Name: Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 sub rolls (Italian); 6 slices Genoa salami; 6 slices capocollo; 6 slices salami (Calabrese); 6 slices provolone cheese; ⅓ cup banana pepper rings (from a jar); 3 pepperoncini (from a jar); 1 red onion; 2 cups green lettuce (chopped); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin); 1 ½ cups mayonnaise; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper (coarsely ground); 2 teaspoons oregano (dried, plus more for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a seriously crave-worthy sandwich that captures all the bold flavors of your favorite Italian deli, the Chopped Italian Sandwich is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a mountain of savory Italian meats, zesty peppers, crisp lettuce, and melty provolone, all tossed with creamy mayo and fragrant seasonings, then heaped into pillowy sub rolls. Every bite is loaded with irresistible tang, crunch, and classic Italian flavor. Trust me, this isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a celebration of everything there is to love about Italian-American comfort food.

Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chopped Italian Sandwich recipe is all about using simple, quality ingredients and letting their individual flavors shine. Each component brings something special—whether it’s spice, richness, or that signature deli crunch!

6 sub rolls (Italian): Go for fresh, crusty rolls that can stand up to the hearty, creamy filling.
6 slices Genoa salami: Adds classic Italian spice and an unmistakable savory depth.
6 slices capocollo: For a touch of fat and old-world flavor—this cured meat is pure magic.
6 slices calabrese salami: Brings a subtle kick of heat and complexity to the mix.
6 slices provolone cheese: Mild and melty, provolone ties all the bold flavors together.
⅓ cup banana pepper rings (from a jar): Their bright, tangy bite wakes up the whole sandwich.
3 pepperoncini (from a jar): These add a subtle heat and juicy texture—don’t skip them!
1 red onion: Just enough sharpness and crunch to balance the creamy filling.
2 cups green lettuce (chopped): Gives a fresh, crispy contrast to the savory meats and cheese.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: A splash of acidity that brings everything into perfect harmony.
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin): Adds a rich, peppery finish to the dressing.
1½ cups mayonnaise: Don’t be shy—it’s the secret to this sandwich’s creamy, lush texture.
½ teaspoon salt: To season and amplify all those awesome deli flavors.
1 teaspoon black pepper (coarsely ground): For a peppery bite in every mouthful.
2 teaspoons oregano (dried, plus more for garnish): This classic herb gives everything that signature Italian vibe.

How to Make Chopped Italian Sandwich

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Peppers

Start by grabbing your pepperoncini and banana pepper rings. Slice open each pepperoncini, remove and discard the seeds, and then finely chop them along with your banana peppers. Peel and finely dice the red onion, and give the green lettuce a good chop so everything will blend easily. Toss all the veggies and peppers into a big mixing bowl—you want enough room for the next steps!

Step 2: Chop the Meats and Cheese

Next comes the best part: chopping those gorgeous Italian meats and the provolone cheese. Pile up the Genoa salami, capocollo, calabrese salami, and provolone slices, then chop them into small, even pieces. The smaller you go, the better each bite will be! Transfer everything into the bowl with your prepped veggies—this is where the magic really starts to happen for your Chopped Italian Sandwich.

Step 3: Add the Dressing Ingredients

Spoon in the mayonnaise, drizzle with olive oil, and pour over the red wine vinegar. Sprinkle in salt, lots of coarsely ground black pepper, and those aromatic oregano flakes. These ingredients turn the mix into something creamy, tangy, and perfectly savory—basically, the soul of the sandwich.

Step 4: Mix Everything Thoroughly

Now, grab a sturdy wooden spoon and start mixing! Fold and stir until every bite is generously coated and the meats, cheese, lettuce, and peppers are evenly distributed. This is where the Chopped Italian Sandwich filling gets its irresistible, scoopable texture. Take a taste and adjust the seasoning if you feel like it needs a touch more oomph.

Step 5: Pile Onto the Rolls and Garnish

Finally, slice open your sub rolls and heap a generous helping of the chopped filling into each one. Don’t be shy—stack it high! Top with a sprinkle of dried oregano for an herby kick and a pop of visual flair. That’s it! Your Chopped Italian Sandwich is ready to amaze.

How to Serve Chopped Italian Sandwich

Garnishes

While the sandwich is delicious all on its own, a finish of dried oregano or even a little sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add an extra punch of flavor. For a real deli touch, slip a few extra pepperoncini or banana pepper rings on top of the filling just before serving—your guests will love that pop of color and zingy taste!

Side Dishes

The Chopped Italian Sandwich plays well with all sorts of classic sides! Think kettle-cooked potato chips, a crisp dill pickle spear, or a simple Italian-inspired green salad. If you’re planning a bigger spread, serve it with marinated olives or roasted vegetables for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

This sandwich is perfect for parties! Pile the filling onto a platter with toasted crostini, or stuff mini rolls for the cutest little sliders. You can even scoop it into lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free option. However you serve it, there’s no denying it steals the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, you can store the Chopped Italian Sandwich filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and get even tastier as they sit—just give it a quick stir before serving again, and it’ll be as delicious as day one.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe because the mayo and fresh veggies tend to get watery and lose their texture when thawed. The sandwich filling is best enjoyed fresh or straight from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

Since this is a cold, creamy salad-style sandwich, there’s no need to reheat! If you’d like, let the filling sit out at room temperature for a few minutes before assembling your sandwiches so it’s not too chilled. For a warm twist, you could toast the rolls just before piling on the filling.

FAQs

Can I make the Chopped Italian Sandwich ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sandwich filling up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and just scoop it into the rolls when you’re ready to serve—super convenient for parties or meal prepping.

What if I don’t eat pork or want to customize the meats?

The beauty of the Chopped Italian Sandwich is how flexible it is. Swap in turkey, chicken, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version. Just keep the proportions and chopping style the same for that signature texture.

Can I lower the fat or calories in this sandwich?

Definitely! Substitute light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for part of the mayo to lighten things up. You could also add extra lettuce or chopped veggies to bulk up the filling without extra calories—plenty of ways to make it your own.

What kind of rolls work best for this sandwich?

Classic Italian sub rolls are traditional, as they’re sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling. You can use ciabatta, hoagie buns, or even slice-open baguettes. Just make sure the bread is fresh and has some structure.

Is the Chopped Italian Sandwich spicy?

It has just a gentle hint of heat from the calabrese salami and the pepperoncini, but it’s not overly spicy. If you love more kick, try adding extra pepperoncini or sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried the Chopped Italian Sandwich, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less than a sandwich that packs bold flavor, hearty texture, and all the fun of your favorite deli in every bite. Give it a try for your next lunch, party, or picnic, and don’t be surprised if you end up craving it on repeat. Happy sandwich making!

Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of Italy in every bite with this delicious Chopped Italian Sandwich recipe. Packed with a variety of savory meats, cheeses, and zesty toppings, it’s a perfect meal for lunch or a casual dinner.

Instructions

Prep: Remove seeds from pepperoncini and discard. Finely chop banana peppers, pepperoncini, red onion, and lettuce. Add to a large mixing bowl.
Chop: Chop calabrese salami, Genoa salami, capocollo, and provolone cheese into small pieces. Add to the mixing bowl.
Add Dressing: Add mayo, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano to the bowl.
Mix: Use a wooden spoon and thoroughly mix chopped sandwich ingredients until well combined.
Assemble: Scoop into the sub rolls and top with a pinch of oregano.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Mixing, Assembling
Cuisine: Italian