This Italian Sub Salad delivers all the bold, tangy flavors of your favorite sandwich—without the bread! Choose between a fresh lettuce version or a hearty tortellini version.
Quick Info:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
If you love a classic Italian sub, this salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s packed with savory meats, cheeses, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing—perfect for summer meals, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with different preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavor of an Italian sub without the bread
- Two versions: low carb (lettuce) or hearty (tortellini)
- Perfect for summer gatherings and meal prep
- Loaded with bold, tangy, savory flavors
- Easy to customize for different preferences
- Great make-ahead dish that tastes even better over time
Ingredients Needed
For the Salad :
- 2 hearts of romaine, shredded
- 1/2 lb salami, sliced and cut into squares
- 1/2 lb provolone, cut into squares
- 8 oz marinated mini mozzarella balls
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup mild pepper rings
- 1 white onion, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 cup parmesan, cubed
- 1/2 lb pepperoni, diced
For the Dressing :
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or natural sweetener)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Optional (Second Version)
- 1 bag tri-colored tortellini, cooked and cooled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use turkey or chicken-based deli meats instead of traditional options if preferred
- Swap tortellini for pasta of choice if needed
- Adjust sweetness with your preferred natural sweetener
Equipment / Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife & cutting board
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
How To Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large bowl, add 2 hearts shredded romaine lettuce as the base.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Top with sliced cucumber, red pepper strips, white onion, and pepper rings.
Step 3: Add Meats and Cheeses
Layer salami, pepperoni, provolone, mozzarella balls, and parmesan cubes over the salad.
Step 4: Season the Salad
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon black pepper and 1 tablespoon dried basil evenly over the ingredients.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic powder, basil, brown sugar, and salt. Refrigerate alongside the salad.
Step 7: Serve the Salad
Toss salad with dressing before serving or serve dressing on the side.
Step 8: Optional Tortellini Version
Divide ingredients and mix one portion with cooked, cooled tortellini instead of lettuce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Letting the salad chill enhances flavor
- Slice ingredients evenly for best texture
- Use high-quality deli meats and cheese
- Add dressing just before serving for freshness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding dressing too early (can make salad soggy)
- Skipping chill time (reduces flavor depth)
- Cutting ingredients unevenly
Why This Recipe Works
- Layering ingredients builds balanced flavor
- Chilling allows dressing and ingredients to meld
- Two versions make it flexible for different diets
Serving Suggestions + Easy Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner
- Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
- Pair with crusty bread (optional)
Easy Variations
- Add olives or artichokes
- Use different cheeses
- Make it fully pasta-based
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Store in fridge up to 3 days
- Keep dressing separate for best texture
- Best served chilled
Common Questions
Can I make this low carb?
Yes, use the lettuce version and skip tortellini.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling.
2 Ways to Make the BEST Italian Sub Salad
Italian Sub Salad made two ways—low carb lettuce version or hearty tortellini version. Packed with meats, cheese, veggies, and tangy dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours( Chill Time) 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
2 hearts romaine
1/2 lb salami
1/2 lb provolone
8 oz mozzarella balls
1 cucumber
1 red pepper
1 cup pepper rings
1 white onion
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp dried basil
1 cup parmesan
1/2 lb pepperoni
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare salad
Add romaine to bowl and top with veggies, meats, and cheese.
Step 2: Season
Sprinkle spices over salad.
Step 3: Chill
Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make dressing
Whisk dressing ingredients and chill.
Step 5: Serve
Toss with dressing or serve on side.
Step 6: Optional version
Add tortellini for second version.