Description
Discover a fresh and flavorful Italian Sub Salad, perfect for any occasion. This versatile recipe offers two delicious versions: a low-carb option with crisp romaine or a hearty pasta salad with tri-colored tortellini. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and simple preparation of this crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head Hearts of Romaine (Substitution: Iceberg lettuce for a crunchier texture)
- 8 oz Salami (Substitution: Any cured meat like ham or turkey)
- 6 oz Provolone (Substitution: Mozzarella for a milder alternative)
- 1 cup Cucumber (Prep Note: Slice thinly for best texture)
- 1 cup Red Pepper
- 1 cup Mild Pepper Rings
- 1 small White Onion
- 1 tsp Dried Basil (Essential Italian herb elevating the dish)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan (Substitution: Shaved for presentation)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar (Creates a tangy dressing base)
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil (Substitution: Avocado oil for lighter option)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Note: Fresh minced garlic can be used)
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar/Natural Sweetener (Balances acidity)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (Essential seasoning)
- 12 oz Tri-Colored Tortellini (Prep: Cook and cool before adding)
- 8 oz Marinated Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Substitution: Flavored varieties for extra taste)
- 4 oz Pepperoni (Offers a kick of spice)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the hearts of romaine, salami, provolone, cucumber, red pepper, mild pepper rings, white onion, and mini mozzarella balls. This forms a colorful base for your Italian Sub Salad.
- Add black pepper and dried basil, then sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours or up to overnight to let those flavors meld beautifully.
- While your Italian Sub Salad chills, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, brown sugar, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Refrigerate the dressing for at least one hour or overnight to enhance all those zesty flavors.
- Before serving the Italian Sub Salad, toss the salad with the dressing to combine all those delightful ingredients. If you’re preparing the pasta variation, gently fold in cooked and cooled tri-colored tortellini just before serving.
- Optional: Garnish the Italian Sub Salad with shaved parmesan for an extra touch of richness.
Notes
- Make the Italian Sub Salad a day in advance to enhance flavors.
- Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
- For best texture, use a vegetable peeler to slice cucumbers and peppers thinly.
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the Italian Sub Salad; adjust salt and sweetness as needed.
- Serve the Italian Sub Salad cold for ultimate freshness.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes or greens to keep your Italian Sub Salad exciting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg