Name: Loaded Italian Sub Salad: 5 Bold Ingredients to Try
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup sliced pepperoncini; ⅓ cup black or green olives, halved; ⅓ cup shredded provolone cheese; ⅓ cup cubed mozzarella or mozzarella pearls; ⅓ cup chopped salami; ¼ cup chopped pepperoni; ⅓ cup chopped ham or turkey (optional); ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp dried oregano; ¼ tsp garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Loaded Italian Sub Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian hoagie, bringing together an array of fresh ingredients without the bread. This hearty salad features crisp romaine, savory cured meats, and creamy cheeses, all dressed with a zesty homemade dressing. It’s the perfect low-carb meal that satisfies hunger while delivering robust flavors. Let’s dive into how to make this flavor-packed dish!

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Italian Sub Salad

This salad is not just about taste; it’s a celebration of Italian flavors! Here are a few reasons to love it:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Loaded with nutritious ingredients, it’s a fresh Italian salad with meats that satisfies cravings.
Low in carbs, making it a great option for those on a low-calorie diet.
Versatile: customize it with your favorite meats and veggies.
Perfect for meal prep; it stores well in the fridge.
Ideal for parties—an Italian sub salad idea that impresses guests!

Ingredients for Loaded Italian Sub Salad

Gather these items:

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup sliced pepperoncini
⅓ cup black or green olives, halved
⅓ cup shredded provolone cheese
⅓ cup cubed mozzarella or mozzarella pearls
⅓ cup chopped salami
¼ cup chopped pepperoni
⅓ cup chopped ham or turkey (optional)
⅓ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Loaded Italian Sub Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Wash and chop romaine. Slice tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, and olives.
Step 2: Chop salami, pepperoni, and optional ham or turkey. Cube or shred cheeses.
Step 3: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine lettuce, veggies, meats, and cheese in a large bowl.
Step 5: Drizzle with dressing, toss well, and serve immediately or chill until ready.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Loaded Italian Sub Salad

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—opt for in-season produce.
Customize your meats based on what you have; turkey can be a lighter option.
This salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Best Ways to Serve Loaded Italian Sub Salad

Here are some great ideas:

Serve with crusty bread or breadsticks for a complete meal.
Pair it with a side of Italian dressing for added flavor.
Enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner option.

How to Store and Reheat Loaded Italian Sub Salad

This salad is perfect for meal prep! To store, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you prepare it in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Italian Sub Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Loaded Italian Sub Salad?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially fresh veggies and quality deli meats. It’s also essential to prepare the dressing just before serving to keep everything vibrant and flavorful.

Can I make Loaded Italian Sub Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made ahead of time, but for the best taste, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Loaded Italian Sub Salad?

Avoid over-dressing the salad or letting it sit too long before serving, as this can make the lettuce wilt. Always toss the salad gently to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

Variations of Loaded Italian Sub Salad You Can Try

Feel free to mix it up! Here are a few variations:

Swap in different meats like roast beef for a hearty Italian sub salad.
Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Make it a vegan option by using plant-based deli slices and omitting cheese.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Italian sausage and peppers for a hearty meal. If you’re looking for a refreshing side, consider chickpea avocado salad as a perfect complement.

For more information on the health benefits of salads, you can visit Healthline.

Loaded Italian Sub Salad: 5 Bold Ingredients to Try

Author: basmer
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Flavor-Packed Loaded Italian Sub Salad – A Hearty No-Bread Favorite

Instructions

Wash and chop romaine. Slice tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, and olives.
Chop salami, pepperoni, and optional ham or turkey. Cube or shred cheeses.
Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine lettuce, veggies, meats, and cheese in a large bowl.
Drizzle with dressing, toss well, and serve immediately or chill until ready.