Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients – Salad:
- Base: 1 head of iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped
- Meats: 4-5 oz salami, thinly sliced and chopped
- Meats: 4-5 oz pepperoni, thinly sliced and chopped
- Meats: (Optional) 4-5 oz cooked ham or turkey, chopped
- Cheese: 4-5 oz provolone, cubed or shredded
- Vegetables: ¼ cup sliced red onion, ¼ cup sliced banana peppers, ½ cup chopped grape or cherry tomatoes, ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Other: Dried oregano, fresh basil (optional), salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients – Dressing:
- Base: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- Flavor Enhancers: 1 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional), 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder,
- Sweetness (optional): ½ tsp honey or a pinch of sugar
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Veggies: Wash and chop the lettuce. Slice the onion and peppers. Cut the tomatoes in half. Cube or shred the cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, mayonnaise (if using), mustard (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, honey/sugar(if using), and salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, salami, pepperoni, ham/turkey (if using), provolone, onion, banana peppers, tomatoes, and black olives (if using).
- Dress and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with dried oregano for a flavor boost. Optionally add torn fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh note.
- Chill (Optional): For deeper flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust to your liking: This is a starting point; add or subtract ingredients you love! Other tasty additions could be artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or mozzarella pearls.
- Make it Low-Carb: Omit the honey/sugar and use a sugar substitute if desired.
- Meal Prep: Prepare the salad components a day or two in advance and store separately. Combine and dress just before serving for the best texture.
Enjoy your delicious, customizable Italian Sub Salad!
