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
Prepare Lettuce
Place 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce into a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT2M
Cut Deli Meats
Slice the quarter‑pound of ham, salami, and pepperoni into bite‑sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
Time: PT5M
Add Mozzarella
Sprinkle 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella over the meat and lettuce.
Time: PT1M
Cube Cheddar
Cut 0.5 cup of Vermont cheddar into small cubes and add to the bowl.
Time: PT2M
Cube Munster Cheese
Cut 0.5 cup of Munster cheese into small cubes and add to the bowl.
Time: PT2M
Dice Red Onion
Finely dice about 1/4 cup of red onion and add to the mixture.
Time: PT2M
Quarter Cherry Tomatoes
Halve then quarter 0.5 cup of cherry tomatoes (about 8) and add to the bowl.
Time: PT2M
Chop Banana Peppers
Finely chop 2–3 banana peppers (about 0.25 cup) and set aside; reserve some juice for the dressing.
Time: PT2M
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
Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the lettuce‑meat‑cheese mixture. Using tongs, gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Iceberg Lettuce: Romaine lettuce
- Instead of Deli Ham: Turkey ham
- Instead of Hard Salami: Genoa salami
- Instead of Pepperoni: Spicy salami
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone cheese
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar
- Instead of Munster Cheese: Provolone cheese
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes
- Instead of Banana Peppers: Pepperoncini
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Vegan mayo
- Instead of Italian Dressing: Italian vinaigrette
- Instead of Hoagie Rolls: Baguette halves
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Tongs
- Bread Knife
- Small Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled lettuce for extra crunch.
- Toast the roll lightly for added texture and flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Troubleshooting
The lettuce becomes soggy.
Pat the lettuce dry before mixing and add the dressing gradually, tossing lightly.
The mixture is too dry.
Add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of olive oil to achieve a creamier coating.
The sandwich falls apart when eating.
Make sure the roll is sliced only three‑quarters of the way and gently press the filling to compact it.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover sandwich filling in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Do not freeze; the lettuce will become soggy.
Room temperature: Assembled sandwiches are best eaten within 1 hour at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare all chopped ingredients and the dressing up to 4 hours ahead; keep them separate and combine just before serving.
- The dressing can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich in Italian‑American cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of the Italian sub sandwich in the United States?
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.
How is the authentic Italian sub traditionally served in Italian‑American delis?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
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.
What makes the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich?
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.
Why does this Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich recipe use mayonnaise‑based dressing instead of a simple oil‑vinegar dressing?
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.
Can I make the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chopped Italian Sub Sandwich is done?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Catherine's Plates' approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
