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The first warm days of summer always summon my cravings for fresh, vibrant meals. On a recent afternoon, as I sat outside, the scent of herbs filled the air, prompting a culinary daydream about classic Italian flavors. This led me to create the Italian Sub Salad — a delightful twist that captures the essence of a well-loved sandwich but reinvented as a crunchy, colorful salad. With two delicious variations—one low-carb, filled with crisp romaine, and the other heartier with tri-colored tortellini—this dish caters to every palate. Whether you’re looking to lighten your meals or indulge in a comforting pasta, this salad delivers the savory goodness of cured meats and creamy cheeses in a refreshing format. Perfect for sunny days, picnics, or simply to escape the monotony of fast food, let’s dive into making this Italian Sub Salad two ways!

Why You’ll Love Italian Sub Salad Two Ways

Freshness Abounds: This salad bursts with vibrant ingredients, transforming classic flavors into a light dish perfect for summer.

Two Versions: Enjoy a low-carb option or indulge with hearty tortellini—the choice is yours!

Versatile and Customizable: Swap in your favorite deli meats or fresh veggies for a personalized touch.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or hosting a summer gathering, this salad’s robust flavors and colors will impress every guest.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in advance to save time, but keep the dressing separate until serving to ensure optimal freshness.

Italian Sub Salad Ingredients

• Dive into the fresh goodness of Italian Sub Salad Two Ways with this ingredient list!

For the Low Carb Version

Hearts of Romaine – Provides a crisp base that keeps the salad light.
Salami (½ lb) – Adds smoky, savory flavor; swap with your favorite deli meat like turkey if desired.
Provolone (½ lb) – Creamy texture and rich taste; mozzarella or cheddar are tasty alternatives.
Marinated Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls (8 oz) – Enhance taste and texture with marinated versions for extra flavor depth.
Cucumber (1, sliced thin) – Offers freshness and crunch; substitute with bell pepper for a pop of color.
Red Pepper (1, sliced into strips) – Adds sweetness and color; use yellow or green peppers if preferred.
Mild Pepper Rings (1 cup) – Adds a slight heat and flavor; any pickled peppers can work too.
White Onion (1, sliced into strips) – Provides sharpness; red onion can offer a milder, colorful option.
Black Pepper (1 tbsp) – For seasoning; freshly ground works best for flavor.
Dried Basil (1 tbsp) – Offers herby notes; fresh basil elevates aroma.
Parmesan (1 cup, cubed) – Adds richness and umami flavor; Pecorino Romano can be a good alternative.
Garlic Powder (1 tbsp) – For flavor enhancement; fresh minced garlic can be used in smaller amounts.
Kosher Salt (2 tsp) – Essential for seasoning; you can use sea salt or table salt.

For the Carb Version

Tri-colored Tortellini (optional) – Adds heartiness for pasta lovers; substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.

Dressing Ingredients

Red Wine Vinegar (1 cup) – Acts as the dressing base, providing acidity; white wine vinegar or lemon juice can be good substitutes.
Olive Oil (½ cup) – Provides healthy fats and richness; avocado oil offers a neutral flavor.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp) – Balances flavors with sweetness; natural sweeteners can replace it.

Prepare to enjoy a refreshing and satisfying Italian Sub Salad Two Ways full of deliciousness!

How to Make Italian Sub Salad Two Ways

Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded hearts of romaine. This leafy green adds a crunchy texture, making your salad irresistible right from the start.
Layer Ingredients: Begin layering your salad by adding sliced cucumbers, red peppers, meats, cheeses, and onions. Arrange them beautifully to create an appealing, colorful display—each bite should be a flavor explosion!
Season and Chill: Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and dried basil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let all those flavors meld beautifully together.
Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Let it chill overnight as well for best flavor—this dressing is going to tie everything together!
Serve and Enjoy: Just before serving, you can either toss the entire salad with the dressing or serve it on the side. This allows guests to control their dressing amount and keeps everyone happy!

Optional: Garnish with extra Parmesan for a delightful finishing touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Italian Sub Salad Two Ways

Fridge: Store your salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezer: It’s best not to freeze the salad as the fresh ingredients and textures will suffer. Instead, focus on enjoying it fresh!

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the salad a day in advance; just add the dressing right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Reheating: If you added tortellini, it can be heated separately before serving, but cold is often delightful for salads!

Tips for the Best Italian Sub Salad

Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest veggies and mozzarella to enhance the flavors in your Italian Sub Salad. Stale or old ingredients won’t deliver the same vibrancy!
Chill for Flavor: Refrigerate the salad overnight to deepen the flavors. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes!
Separate Tortellini: If preparing both the low-carb and carb versions, cook the tortellini separately to keep the romaine crunch intact and prevent sogginess.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to swap out meats or veggies based on what you love! This salad is flexible, so make it your own with personal favorites.
Proper Storage: If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to ensure everything stays fresh and crisp in your Italian Sub Salad.

Variations & Substitutions for Italian Sub Salad Two Ways

Feel free to get creative with this salad and make it your own with these fun twists!

Vegetarian: Omit all meats and replace with chickpeas or black beans for a protein-packed option.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed tortilla chips or crispy chickpeas for a delightful crunch amidst the fresh veggies.
Herb Explosion: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for an aromatic boost and vibrant color.
Lower Fat: Use reduced-fat cheese varieties or skip to make it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Mediterranean Spin: Add Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist that enhances flavors.
Zesty Kick: Mix in sliced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes for some added heat and excitement.
Seasonal Veggies: Swap in veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or radishes to keep things fresh and fun year-round.
Dressing Variants: Experiment with flavored olive oils or balsamic vinegar for a unique take on the dressing!

Let your imagination run wild and tailor this salad to suit your cravings!

Make Ahead Options

These Italian Sub Salad Two Ways are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can chop and layer all the fresh ingredients (romaine, veggies, and meats) up to 24 hours before serving; just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. The dressing can be whisked together and chilled overnight as well, enhancing its flavor. To serve, simply toss the salad with the dressing or serve it on the side for a fresh, customizable experience. With these make-ahead options, you’ll enjoy a delicious, easy meal that’s just as vibrant and tasty!

What to Serve with Italian Sub Salad Two Ways?

Pair your colorful creation with delightful sides to craft a complete, satisfying summer meal.

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor and char of grilled chicken perfectly complement the savory elements in the salad.
Mini Sliders: Juicy sliders bring a fun, casual vibe, working seamlessly with the bold flavors of the Italian sub salad.
Garlic Breadsticks: The buttery, garlicky goodness of breadsticks creates a satisfying contrast to the crisp salad, enhancing the meal experience.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes resonate with the Italian theme while offering a burst of freshness alongside your salad.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks such as lemonade or iced tea cleanse the palate and heighten the summer vibe.
Chocolate Mousse: End on a sweet note with silky chocolate mousse for a luxurious dessert that balances the savory salad.

Let these pairings elevate your dinner and bring warmth to any gathering!

Italian Sub Salad Two Ways Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select fresh ingredients for the Italian Sub Salad?
Absolutely! For the best flavors, look for crisp hearts of romaine with no dark spots, as fresh greens will provide both taste and texture. When selecting cucumbers, aim for ones that are firm and smooth-skinned. For meats and cheeses, make sure they’re fresh—peak flavor comes from high-quality products like creamy provolone and savory salami.

How long can I store the Italian Sub Salad in the fridge?
You can store your salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve it, as this will help maintain the crispness of the veggies and prevent any sogginess.

Can I freeze the Italian Sub Salad?
It’s best not to freeze the salad, as the fresh ingredients will lose their textures upon thawing. Make and enjoy your Italian Sub Salad fresh for the best taste and quality. Instead, consider preparing the salad a day in advance for a convenient make-ahead meal!

What should I do if the tortellini becomes soggy in the salad?
If you find that the tortellini becomes soggy, ensure you cook them separately and let them cool down before mixing them into the salad. This way, the pasta will maintain its firmness and add a delightful texture, making your Italian Sub Salad truly enjoyable!

Are there any dietary swaps I can make for this salad?
Yes, very! This salad is highly customizable. If you want a vegetarian option, feel free to omit all meats and add chickpeas or beans for protein. If you’re concerned about allergies, use gluten-free pasta options if enjoying the tortellini version. You can also swap out ingredients based on your own preferences and dietary needs!

How can I ensure my salad is vibrant and visually appealing?
To maintain a colorful presentation, layer your salad with a variety of ingredients and use different colored peppers and fresh herbs. Also, choose items like marinated mozzarella for added flavor, and don’t shy away from garnishing with extra Parmesan before serving—this not only enhances visuals but flavor too!