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Meet the lunch of all lunches: a Gluten-Free Chopped Italian Sandwich! It’s a fun twist on the classic Italian sub and SO good. With a mix of deli meats, pickled veggies, and a tasty herb dressing, it’s a simple yet delicious lunch option that’s sure to hit the spot.

GLUTEN FREE CHOPPED ITALIAN SANDWICH

Have you heard of the viral recipe for a chopped Italian sub sandwich?? This one caught my eye on social media, and I knew I had to make it gluten free!

The premise of a chopped sandwich is that you gather all your meats, toppings, and condiments, then chop them finely and stuff them in a sandwich bun. 

Sounds kinda weird, right?

But it’s one one of the most DELICIOUS recipes ever! Chopping everything together ensures that you get equal distribution of every single ingredient in each bite. It’s like a flavor explosion every time you sink your teeth into the sandwich.

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Looking for more yummy gluten-free recipes? Try my Coconut Chicken Salad Sandwich (also great with crackers-perfect for lunches!) or my Copycat Crumbl Dark Dream CookiesGluten Free Crumbl Dark Dream Cookies (copycat recipe)!

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN FREE CHOPPED ITALIAN SANDWICH

If you have the ingredients for a basic sandwich, why not make a chopped sandwich! This will take your sub to another level, and give you an all-in-one experience.

Note: you can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Romaine lettuce

Romaine lettuce is my favorite for this recipe because it is crunchy, and does not get soggy. Iceberg lettuce is another crunchy lettuce option. But feel free to use any kind of lettuce you prefer.

Ham lunchmeat

Ham lunch meat has many variations and can be customized to your taste. Thin sliced or thick sliced can be used depending on the mouth feel you want. The quality of the ham you use will determine the quality of your sandwich. 

Salami

Salami is a perfect addition to this sandwich, giving it a nice Italian flare.

pepperoni

Pepperoni can be purchased in many different sizes, for this recipe we used the regular small sized pepperoni that you’re used to on your pizza, but you may use any kind you prefer depending on how much you want in your sandwich. Using all of the different cold cuts gives the sandwich the perfect balance.

Provolone cheese

I love using provolone cheese because its mild flavor pairs well with the stronger-flavored meats.

Tomato

There are many different tomatoes so just choose your favorite. Some are sweeter so it really just depends on what you want to add to your sandwich. 

Pepperoncini peppers

Also known as banana peppers, these are delicious and add a little spice and acidity. Pickled banana peppers are my preferred kind but any banana peppers will produce similar results.

Red onion 

Red onion is the kind I used but you can use white as well; they both will provide similar results. 

Mayonnaise (optional)

While this is optional I highly recommend it, it gives the dish moisture and a great flavor. 

Italian dressing

Flavorful Italian dressing really makes this dish what it is. It adds that perfect flavor and pairs amazingly with all the other ingredients.

You can use any brand of Italian dressing, the better quality dressing you use, the better your sandwich is going to taste.

NOTE: While most Italian dressing contain soybean oil, for a soy-free option you can make your own using extra virgin olive oil red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning.

Salt and Black Pepper

Salt and pepper are good in any dish! You may choose to not use any salt if you are on a low salt diet. Add as much or little as you want to perfect your sandwich.

Bun 

You may use anything, but my recommendation is my gluten free hot dog bun recipe. A hoagie bun or part of a French baguette works as well.

HOW TO MAKE A GLUTEN FREE CHOPPED ITALIAN SANDWICH

This recipe admittedly has a few more steps than a traditional cold cut sandwich, but the few extra minutes (really, only a few) are totally worth it!

Step 1: Layer

Layer shredded lettuce, deli meats, cheese, tomato, banana peppers, and onion on a large cutting board. remember your sandwich is going to taste better if you use fresh veggies.

Step 2: Chop

Chop into small bite-sized pieces. The smaller the better for flavor distribution!

PRO TIP: Gluten-free bread will hold together better and have a softer texture if you warm it briefly in the microwave or toast it first.

Step 3: Drizzle

Drizzle on mayonnaise and Italian dressing and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Depending on your preferences, you may want to add a little more mayo or dressing.

Step 4: Serve

Scoop about ¼ of the mixture into a gluten free bun and serve immediately.

I recommend serving with a freshly made gluten free hot dog bun, but if that’s not possible then warm a gluten free hoagie roll (Canyon Bakehouse is my fav) or hot dog bun in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and it will hold together better.

VARIATIONS

A chopped sandwich is the best way to level up your sandwich by giving you the perfect bite experience.

You can easily make your own with any other sandwich you would eat, such as a BLT, or even just a ham and cheese sandwich!

Make it a salad! Skip the bun and make this into a hearty salad. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a few grape tomatoes for a beautiful finish.

Swap ingredients. Try swapping roasted red peppers for the banana peppers, or a zesty red wine vinaigrette for the Italian dressing. Try using different meats to create your own take on this super versatile lunch!

HOW TO STORE

When you are storing ahead of time, chop and store the ingredients separately in an airtight container, then when you are ready, combine all of them in a large bowl (remember to drizzle that mayonnaise and tangy dressing in as well) and make your perfect chopped salad sandwich.

If you do not finish all of it and have some leftover mixture, store it in the fridge and eat within 24 hours. 

If you love how EASY this recipe is and would love some more quick and simple dinner ideas, these crockpot beef fajitas are calling your name!

MORE GLUTEN-FREE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gluten Free Hot Dog Buns

The BEST Southern Baked Beans Recipe (Jodi Beans)

Viral TikTok Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Cakes

Super Soft Gluten Free Bread (dairy-free option)

The BEST and EASIEST Gluten Free Hamburger Buns

Easy Gluten Free Biscuits Recipe (4 Ingredients!)

The BEST Gluten Free Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe

Gluten Free Cloverleaf Rolls 

Soft and Easy Gluten Free Breadsticks Recipe

The Best Gluten Free Crescent Rolls (like Pillsbury!)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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GLUTEN FREE CHOPPED ITALIAN SANDWICH RECIPE

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