CHOPPED ITALIAN SUB SANDWICH

CHOPPED ITALIAN SUB SANDWICH is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Catherine's Plates on YouTube.

Prep: 27 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 35 min

Cost: $16.93 total, $4.23 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Iceberg Lettuce (shredded; pre‑packaged or freshly shredded from a head)
  • 0.25 pound Deli Ham (thinly sliced, then cut into bite‑sized pieces)
  • 0.25 pound Hard Salami (thinly sliced, then cut into strips)
  • 0.25 pound Pepperoni (sliced, then cut into bite‑sized pieces)
  • 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (low‑moisture shredded)
  • 0.5 cup Cheddar Cheese (Vermont cheddar, cut into small cubes)
  • 0.5 cup Munster Cheese (cut into small cubes)
  • 0.25 cup Red Onion (finely diced)
  • 0.5 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved then quartered (about 8 tomatoes))
  • 0.25 cup Banana Peppers (chopped; include some juice for dressing)
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise (regular mayo, not Miracle Whip)
  • 2 tablespoons Italian Dressing (zesty Italian dressing; regular Italian dressing works too)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 4 pieces Hoagie Rolls (fresh Italian sub rolls; can be toasted if desired)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lettuce

    Place 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce into a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Cut Deli Meats

    Slice the quarter‑pound of ham, salami, and pepperoni into bite‑sized pieces and add them to the bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Mozzarella

    Sprinkle 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella over the meat and lettuce.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Cube Cheddar

    Cut 0.5 cup of Vermont cheddar into small cubes and add to the bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Cube Munster Cheese

    Cut 0.5 cup of Munster cheese into small cubes and add to the bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Dice Red Onion

    Finely dice about 1/4 cup of red onion and add to the mixture.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Quarter Cherry Tomatoes

    Halve then quarter 0.5 cup of cherry tomatoes (about 8) and add to the bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Chop Banana Peppers

    Finely chop 2–3 banana peppers (about 0.25 cup) and set aside; reserve some juice for the dressing.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Make Italian Dressing

    In a small bowl whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp zesty Italian dressing, 1 tbsp banana pepper juice, 0.25 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Combine and Toss

    Pour the dressing over the lettuce‑meat‑cheese mixture. Using tongs, gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Prepare Hoagie Rolls

    Using a bread knife, slice each hoagie roll about three‑quarters of the way through, keeping the hinge intact. Optionally hollow out a small portion of the interior for extra space.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Assemble Sandwiches

    Spoon the chopped Italian mixture into each roll, filling generously. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
20g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian, Not vegan

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Last updated: March 25, 2026

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CHOPPED ITALIAN SUB SANDWICH

Recipe by Catherine's Plates

A fun, no‑cook twist on the classic Italian sub. All the favorite deli meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies are chopped and tossed with a creamy Italian‑style dressing, then piled into a hoagie roll for a handheld salad‑sandwich experience.

EasyItalian-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.93
Total cost
$4.23
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cut all deli meats into bite‑sized pieces.
  • Make the creamy Italian dressing and taste for seasoning.
  • Gently toss the salad to coat without crushing the lettuce.
  • Slice the hoagie rolls correctly to hold the filling.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingers curled away from the knife blade.
  • Handle mayonnaise with clean utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

The chopped Italian sub sandwich is a modern, deconstructed take on the classic Italian hoagie, popular in the United States as a portable, salad‑style version that lets diners enjoy the same bold flavors without the mess of a traditional sandwich.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of the Italian sub sandwich in the United States?

A

In the Northeast, especially New York and Philadelphia, the Italian sub often features provolone, pepperoni, salami, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar, while in the Midwest you’ll find added giardiniera and sometimes a sweeter Italian dressing. The chopped version adapts these ingredients into a salad format.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic Italian sub traditionally served in Italian‑American delis?

A

Traditionally it is served on a soft, crusty hoagie roll, layered with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, a mix of cured meats, provolone or mozzarella, and dressed with oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning. The chopped version keeps the same ingredients but tosses them together for a handheld salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?

A

It’s a popular choice for casual gatherings, picnics, and sports tailgates because it’s easy to make in bulk, portable, and offers the beloved flavors of an Italian sub without the need for a sandwich assembly line.

cultural
Q

What makes the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the deconstruction—combining all classic sub ingredients into a vibrant, mixed salad that can be eaten with a fork or stuffed back into a roll, offering both texture and convenience.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich?

A

Common mistakes include over‑dressing the salad, which makes the lettuce soggy, and cutting the meats into pieces that are too large, which creates an uneven bite. Also, slicing the roll too deep can cause it to fall apart.

technical
Q

Why does this Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich recipe use mayonnaise‑based dressing instead of a simple oil‑vinegar dressing?

A

The mayonnaise creates a creamy coating that binds the chopped ingredients together and mimics the richness of a traditional sub’s oil‑based dressing while keeping the mixture moist and easy to eat from a roll.

technical
Q

Can I make the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the chopped ingredients and dressing separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, then combine and assemble the rolls just before serving to maintain freshness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich is done?

A

The lettuce should remain crisp, the meats and cheeses evenly distributed, and the dressing should lightly coat everything without pooling. The roll should be lightly opened, holding the mixture without tearing.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specialize in?

A

Catherine's Plates focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that put a creative spin on classic comfort foods, often featuring step‑by‑step tutorials and practical kitchen tips for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates' approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Catherine's Plates emphasizes quick, no‑cook or minimal‑cook adaptations of beloved dishes, like turning a traditional Italian sub into a chopped salad‑sandwich, while many other channels stick to classic preparation methods.

channel

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