Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
The Chopped Italian Sandwich is a vibrant and flavorful meal packed with fresh cheeses, marinated vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a satisfying, handheld form. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients
- 1 large ciabatta bread roll (or 2 smaller ciabatta or hoagie rolls)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 3.5 oz (100 g) fresh mozzarella ball
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ small iceberg lettuce
- 1 roma tomato
- ¼ small red onion
- 4 pieces sun-dried tomatoes
- 1.5 oz (45 g) marinated roasted peppers
- 4 quarters marinated artichoke hearts
- 4 basil leaves
- Optional: banana peppers or pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tablespoons whole egg mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the tomato and red onion into thin slices. Slice the mozzarella ball into circles and place them on a paper towel to remove excess water.
- Step 2: On a large chopping board, lay down the iceberg lettuce and pile the tomato slices, provolone cheese, red onion, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated peppers, artichokes, and basil leaves on top.
- Step 3: Using a sharp knife, chop all the piled ingredients into small pieces.
- Step 4: Add the dressing directly on top of the chopped ingredients—combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, oregano, grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Step 5: Mix the dressing into the chopped ingredients by folding with a knife or spoon until everything is well coated.
- Step 6: Slice the bread roll in half lengthways, scoop the filling into the bread, pressing the filling gently to help it stay in place. Serve immediately and enjoy your jam-packed Chopped Italian Sandwich!
Tips & Variations
- For extra tang, add banana peppers or pepperoncini peppers to the filling.
- Use a gentle folding motion when mixing to keep ingredients from becoming mushy.
- Try different breads like a soft hoagie roll or focaccia for varied textures.
Storage
Store leftover filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid assembling the sandwich ahead of time to prevent sogginess. Reheat the bread lightly if desired, then add the chilled filling fresh for best results.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sandwich vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Ensure the marinated vegetables do not contain animal products.
What’s the best way to keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Keep the bread and filling separate until ready to serve. Add the filling just before eating, and consider toasting the bread slightly for extra crunch and resistance to moisture.
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Chopped Italian Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chopped Italian Sandwich is a vibrant, flavorful handheld meal packed with fresh Italian-inspired ingredients, cheeses, and a tangy, herby dressing. Combining crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, a variety of cheeses, marinated vegetables, and a zesty dressing, all chopped and mixed together for an easy yet impressive sandwich experience. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this recipe brings bold Italian flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 1 large ciabatta bread roll (or 2 smaller ciabatta or hoagie rolls)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 3.5 oz (100g) fresh mozzarella ball
- ¼ small iceberg lettuce
- 1 roma tomato
- ¼ small red onion
- 4 pieces sun-dried tomatoes
- 1.5 oz (45g) marinated roasted peppers
- 4 quarters marinated artichoke hearts
- 4 basil leaves
- Optional: banana peppers or pepperoncini peppers
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons whole egg mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the fresh ingredients: Slice the tomato and red onion into thin slices. Slice the mozzarella ball into circles and place them over a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Layer the ingredients: On a large chopping board, lay down the iceberg lettuce as a base. Then pile on the tomato slices, provolone cheese slices, red onion, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated roasted peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, and basil leaves.
- Chop the mixture: Using a sharp knife, chop all the piled ingredients into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re well combined.
- Add the dressing: Pour the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, freshly grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil directly over the chopped ingredients.
- Mix everything together: Fold the dressing into the chopped mixture using a knife or spoon, ensuring all pieces are nicely coated and the flavors meld together.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the ciabatta roll lengthwise. Scoop the chopped filling generously into the bottom half of the bread. Optionally, press the top half onto the filling, then using a knife, help transfer more filling inside as desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately and dig into your flavorful, jam-packed Chopped Italian Sandwich.
Notes
- To avoid soggy bread, remove excess moisture from mozzarella by patting with paper towels.
- Feel free to add optional banana peppers or pepperoncini for an extra tangy kick.
- This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for a few hours.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to taste.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian sandwich, chopped sandwich, ciabatta sandwich, vegetarian sandwich, fresh mozzarella sandwich, easy lunch recipe, Italian flavors

