If you like sub sandwiches, you’re going to love this Antipasto Salad! It has all of the flavor of a big Italian sub sandwich, without the carb-heavy bread.
This Antipasto Salad has all the components of a subway sandwich without the bread!
My husband is not really partial to any kind of salad that consists of field greens, which he calls, “weeds“. If he had his way, he’d eat a 1/2 of a head of romaine lettuce with blue cheese dressing and bacon every night. I like all salad greens, but I think that there is the perfect green for each salad. Delicate field greens do best with light dressings and toppings, Chinese Chicken Salad is great with super crunchy cabbage. This Antipasto Salad needs a hearty lettuce like crisp iceberg or romaine, or both! (This post was originally published on June 13th, 2013 and has been updated. This post contains affiliate links).
I don’t eat many sandwiches these days, but when I did, I loved a big Italian sub with a splash of red wine vinegar and spicy pepperoncini. When I created this recipe, I wanted a salad that had all the flavors of an Italian sub, without the bread. The fact that it fits so deliciously into a low-carb, keto, and gluten free diet is a bonus!
What to put in an “Antipasto” Salad
There really isn’t a “recipe” per se. Start with a lettuce; romaine or iceberg work well, for crunch, but you can also add red or green leaf. Next add your favorite Italian meats and cheeses. I usually figure on about 3-4 ounces of meat and about 1-2 ounces of cheese per person. Some suggestions for meats are salami, coppa, prosciutto or soppressata. For cheeses, I suggest provolone, but fontina or even a fresh mozzarella would work as well. If you live in a large enough town, chances are there is a great Italian delicatessen nearby. Usually they are more than happy to give samples before you make a purchase. You’ll also find Italian olive oil, pastas, and other imported goods, which are most certainly a better quality than what you’d find in a chain grocery store.
Marinated Mushrooms are a great addition to any salad.
After you’ve chosen your meats and cheeses, you can begin adding other vegetables. While some of them might not be traditional or authentic to an antipasto platter you’d find in Italy, I always love to add more veggies. I use homemade marinated mushrooms, just because they are a family favorite and they’re cheaper than store-bought. Thin slices of fresh or roasted red bell peppers from a jar, like these are delicious. Other vegetables you can add are; Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts and pepperoncini.
For this classic vinaigrette I prefer red vinegar which is what is generally sprinkled on a sub sandwich. Add more vinegar for a tangier dressing.
This antipasto salad serves 3-4 for dinner, with enough left over for a couple of lunches the next day.
Antipasto Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head of iceberg lettuce shredded or sliced
- 1 head romaine lettuce shredded or sliced
- 18 ounces Italian deli meats (3-4 ounces per person) such as dry salami, Genoa, or sopressata sliced thin
- 12 ounces provolone cheese (1-2 ounces per person), fontina or mozzarella.
- 1 cup marinated mushrooms quartered (reserved 3/4 cup liquid from marinade)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives sliced
- 1/4 cup peperoncini sliced thin
- 1/4 cup roasted red bell peppers sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes cut in half
- Dressing
- 3/4 cup olive oil (you can also use some of the marinade from the olive, mushrooms or artichoke hearts if you're using them).
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice meats, cheese and veggies. Toss with lettuce. Add dressing just before serving.
- Dressing
- Whisk olive and vinegar in a small bowl season to taste with black pepper and kosher salt.
Some items used in this post are available at my Amazon Affiliate Store.
Mimi says
Darn husbands. I could eat this salad all the time! Beautiful!
Cynthia says
Ha! Thanks!
Mr. & Mrs. P says
What a lovely antipasto salad… Such a nice combination of colors and flavors!
Cynthia says
Thank you!
Katerina says
Hi! Following the post from Enjoying yummy Recipes, I can always use a great salad recipe as this one!
Cynthia says
Thanks Katerina! I’m glad you like it!
Libby with Lemony Thyme says
Haha. Read your intro to my husband “bacon boy” who said….well it’s not like he’s eating a ribeye every night. I think that means men need meat 😉
I personally love this salad and it fits perfectly with my new Lunch Bowl vibe.
Annie @Maebells says
What a beautiful salad! I have been in such a rut lately with salads! I can’t wait to try this!
Cynthia says
I like to change it up and my husband gets plenty of meat this way!
Jessica says
The salad looks great! Love antipasto salad, always get some when I got to delis in NY. Now I can make my own!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
This is a fantastic salad. You’ve got the whole platter in one bowl.
Cynthia says
Yes, Michelle, this is a great salad for a large group!
Marye says
This looks delicious, I love salad.
Cynthia says
I eat it year round Marye!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Dear Cynthia – with four boys and one husband in the house I have to make a pretty substantial salad to call it dinner. My husband is also averse to weeds. I know everyone in the house would be happy with this gorgeous salad, though I might have to hold the kalamata olives from a few plates….
Cynthia says
I hear you! My husband needs a “manly” salad!
Julia says
I am always looking for new salads to try. I love the idea of an antipasto salad! Love everything in there.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
This is my absolute favorite kind of salad. Extra pepperocini peppers for me, please!
Cynthia says
My husband too lauren!
Catherine says
Dear Cynthia, I love salads like this. What a delicious meal perfect for summer evenings. xo, Catherine
Cynthia says
Thank you Catherine!
Marye says
This looks fantastic! I would love some of this for lunch!
Catherine says
Dear Cynthia, this salad is right up my alley! A perfect light summer meal. xo, Catherine
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
What a delicious looking salad! Love how you’ve translated a classic to the bowl.
Cynthia says
Thank you!
Jennifer @NourishedSimply says
Antipasto salads are the best! So easy to make.
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
My favorite part of this would be the vinegar flavor throughout. I just ADORE vinegar and pickles! 🙂
Cynthia says
I’m the opposite. I like vinegar, but prefer my vinaigrettes to be less sharp.
Mimi says
I could eat this salad every day! but I’d probably get carried away with the cheeses and charcuterie, since they’re my favorite parts. Love the idea of utilizing marinated mushrooms! I also like using the olive oil from marinated artichokes.
Cynthia says
Mine too! I try to eat a big salad with the “fixings” at least 3 days a week!