Italian Sub Pasta Salad Recipe

If you dream in deli flavors and love a pasta salad that packs a punch, this Italian Sub Pasta Salad is about to become your new obsession. Imagine everything you crave in a classic Italian sub—tangy pepperoncini, savory meats, melty provolone, and crisp veggies—all tossed together with tender pasta and a zingy homemade vinaigrette. It’s bright, bold, and guaranteed to steal the show at potlucks, picnics, or any weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for yourself, this Italian Sub Pasta Salad is your ticket to big flavors with almost zero fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Italian Sub Pasta Salad is in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one brings a little something special to the table—whether that’s a pop of color, a bite of spice, or a creamy finish. Get each component as fresh as possible, and you’ll be rewarded with a salad that seriously delivers on taste and texture.

• Olive oil: Acts as the silky base for the dressing, carrying every other flavor with it.
• Balsamic vinegar: Brings sweet tanginess that pairs perfectly with the salty meats and cheeses.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Adds robust, aromatic depth to the simple vinaigrette.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a zesty background note and helps emulsify the dressing beautifully.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning! Start light and adjust to taste once everything’s together.
• Uncooked spiral pasta (2 cups): The perfect shape for catching every bit of the dressing and toppings.
• Diced bell pepper (any color): Sweet and crunchy pockets of color and freshness.
• Sliced pepperoncini: Gives the salad its signature zing and heat—don’t skip these unless you really must!
• Red onion (sliced): Brings sharpness and a subtle bite that stands up to the rich meats.
• Cubed Provolone cheese: Creamy, mild, and melty—these cubes bind all the flavors together.
• Thinly sliced deli ham: Offers that classic, savory deli vibe with every bite.
• Thinly sliced hard salami: Adds a slightly spicy, robust depth classic to Italian subs.
• Lettuce (chopped): Brings crisp freshness and makes every serving feel light and satisfying.
• Cherry tomatoes (quartered): Bursting with juiciness, they add sweetness and beautiful color.

How to Make Italian Sub Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and a good few cracks of black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is thickened and nicely blended. This homemade vinaigrette sets the whole salad apart, drenching everything in bright, tangy flavor.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your spiral pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the noodles are perfectly al dente—you want them to hold up to all those hearty add-ins. Once done, drain them well and let the pasta cool completely. A quick run under cold water helps stop the cooking and keeps the noodles from sticking.

Step 3: Chop and Prep Your Toppings

While the pasta cools, dice up those bell peppers, slice the pepperoncini and red onion, cube your provolone, and stack and slice your ham and salami into bite-sized pieces. Get your lettuce chopped and tomatoes quartered, too. Having everything ready will make assembly a snap and ensure every forkful is balanced.

Step 4: Combine the Salad Base

Toss the cooled pasta into a large serving bowl, then add the bell pepper, pepperoncini, red onion, provolone cheese, deli ham, and salami. If you’re prepping ahead, wait to add the lettuce and tomatoes until just before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.

Step 5: Dress, Toss, and Finish

Right before serving, add the chopped lettuce and cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Drizzle the dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every ingredient gets just the right coating of vinaigrette. Give it a taste and adjust with a sprinkle more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!

How to Serve Italian Sub Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A little extra flourish can take this Italian Sub Pasta Salad from great to stunning. Try a shower of fresh basil or parsley for an herbaceous boost, or sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for a nutty kick. A few extra sliced pepperoncini or a crack of black pepper will make it pop on the table.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also shines alongside simple sides like garlic breadsticks, a bowl of herby olives, or a light soup. For a perfect summer spread, serve it with grilled vegetables or a platter of antipasto bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Italian Sub Pasta Salad in a big, shallow platter so the colors and textures really stand out. For picnics, portion it into individual mason jars or compostable containers. Want to impress a crowd? Serve it inside a hollowed-out loaf of crusty Italian bread for a jaw-dropping edible “bowl”!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Italian Sub Pasta Salad tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to have leftovers, hold back the lettuce and tomatoes and add them fresh before serving to keep things crisp.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies, lettuce, and cheese, freezing isn’t recommended for Italian Sub Pasta Salad. The textures can become soggy and lose their vibrant crunch after thawing, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Give it a quick toss before serving, and refresh with a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of vinegar if it seems dry after chilling.

FAQs

Can I make this Italian Sub Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just keep the lettuce and tomatoes separate, then toss everything together with the dressing right before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.

What other meats can I use?

Feel free to swap in turkey, roast beef, or even cooked chicken as tasty alternatives. You can also mix and match your favorite Italian deli meats like capicola or mortadella for a fun twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your deli meats and cheese to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

How long does Italian Sub Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For the best crunch, keep the lettuce and tomatoes separate until you’re ready to eat.

What pasta shapes work best?

Spiral pasta like rotini or fusilli are ideal because their twists grab all the flavorful bits, but penne or farfalle are delicious options too if that’s what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you love Italian subs and crave a pasta salad that’s exciting, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Italian Sub Pasta Salad truly has it all. It’s a dish meant for sharing and savoring, so gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive in—you’re going to love every bite!

Print