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Classic Italian Sub Sandwich with Zesty Olive Salad

Classic Italian Sub Sandwich - featured image

A flavorful and hearty Italian sub sandwich featuring layers of savory meats, provolone cheese, fresh veggies, and a tangy zesty olive salad that adds a unique twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Italian sub roll, about 68 inches
  • Thinly sliced Genoa salami
  • Thinly sliced capicola or ham
  • Provolone cheese slices
  • Fresh leaf lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce)
  • 23 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • Red onion slices, very thin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the Zesty Olive Salad:
  • 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, black), roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped pepperoncini peppers
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Olive Salad: In a small bowl, combine chopped mixed olives, chopped pepperoncini, rinsed capers, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle with dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  2. Slice the Bread: Using a serrated knife, slice the Italian sub roll horizontally, keeping one side intact to create a hinge.
  3. Assemble the Meats and Cheese: Layer Genoa salami evenly on the bottom half of the bread, followed by capicola or ham slices. Top with provolone cheese slices covering the length of the bread.
  4. Add the Veggies: Place fresh lettuce leaves on top of the cheese, then layer thin tomato slices and red onion rings. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Add the Zesty Olive Salad: Spoon a generous amount of olive salad over the veggies, spreading evenly but not too much to avoid sogginess.
  6. Close and Press: Close the sandwich gently but firmly. Optionally, wrap in parchment or foil and press for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Slice and Serve: Cut the sandwich into halves or thirds and serve immediately.

Notes

Let the olive salad rest to meld flavors. Use a crusty yet soft Italian roll to prevent sogginess. Layer cheese next to bread to create a moisture barrier. Pat tomatoes dry if very juicy. Assemble sandwich just before serving to keep bread crisp. For gluten-free, use gluten-free roll or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sub sandwich, zesty olive salad, classic Italian sandwich, easy sandwich recipe, deli sandwich, Italian meats, provolone cheese, quick lunch