If you crave a deli-style lunch that delivers layers of bold flavor, texture, and a true taste of Italy in every bite, look no further than the Chopped Italian Sandwich! This is not your average sub. By chopping all the meats, cheeses, and veggies together, you end up with a hearty, creamy, flavor-packed filling that turns that humble roll into something irresistible. Whether you’re feeding friends, meal-prepping, or just treating yourself, the Chopped Italian Sandwich is a crowd-pleaser and a personal go-to I can’t stop making.

Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This sandwich keeps it classic with Italian-inspired meats, cheeses, and fresh fixings, all chopped up and dressed in a tangy-creamy combo. Every ingredient plays its part—whether it’s richness, crunch, or zingy pop—so don’t skip any!

Italian sub roll or hoagie roll: Choose a sturdy roll with a fluffy interior to cradle the filling and soak up the flavors without falling apart.
Deli salami (4 slices): Salami brings a spicy, robust edge that’s classic in any Italian sandwich.
Deli ham (4 slices): Sweet and mild ham adds balance and meaty bite to the medley.
Pepperoni (4 slices): Pepperoni’s zesty punch is an absolute must for its extra flavor and color.
Provolone cheese (2 slices): This melty, slightly sharp cheese ties the meats together with creamy smoothness.
Shredded lettuce (1/2 cup): Lettuce provides that satisfying crunch and freshness you want in every bite.
Tomato, diced (1/4 cup): Juicy tomatoes add a burst of acidity and sweetness.
Red onion, finely diced (2 tablespoons): For sharpness and just the right amount of crunch.
Banana peppers, chopped (2 tablespoons): These bring a tangy, mildly spicy kick that wakes up the whole sandwich.
Black olives, chopped (2 tablespoons): Olives are briny and delicious, adding depth and a little saltiness.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Mayonnaise makes the filling luscious, creamy, and helps everything come together.
Italian dressing (1 tablespoon): This is where you get that authentic Italian deli vibe—herbal, tangy, and flavorful.
Red wine vinegar (1 teaspoon): A splash of acidity brightens up the whole filling.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings herby, classic Italian notes, making the flavors sing.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Finish off with a sprinkle for perfect seasoning!

How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwich

Step 1: Layer and Chop the Meats and Cheese

Start by arranging your salami, ham, pepperoni, and provolone in layers on a large cutting board. With a sharp chef’s knife, chop them into bite-sized pieces. The goal is to get everything in small, uneven bits—this melds flavors and makes sure every bite of your Chopped Italian Sandwich is deliciously balanced.

Step 2: Add and Chop the Fresh Veggies

Next, pile your lettuce, diced tomato, red onion, banana peppers, and olives right on top of the chopped meats and cheese. Keep chopping! Work your knife through the pile, mixing and mincing until you have a colorful, well-blended mix. This doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic is the vibe here.

Step 3: Make It Creamy and Flavorful

Scoop the chopped mixture into a large bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle in the dried oregano plus a little salt and freshly cracked pepper. Mix gently until everything is nicely coated and you see creamy dressing in every nook and cranny.

Step 4: Stuff the Roll

Take your roll, slice it open lengthwise (but not all the way through for a sturdy sandwich), and pile in the filling generously. Don’t be shy—this is the moment to celebrate all those gorgeous ingredients. Give it a little press to compact, then slice in half for that classic sub shop finish.

How to Serve Chopped Italian Sandwich

Garnishes

Finish your Chopped Italian Sandwich with a sprinkle of extra oregano or even a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan if you want to send it over the top. Sometimes I’ll add a few extra banana peppers or a drizzle of Italian dressing for color and zing—totally optional, but highly recommended!

Side Dishes

This sandwich is filling enough to stand alone, but it loves good company. Serve it up with a crisp bag of kettle chips, a tangy cucumber salad, or a small bowl of minestrone soup for a deli lunch experience straight out of a New York corner spot. For a healthy touch, go for crunchy carrot and celery sticks.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Turn the Chopped Italian Sandwich into slider-sized delights using dinner rolls. Or, skip the bread entirely and serve the chopped filling atop a bed of greens for a substantial Italian Chopped Salad. You can even roll it into a low-carb wrap for a lighter spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chopped Italian Sandwich filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to two days and the flavors even deepen a bit, making it just as irresistible on day two.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this sandwich because the fresh veggies tend to lose their texture and become watery once thawed. For best flavor and crunch, make only what you’ll enjoy within a couple of days.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this beauty is best served cold for maximum crunch and flavor. If you want a melty twist, you can toast the stuffed roll in a panini press or under the broiler for just a minute or two, until the cheese is gooey and the bread is golden.

FAQs

What’s the best bread for a Chopped Italian Sandwich?

Sturdy Italian sub rolls or hoagie rolls work best, as they hold up to the moisture and chunky filling. Crusty yet soft inside is the way to go for the true sandwich shop experience.

Can I customize the meats and cheeses?

Absolutely! Swap in turkey, roast beef, mortadella, or even spicy capicola. For the cheese, mozzarella or sharp provolone can be a fun alternative—let your taste buds lead the way.

I don’t like olives or banana peppers. What can I substitute?

No problem! Skip what you don’t like and toss in roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some pickled jalapeños for extra kick. The Chopped Italian Sandwich is all about making it your own.

How do I keep the roll from getting soggy?

Easy—keep the chopped filling and bread separate until you’re ready to eat. If you’re packing lunch or meal prepping, assemble just before you’re about to dig in for the best texture.

Can I make this lower in calories or carbs?

Sure can! Use light or avocado-based mayo, switch to a whole wheat or lower-carb roll, or serve the Chopped Italian Sandwich filling in lettuce cups for a light, crunchy version.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tasted the Chopped Italian Sandwich, it’ll become a regular on your lunch rotation. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and packed with zesty Italian flavor in every single mouthful. Go on—grab your knife and get chopping. Your taste buds will thank you!

Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chopped Italian Sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying deli-style meal packed with classic Italian sub ingredients in a convenient chopped format, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sandwich:

1 Italian sub roll or hoagie roll
4 slices deli salami
4 slices deli ham
4 slices pepperoni
2 slices provolone cheese

For the Chopped Filling:

1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1/4 cup diced tomato
2 tablespoons red onion finely diced
2 tablespoons banana peppers chopped
2 tablespoons black olives chopped

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Italian dressing
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Layer salami, ham, pepperoni, and provolone on a cutting board. Chop into small pieces.
Combine the Filling: Add lettuce, tomato, onion, peppers, and olives. Chop everything together.
Add Dressing: Transfer to a bowl, add mayonnaise, Italian dressing, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the roll, stuff with filling, and serve.