Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style

Picture this: all the delicious, savory flavors of an Italian sub—salami, pepperoni, provolone, crisp lettuce, and zesty dressing—transformed into a refreshing pasta salad. This dish takes everything we love about a loaded sub and gives it a fun, shareable twist perfect for summer picnics, backyard barbecues, or quick weekday lunches.

The beauty of this pasta salad is in the balance. The salty richness of cured meats meets the tang of banana peppers, the creaminess of provolone, and the crunch of fresh veggies. Then, it’s all tossed in a homemade Italian dressing that clings to every bite, infusing the pasta with layers of bold, savory goodness.

Whether you need a potluck showstopper or an easy make-ahead meal, this Italian Sub Pasta Salad has got you covered. It’s satisfying, vibrant, and endlessly customizable—just like your favorite deli sandwich but even better!

Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style

If you love a classic Italian sub, you’re going to be obsessed with this pasta salad version! It’s got all the flavors of your favorite hoagie—salami, pepperoni, provolone, and fresh veggies—tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta and a zippy Italian dressing.

This salad is the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and crunchy, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, keeps well in the fridge, and gets even better as the flavors meld. Whether it’s for meal prep, a party, or a summer picnic, this Italian Sub Pasta Salad is a must-try!

Exciting Story

The first time I made this pasta salad, my husband gave me the look—the one that says, “Why mess with a classic?” But one bite in, and he was hooked. He piled his plate high, nodding in approval between every forkful. Our daughter even asked for seconds, picking out all the banana peppers (her favorite part).

Now, this dish has become a staple at every gathering. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday lunch, a family BBQ, or a quick meal prep for the week, this pasta salad never disappoints. Every time I bring it to a potluck, people always ask for the recipe. And now, I’m sharing it with you!

Why This Italian Sub Pasta Salad?

Selling Points

Packed with Flavor: All the classic Italian sub ingredients in one bowl.
Easy & Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
Customizable: Add your favorite meats, cheeses, or veggies.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for BBQs, meal prep, or potlucks.
Zesty & Refreshing: A tangy homemade dressing ties it all together.

Cuisine: Italian-American

Tips for the Best Italian Sub Pasta Salad

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better in salads.
Let It Chill: The flavors get even better after sitting for a few hours.
Customize It: Swap in different meats or cheeses based on your preference.
Make It Extra Zesty: Add a splash of pickle juice for a tangy kick.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days!

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Keto-Friendly: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Veggie Option: Omit the meats and add chickpeas for protein.

Make a Healthier Version

Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds fiber and nutrients.
Reduce Processed Meats: Use turkey or chicken in place of salami and pepperoni.
Lower Fat Dressing: Reduce oil and use Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style

And there you have it—an Italian Sub Pasta Salad that brings all the bold flavors of your favorite deli sandwich into a refreshing, easy-to-make dish! Whether you’re serving it up at a BBQ or packing it for lunch, this salad is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it. And while you’re at it, check out some of our other crowd-pleasing pasta salads!

Relevant Categories

Salads, Pasta, Italian Cuisine, Summer Recipes, Meal Prep

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Yes! It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
What’s the best pasta for this salad? Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta work great for holding onto the dressing.
Can I use store-bought dressing? Absolutely! A good-quality Italian dressing will work in a pinch.
How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy? Rinse it under cold water and let it drain well before mixing.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Just skip the meat and add chickpeas or extra veggies.
How long does it last in the fridge? Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I add more protein? Grilled chicken or canned tuna make great additions.
What if I don’t like banana peppers? Swap them for pepperoncini or leave them out.
Is this recipe spicy? Not really, but you can add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Can I serve this warm? It’s best cold, but you can let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving.

Italian Sub Pasta Salad

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Author: Victoria

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Description

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta Salad:

12 oz rotini or penne pasta
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup sliced banana peppers
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
4 oz salami, chopped
4 oz pepperoni, chopped
4 oz provolone cheese, cubed
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

⅓ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta until it’s al dente—firm but not mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from sticking together.

Step 2: Chop the Ingredients

While the pasta cools, chop up all the sub-inspired ingredients—crisp bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and zesty banana peppers. Dice the salami, pepperoni, and provolone into bite-sized pieces so you get a little of everything in each bite.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings until emulsified. This dressing is tangy, herby, and full of Italian sub flavor!

Step 4: Toss and Chill

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, meats, cheese, and veggies. Drizzle with the homemade dressing and toss everything together until well coated. Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and top with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature.