Easy Italian Hoagie Salad

Everything you love about an Italian hoagie: salami, ham, provolone, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, pepperoncini, and Italian dressing, served as a fresh, satisfying chopped salad.

Recipe 33 of The 100 Recipe Project

Growing up near Philadelphia, I love a really good Italian hoagie, but during the summer I often crave something a little lighter.

This Italian Hoagie Salad has all the flavors of the classic sandwich. Savory deli meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pepperoncini, and a zesty Italian dressing; without the bread.

It's quick enough for lunch, hearty enough for dinner, and one of those meals everyone can customize with their favorite toppings. Around our table, we often serve the sandwiches for the kids and this salad for anyone wanting a lighter or lower-carb option. Peter has been on the keto-diet for months, so this is perfect.

This Italian Hoagie Salad—sometimes called an Italian Sub Salad or "Sub in a Tub"—has all the classic flavors of an Italian deli sandwich in a fresh, hearty chopped salad.

Why You'll Love This Easy Italian Hoagie Salad

• Everything you love about an Italian hoagie—without the bread. Savory deli meats, provolone cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pepperoncini, and a tangy Italian dressing come together in one satisfying bowl.

• Ready in about 20 minutes. It's an easy lunch or dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.

• Fresh, colorful, and filling. This salad feels hearty enough to stand on its own while still being light enough for warm summer evenings.

• Easy to customize. Add your favorite deli meats, cheeses, or vegetables to make it your own.

• Perfect for meal prep. Chop everything ahead of time and simply toss with dressing when you're ready to eat.

The Recipe

Easy Italian Hoagie Salad

Around Our Table

This recipe actually started as a simple way to enjoy our favorite Italian hoagies a little differently.

Some days we make the classic sandwiches with creamy pepper spread, and other days—especially during the summer—we pile all those same delicious ingredients into one big salad instead. It's fresh, colorful, and disappears just as quickly as the sandwiches.

I love setting everything out family-style so everyone can build their own bowl with exactly what they like.

Complete The Meal

This salad is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides.

• Warm garlic bread or toasted hoagie rolls

• Fresh fruit like watermelon or grapes

• Kettle chips or pasta salad

• A cup of tomato soup

• Sparkling lemonade or Southern iced tea

• Fresh fruit with homemade whipped cream for dessert

Meal Prep Tip

This salad is perfect for prepping ahead.

Wash and chop the lettuce, slice the vegetables, cube the cheese, and chop the deli meats up to two days in advance. Store everything in separate airtight containers or combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl without the dressing.

Wait to add the Italian dressing until just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh. If you're packing lunches, divide the salad into individual containers and tuck a small container of dressing alongside each one.

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Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.

Make it low carb

Skip the chickpeas and choose a low-sugar Italian dressing for an easy low-carb meal.

Add extra protein

Toss in grilled chicken, turkey, or extra salami and ham.

Make it vegetarian

Leave out the deli meats and add mozzarella pearls, marinated artichokes, and extra chickpeas.

Try different cheeses

Provolone is classic, but mozzarella, fontina, or shaved Parmesan are all delicious.

Add more veggies

Cucumbers, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, or artichoke hearts are wonderful additions.

Turn it into pasta salad

Mix everything with cooked and cooled rotini or bowtie pasta for an easy picnic or potluck dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Italian Hoagie Salad?

An Italian Hoagie Salad takes all the classic ingredients from an Italian deli sandwich—salami, ham, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pepperoncini, and Italian dressing—and serves them as a chopped salad instead of on a hoagie roll.

Is this the same as a Sub in a Tub?

Very similar! "Sub in a Tub" is a popular restaurant term for a sandwich served without the bread. This homemade version captures those same delicious flavors using fresh ingredients.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store the dressing separately until you're ready to serve.

What's the best dressing for Italian Hoagie Salad?

A good-quality Italian vinaigrette works perfectly. Homemade Italian dressing is also a great option if you have a favorite recipe.

Can I use different meats?

Absolutely. Salami, pepperoni, ham, turkey, capicola, soppressata, or mortadella all work beautifully. Use your family's favorites.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your deli meats and dressing are gluten-free. Since the salad doesn't include bread, it's naturally gluten-free with the right ingredients.

I'm slowly building The 100 Recipe Project here at My Franklin Kitchen, adding recipes that our family actually makes and returns to throughout the seasons. I hope you'll find a few new favorites for your table, too.

Made in my Franklin kitchen as part of The 100 Recipe Project.

— Alexis

My Franklin Kitchen

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