella balls (fresh mozzarella pearls work, too!)
– 1 fresh cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1 vibrant red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup mild banana pepper rings (pepperoncinis work too)
– 1 white onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup cubed parmesan cheese (feel the Italian vibes!)
– 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tbsp dried basil
Italian Dressing Ingredients (Easy-Breezy & Flavor-Packed!):
– 1 cup red wine vinegar
– ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp dried basil
– 1 tbsp brown sugar (or substitute with your fave natural sweetener)
– 2 tsp kosher salt
🍝 Optional Add-in:
– Cooked and cooled tri-color cheese tortellini (swap in place of lettuce for a hearty pasta-filled salad—carb lovers rejoice!)
🎬 Let’s Cook: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Base
Grab a large salad bowl and layer your shredded romaine lettuce evenly on the bottom. If making the pasta version, swap romaine for cooked, cooled tortellini here.
Step 2: Layer Your Meats and Cheeses
Top with chopped salami, diced pepperoni, cubed provolone, parmesan cubes, and mini mozzarella balls. Spread them evenly so everyone gets their tasty bite.
Step 3: Fresh Veggie Vibes
Keep those vibrant colors coming—layer sliced cucumber, red pepper, banana pepper rings, and onion slices over the meat-and-cheese goodness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Magic
Lightly dust black pepper and dried basil evenly over your salad. Trust me; it ramps up flavor like nobody’s business.
Step 5: Chill & Relax
Pop your salad bowl in the fridge, covered, for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight). Chilling lets the flavors mingle and marry beautifully—patience pays off, promise.
Step 6: Dressing Time—The Finishing Touch!
Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, brown sugar, and salt until fully blended and smooth. Place in the refrigerator alongside your salad for a tangy, refreshing chill.
Step 7: Toss & Serve!
When it’s go-time, drizzle the dressing evenly over your salad, toss gently—and bam! You’ve got a salad fit for a king (or a cool chef friend like me).
🍽 Serving Suggestions: Make Your Table Sparkle!
Pair your Italian Sub Salad with some crusty garlic bread or olive focaccia for extra wow factor! Hosting a summer BBQ? Grill some Italian sausage, chicken skewers, or shrimp kabobs to accompany your salad. Trust me: smiles guaranteed around the table.
💡 Pro Tips From Chef Alex:
– Customize It: Got other favorite Italian deli meats? Try mortadella, soppressata, or spicy capicola. This salad is versatile—have fun!
– Cheese hustle: If you prefer tangier cheeses, swap provolone with fontina or add creamy ricotta salata cubes.
– Lettuce Love: Not fond of romaine? Sub with shredded iceberg or hearty kale for a nutritional punch.
– Prep Ahead Powerhouse: This salad is even better the next day! Make ahead, chill overnight, and enjoy the stress-free hosting.
🍅 Nutritional Benefits & Information:
This salad packs protein from meats and cheeses, plus vitamins and fiber from veggies. A delicious low-carb option that’s satisfying and filling! Tortellini version offers tasty carbs—ideal for energy seekers.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, low-carb version):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 23g | Carbs: 9g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 3g
🥳 Ready to Share This Winner At Your Next Gathering?
Guys, this salad is like a party in a bowl, bringing bold Italian flavors you’d typically find in your favorite sandwich—with a fresh, crispy salad twist. Perfect for summers and special occasions, I promise this recipe will earn you major chef-worthy praise!
Give it a whirl, snap your culinary creation, and tag me on socials—I absolutely love seeing you rock my recipes. Buon appetito, friends!
📌 Don’t Lose This Recipe—Pin & Save For Your Next Party!