The Chopped Italian Sandwich is a bold, flavor-packed twist on the classic sub, blending savory deli meats, tangy banana peppers, and crisp vegetables into a finely chopped, creamy mixture. Served on soft hoagie rolls, this sandwich brings all the best elements of an Italian deli right to your kitchen — no cooking required. It’s perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or easy make-ahead meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sandwich takes the traditional Italian sub and transforms it into an irresistible chopped creation. Here’s why it stands out:

No cooking involved — ready in 15 minutes
Full of bold, zesty Italian flavors
Easy to prep ahead for lunches or gatherings
Perfect for warm-weather meals or picnics
Customizable with your favorite deli meats and dressings
Delivers the satisfying crunch of a fresh deli sandwich

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 oz deli ham, chopped
4 oz pepperoni, chopped
4 oz salami, chopped
4 oz provolone cheese, chopped
2 cups iceberg lettuce (or 3 oz leafy lettuce), shredded
1 large tomato, chopped
1/4 cup banana pepper rings, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
4 sub or hoagie rolls (8-inch)

Directions

On a large cutting board, pile the ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, and banana pepper rings.
Using a sharp knife, chop the ingredients together until everything is finely minced and well combined.
Transfer the chopped mixture into a large mixing bowl.
Add the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated and creamy.
Slice open each hoagie roll and fill generously with the chopped Italian mixture.
Serve immediately, or wrap and refrigerate for up to one day to allow the flavors to blend even more.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 420 kcal

Variations

Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot Italian giardiniera.
Meatless Option: Use chickpeas, chopped roasted red peppers, and mozzarella for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, fontina, or pepper jack for a different taste.
Lettuce Alternatives: Use romaine, arugula, or spring mix for a varied texture.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the chopped mixture in lettuce wraps or stuffed in bell peppers instead of bread.

storage/reheating

Store the chopped filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
As this is a cold sandwich, no reheating is necessary. For best results, assemble the sandwich fresh before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

FAQs

What is a chopped Italian sandwich?

A chopped Italian sandwich takes all the traditional ingredients of an Italian sub and finely chops them together before mixing in a creamy dressing and serving it on a hoagie roll.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chopped mixture up to a day ahead. Assemble the sandwich just before serving for the best texture.

What kind of bread is best for this sandwich?

Soft hoagie rolls or sub rolls work best. You can also use ciabatta or baguettes for a crustier option.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Is it possible to make this sandwich spicier?

Yes, add crushed red pepper, spicy deli meats, or hot pickled peppers for a spicier kick.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Store the filling separately and add it to the bread right before eating.

Can I use pre-shredded lettuce?

Yes, pre-shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce works well and saves time.

What other vegetables can I add?

Cucumbers, red bell peppers, or shredded carrots can add extra crunch and color.

What’s the best way to chop the ingredients?

Use a large, sharp chef’s knife and a cutting board to chop everything together until finely mixed.

Can I serve this as a salad?

Yes, skip the bread and serve the mixture over greens or in a bowl for a chopped Italian salad.

Conclusion

The Chopped Italian Sandwich is a refreshing, hearty, and flavor-packed way to enjoy deli-style favorites without any cooking. It’s perfect for quick meals, make-ahead lunches, or casual get-togethers. Whether served fresh or chilled for later, this sandwich delivers big flavor and irresistible texture in every bite. A true classic with a modern chopped twist.

Chopped Italian Sandwich

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The Chopped Italian Sandwich is your new favorite cold-cut classic — a bold mix of chopped deli meats, provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy banana peppers, and creamy dressing all packed into a soft hoagie roll. This no-cook sub is easy to prep, full of zesty flavor, and perfect for lunches, parties, or picnic-ready meals.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Best served cold for a refreshing, deli-style sandwich experience. Add red onion, olives, or jalapeños for extra crunch or spice. Great for meal prep — the filling holds up well overnight. Swap in turkey or roast beef for a different protein profile.
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Sandwiches / Lunch / No-Cook
Method: Chopping / Assembly
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

On a large cutting board, combine the ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and banana peppers.
Use a sharp knife to finely chop and mix all ingredients together until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add mayonnaise, Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir well to coat everything in the creamy dressing.
Slice open the hoagie rolls and generously fill with the chopped Italian mix.
Serve immediately or wrap and chill for up to 1 day for enhanced flavor.

Notes

Best served cold for a refreshing, deli-style sandwich experience.
Add red onion, olives, or jalapeños for extra crunch or spice.
Great for meal prep — the filling holds up well overnight.
Swap in turkey or roast beef for a different protein profile.