The best Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe on the internet! Must TRY

The best Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe on the internet! Must TRY is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Dave on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 45 min

Cost: $15.98 total, $4.00 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium White Onion (peeled and sliced into rounds)
  • 1 medium Tomato (seeded and diced)
  • 0.25 cup Pitted Olives (black or green, drained)
  • 0.25 cup Roasted Red Bell Peppers (jarred, drained)
  • 0.25 cup Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
  • 0.25 cup Banana Peppers (jarred, drained)
  • 2 cup Shredded Lettuce (iceberg or romaine, loosely packed)
  • 4 oz Provolone Cheese (sliced or cubed)
  • 4 oz Ham (thinly sliced)
  • 4 oz Pepperoni (sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon Pesto (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 0.25 cup Mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 3 tablespoon Zesty Italian Dressing (store‑bought)
  • 2 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 4 Hoagie Roll (soft, 8‑inch rolls; can toast if desired)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Wash and slice the white onion into thin rounds, dice the tomato, and set aside. Drain olives, roasted red peppers, sun‑dried tomatoes, and banana peppers from their jars.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Weigh Meats and Cheese

    Using the food scale, weigh out 4 oz each of provolone cheese, ham, and pepperoni. Slice or cube the cheese as desired.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make the Dressing

    In a mixing bowl combine 1 Tbsp pesto, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 3 Tbsp zesty Italian dressing, 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Layer the Base

    Spread the shredded lettuce evenly over the cutting board to create a bed for the other ingredients.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add Proteins and Cheese

    Evenly distribute the ham, pepperoni, and provolone cheese over the lettuce.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Add the Pickled Veggies

    Scatter the olives, roasted red peppers, sun‑dried tomatoes, banana peppers, onion rounds, and diced tomato over the meat and cheese.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Coarse Chop Everything

    Using a sharp chef’s knife, repeatedly chop and toss the entire pile on the board until the ingredients are broken into bite‑size pieces and well‑mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Combine with Dressing

    Transfer the chopped mixture into the mixing bowl with the dressing. Toss thoroughly so every piece is lightly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Portion into Rolls

    Divide the mixture evenly among the 4 hoagie rolls, spreading it from one end to the other. Optionally toast the rolls before filling.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Store or Serve

    Wrap each sandwich in parchment or place the remaining mixture in a tupperware container. Refrigerate if not eating immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
22 g
Carbohydrates
38 g
Fat
26 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Not vegetarian, Contains soy (possible in some dressings)

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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The best Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe on the internet! Must TRY

Recipe by Cooking With Dave

A flavor‑packed twist on the viral chopped Italian sandwich. This no‑cook, make‑ahead sandwich layers shredded lettuce, cured meats, cheeses, and a medley of olives, roasted peppers, sun‑dried tomatoes, and banana peppers, all tossed in a creamy pesto‑mayo‑Italian‑dressing blend. Perfect for meal‑prepping lunches or a hearty snack.

EasyItalian-AmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
27m
Prep
13m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.98
Total cost
$4.00
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Chopping the olives and other small pickled veggies so they don’t roll away
  • Mixing the dressing thoroughly before adding to the chopped ingredients
  • Ensuring the chopped mixture is evenly coated with dressing

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife and keep fingertips curled back while chopping.
  • Handle raw meats with clean hands and wash all surfaces after use.
  • If toasting the roll, watch closely to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the chopped Italian sandwich in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

The chopped Italian sandwich originated from New Jersey delis where classic Italian sub ingredients are diced together for a quick, portable lunch. It reflects the Italian‑American tradition of repurposing leftover meats and cheeses into a hearty, shareable dish.

cultural
Q

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

A

In New York and New Jersey, the classic version includes ham, salami, provolone, and a simple Italian dressing. Variations add roasted red peppers, banana peppers, or sun‑dried tomatoes, as seen in this elevated recipe, to boost flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional chopped Italian sandwich served in New Jersey delis?

A

Traditionally it is served on a soft hoagie roll, pre‑chopped, and often topped with a drizzle of Italian dressing. It is usually eaten cold or at room temperature, making it a popular grab‑and‑go lunch.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the chopped Italian sandwich traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?

A

The sandwich is a staple for casual gatherings, picnics, and workplace lunches. It’s also a common offering at family barbecues and community fundraisers because it can be made in large batches and served quickly.

cultural
Q

What makes the elevated chopped Italian sandwich special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

This version adds roasted red peppers, sun‑dried tomatoes, olives, and a pesto‑mayo‑Italian dressing blend, giving deeper umami and a richer mouthfeel while still staying true to the original deli spirit.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the elevated chopped Italian sandwich?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dressing which can make the mixture soggy, under‑chopping the olives so they roll away, and using a roll that is too soft without toasting, leading to a soggy sandwich.

technical
Q

Why does this elevated chopped Italian sandwich recipe use a pesto‑mayo blend instead of plain Italian dressing?

A

The pesto adds herbaceous depth and a creamy texture, while mayo balances the acidity of the dressing and vinegar. This combination creates a richer coating that adheres to the chopped ingredients better than dressing alone.

technical
Q

Can I make the elevated chopped Italian sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare the chopped mixture up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping the dressing separate if possible. Assemble the sandwich with fresh rolls just before eating.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the elevated chopped Italian sandwich is done?

A

The mixture should be a colorful, evenly speckled pile of diced meats, cheeses, and veggies, with a light coating of creamy dressing. The pieces should be bite‑size, not mushy, and the roll should be soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Dave specialize in?

A

Cooking With Dave focuses on approachable, home‑cooked meals with a humorous, candid style. The channel often features comfort foods, quick weeknight recipes, and occasional experimental twists like AI‑enhanced dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Dave's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cooking With Dave blends casual storytelling (including real‑life mishaps like power outages) with straightforward step‑by‑step instructions, emphasizing that anyone can replicate the dishes without professional training. This down‑to‑earth vibe sets it apart from more polished, technique‑heavy channels.

channel

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