If you love the bold, zesty flavors of a classic Italian sub but want to skip the bread, this Italian Sub Salad is about to become your new go-to. It’s loaded with everything you’d expect from your favorite deli sandwich — salty meats, tangy peppers, crisp lettuce, sharp cheese, and a simple vinaigrette that ties it all together. It’s hearty enough for a meal but also works as a flavorful side for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Italian Sub Salad

This is one of those salads that’s fun to prep and super satisfying to eat. It’s also a great way to use up deli drawer odds and ends. If you enjoy this kind of no-cook, flavor-packed recipe, make sure to check out my Dorito Taco salad, Italian Pasta Salad, or Big Mac Salad — they’re all family favorites and full of color, crunch, and bold taste.

You can toss it all together or serve it layered in a trifle bowl for a party-perfect presentation. Either way, it’s bursting with flavor and ready in just minutes. Plus, the homemade dressing is as easy as it gets — no store-bought bottle needed.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

All the Italian sub flavor, none of the bread — great for low-carb or gluten-free eaters

Easy to customize — swap the meats, switch up the cheese, or add extras like tomatoes or artichokes

Perfect for meal prep — keep the dressing separate and enjoy it all week

Crowd-pleaser — ideal for potlucks, BBQs, and lunch buffets

No cooking required — just chop, mix, and serve

Ingredients

½ teaspoon garlic powder

5 to 6 cups romaine lettuce, coarsely chopped

1 cucumber, sliced thin

1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

1 cup mini sliced pepperoni

1 cup diced salami

2 cups diced ham

½ cup sliced banana peppers

½ small red onion, sliced thin

½ cup green olives

½ cup sliced kalamata olives

For the dressing:

½ cup olive oil

½ cup red wine or balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

In a bowl or jar, mix the ingredients for the dressing until well blended.

Prepare salads in individual bowls, in a layer trifle bowl, or in a large salad bowl.
Toss the salad with the dressing prior to serving.

Tips & Tricks

Chop the lettuce coarsely so it holds up well under the weight of the toppings
Use a mix of deli meats — you can even ask your deli counter to cut thick slices for easy dicing
Add more veggies — cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or bell peppers all work well
Keep dressing on the side for leftovers so your salad stays fresh and crisp
Chill before serving — pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld

FAQs

Absolutely! A creamy Italian, red wine vinaigrette, or even a balsamic glaze drizzle would be great here.

Turkey, prosciutto, capicola, or even rotisserie chicken all work well — just keep the portions bite-sized.

If the salad isn’t dressed, it’ll keep for up to 3 days. Add the dressing just before eating to keep things crisp.

Yes! Chop all your ingredients and store them separately. Toss right before serving for best results.

The Italian blend is easy, but provolone, mozzarella pearls, or chunks of parmesan are delicious swaps.

Italian Sub Salad

Italian Sub Salad is the perfect way to enjoy your Italian sub without the carbs as it combines Italian meats, cheese, banana peppers, onions, and olives that are then tossed in a homemade Italian dressing.

Ingredients

5 to 6 cups romaine lettuce, coarsely chopped
1 cucumber, sliced thin
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
1 cup mini sliced pepperoni
1 cup diced salami
2 cups diced ham
½ cup sliced banana peppers
½ small red onion, sliced thin
½ cup green olives
½ cup sliced kalamata olives
For the dressing:
½ cup olive oil
½ cup red wine or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

In a bowl or jar, mix the ingredients for the dressing until well blended.
Prepare salads in individual bowls, in a layer trifle bowl, or in a large salad bowl.
Toss the salad with the dressing prior to serving.

Notes

Serves 4 to 6

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 669Total Fat: 54gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 36gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 1914mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 7gSugar: 5gProtein: 30g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Italian Sub Salad (All the Flavor, None of the Bread!)