Description
Savory layers of an Italian chopped salad sandwich combine fresh ingredients between crusty bread. Crisp vegetables and zesty dressing create a perfect portable meal you’ll crave for lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Base:
- 1 large baguette or ciabatta bread, sliced in half lengthwise
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 2 cups (473 ml) chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup (237 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) pitted and sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) mild pepperoncini slices
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and pepperoncini into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
- Dice mozzarella and slice olives to add textural variety and enhance the salad’s complexity.
- Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until the dressing becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently combine all chopped vegetables and cheese in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and colorful salad base.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, carefully folding ingredients to ensure each component is evenly coated.
- Select a fresh baguette or ciabatta bread and slice horizontally, creating a sturdy foundation for the salad sandwich.
- Generously spread the dressed salad mixture across the bottom bread layer, distributing ingredients evenly to maximize flavor in each bite.
- Crown the sandwich with the top bread layer, applying gentle pressure to help ingredients meld together.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the sandwich into desired portions and serve immediately to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by toasting the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich, creating a crispy texture that complements the fresh salad ingredients.
- Customize the protein by adding grilled chicken, salami, or prosciutto for a heartier meal that satisfies different dietary preferences.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to reduce calories and accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining a creamy dressing texture.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to keep the salad crisp and prevent soggy bread, ensuring maximum freshness when serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg