Ultimate Chopped Italian Sub Recipe with Homemade Dressing – A Flavor Explosion!

Craving a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor? This Chopped Italian Sub is your answer! Packed with fresh veggies, a mix of savory deli meats, and topped with a zesty homemade Italian dressing, each bite is a taste of Italy. Whether you're enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a delicious on-the-go meal, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your hunger and elevate your taste buds. Ready to dive in? Let's make this mouthwatering sub!

Origin of the "Chopped" Technique: The concept of chopping the ingredients for the Italian Sub actually originates from Italian-American delis and sandwich shops. It's believed that this technique was developed to create a more harmonious blend of flavors in every bite, making it distinct from the traditional Italian sub, which typically features neatly layered ingredients.

Versatility of Ingredients: One of the most interesting aspects of the Chopped Italian Sub is its versatility. You can adapt this recipe to your liking by choosing your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations and create a sub that perfectly suits your taste preferences. It's a sandwich that encourages creativity in the kitchen and can be customized to accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options.

FAQs

1. What is a Chopped Italian Sub?

A Chopped Italian Sub is a sandwich made with deli meats, provolone cheese, and fresh vegetables, all chopped together and served in a toasted hoagie roll, often dressed with homemade Italian dressing.

2. How do I make the homemade Italian dressing for my Chopped Italian Sub?

To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

3. Can I use store-bought Italian dressing instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought Italian dressing as a substitute for the homemade version if you’re short on time. However, the homemade version adds more flavor and freshness to the sandwich.

4. What deli meats should I use for the Chopped Italian Sub?

You can use a variety of deli meats, such as ham, pepperoni, turkey breast, and salami. Feel free to choose your favorites for a custom sub.

5. How do I toast the hoagie rolls for my Chopped Italian Sub?

Spread butter on the inside of each hoagie roll and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes).

6. Can I make a vegetarian version of the Chopped Italian Sub?

Yes! You can replace the deli meats with extra vegetables, such as grilled eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms, for a vegetarian version.

7. How do I keep my Chopped Italian Sub fresh for lunch the next day?

Wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil to preserve its freshness. You can also store the individual ingredients separately and assemble the sandwich right before eating.

8. What can I serve with my Chopped Italian Sub?

Serve with chips, a side salad, or a pickle for a complete meal. You could also pair it with a cold drink like iced tea or sparkling water.

9. Can I use a different cheese for my Chopped Italian Sub?

Yes! You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

10. Is this Chopped Italian Sub recipe spicy?

The sandwich itself isn’t overly spicy, but the red pepper flakes in the dressing and the option to add sriracha can give it a slight kick. Adjust the heat level to your liking.

11. How long does it take to make a Chopped Italian Sub?

It takes about 20 minutes to prepare this recipe, including the preparation of the homemade Italian dressing and toasting the rolls.

12. Can I make this Chopped Italian Sub ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time (like slicing the vegetables and meats), but it’s best to toast the rolls and assemble the sub just before serving for optimal freshness.

13. Is the Chopped Italian Sub recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free hoagie rolls. Check that your deli meats and condiments are also gluten-free.

14. What type of bread works best for the Chopped Italian Sub?

The best bread for a Chopped Italian Sub is hoagie rolls because they are soft on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior after toasting. You can also use sub rolls or baguettes.

15. Can I add more vegetables to my Chopped Italian Sub?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or spinach for extra crunch and flavor.

Make it

Chopped Italian Sub Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: ~550 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chopped Italian Sub:

½ small head of iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
1–2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
8 slices assorted deli meats (ham, pepperoni, turkey breast, salami)
8 slices provolone cheese
4 hoagie rolls
2 tablespoons butter (for toasting)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

For the Homemade Italian Dressing:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅛ cup red wine vinegar
Juice of ½ lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
A pinch of kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Homemade Italian Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, granulated sugar, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Set aside.

2. Chop the Ingredients

Thinly slice the iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and black olives. Arrange them on a cutting board or work surface.

3. Assemble the Chopped Mixture

Layer the assorted deli meats and provolone cheese on top of the chopped vegetables. Using a large knife, chop everything together until well combined.

4. Toast the Hoagie Rolls

Spread butter on the inside of the hoagie rolls and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and crispy (about 2–3 minutes).

5. Dress the Sandwich

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the Homemade Italian Dressing onto the bottom half of each toasted roll. Spread mayonnaise on the top half if desired.

6. Assemble the Sub

Transfer the chopped meat, cheese, and vegetable mixture onto the dressed hoagie rolls. Close the sandwiches firmly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Wrap in parchment paper for a convenient grab-and-go meal, or serve immediately for the ultimate Chopped Italian Sub experience!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1,200mg

Conclusion

Indulge in the bold and savory flavors of this Chopped Italian Sub, where crisp veggies, zesty dressing, and deli-fresh meats come together in perfect harmony. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a meal on the go, this classic Italian-inspired sandwich is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Buen Provecho!