How to Make the Perfect Chopped Italian Sandwich Bowls
Italian-American · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
All the bold flavors of a classic Italian sub chopped together into a hearty no-bread bowl. Salami, pepperoncini, and provolone make every bite punchy and satisfying.
Why this recipe works
This Chopped Italian Sandwich Bowls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 4 oz Genoa salami, diced
- 4 oz provolone cheese, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep All Ingredients
Finely chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large wide bowl. Dice the salami and provolone into small even pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the red onion and pepperoncini.
Step 2: Make the Italian Dressing
In a small jar or bowl whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Combine the Bowl
Add the diced salami, provolone, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini to the chopped romaine. Toss everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the chopped salad and toss vigorously to coat every ingredient evenly. The lettuce should be well dressed but not swimming in liquid.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Divide the chopped Italian bowl into individual serving dishes. Serve right away for the best texture. Optionally top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Genoa salami → turkey pepperoni or diced ham for a lighter version
- provolone cheese → fresh mozzarella for a softer texture
- red wine vinegar → lemon juice for a brighter citrus dressing
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Chopping the lettuce too coarsely so it does not mix well with the smaller ingredients
- Dressing the bowl too far ahead which wilts the romaine quickly
- Using pre-sliced deli meat in thick strips instead of small diced pieces
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 22g protein, 14g carbs, 31g fat, 3g fiber.
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