Chopped Italian Sandwich: My New Favorite Lazy Girl Lunch

There are certain meals that sneak up on you and steal your heart when you’re least expecting it. That’s what happened the first time I made a chopped Italian sandwich.

It was one of those frazzled Tuesdays—you know the kind. My toddler was refusing to nap, laundry was in permanent “later” mode, and dinner? Let’s just say cereal was on the table as an option. But then I remembered a recipe that had been floating around TikTok—something about chopping up an Italian sub like a salad, then stuffing it into bread.

Ten minutes later, I had what may be the most satisfying sandwich I’ve ever tasted.

The Viral Star You Actually Should Try

There’s a reason the chopped Italian sandwich blew up online. It’s everything you love in an Italian sub—layers of salty meat, crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, briny banana peppers—but in every single bite. It’s a salad. It’s a sandwich. It’s lunch in five minutes flat.

And as someone who thrives on low-cost, low-fuss meals, I can tell you: this one checks all the boxes.

Ingredients You Probably Already Have

Here’s what you need, but feel free to swap based on what’s in your fridge. The magic of this sandwich is how forgiving it is.

• Deli meats: Salami, ham, pepperoni (turkey versions work too!)
• Provolone cheese (or mozzarella, Swiss, or even cheddar)
• Shredded iceberg or romaine
• Tomato (any kind, just dice it up)
• Red onion
• Banana peppers (or pickles if you prefer)
• Mayonnaise
• Italian dressing
• Red wine vinegar
• Italian seasoning
• Salt + pepper
• Sub rolls or hoagie buns (but I’ve used ciabatta and it slapped)

How to Make It (Hint: Chop Like You Mean It)

This is the fun part:

1. Pile your meats, cheese, veggies, and lettuce onto a cutting board.
2. Chop everything together like you’re making a party out of it. Keep going until the mix is finely chopped and evenly combined.
3. Add your mayo, Italian dressing, vinegar, seasoning, salt and pepper.
4. Chop some more to mix it all in.
5. Scoop it generously into your bread of choice.

That’s it. No stovetop. No fancy equipment. Just a knife, a board, and your appetite.

Make It Yours

This isn’t a recipe—it’s a vibe. Want more crunch? Add cucumbers. Want a spice kick? Toss in some hot giardiniera. Need to feed a crowd? Set up a chopped sandwich bar. The beauty is that it always works.

A Quick Meal with Big Energy

Now it’s in regular rotation here. My husband devours it on work-from-home days, and I’ve even packed it in lunchboxes (just keep the filling separate from the bread until it’s time to eat!). When I’m hosting game night or need a fast picnic option, the chopped Italian sandwich is the first thing I make.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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