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Italian Chopped Ciabatta Sandwich

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Enjoy a classic Italian deli experience with layers of spicy salami, capicola, and rich provolone cheese piled onto a crusty ciabatta loaf. Fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions add crunch and brightness, while a drizzle of zesty Italian dressing ties the flavors together. This sandwich offers a perfect balance of savory meats and tangy vegetables, making for a quick, satisfying meal. Serve immediately, or wrap it up for a delicious lunch on the go. Optional olives can add an extra punch of Mediterranean flavor if desired.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:42:40 GMT
A sandwich with meat, tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. Pin it
A sandwich with meat, tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce. | gracefulflavors.com

There are days when nothing but a flavor-packed Italian chopped sandwich will do. Layered with savory meats bright veggies and zippy dressing all piled on crisp ciabatta this quick meal disappears fast at my kitchen counter and is the perfect no-fuss lunch or picnic treat.

I started making this sandwich during our busiest weeks and my family immediately requested it again. The contrast of flavors and that irresistible Italian dressing drizzled all over keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

  • Ciabatta bread: provides crunchy structure and a chewy bite pick a loaf with a golden crust and light airy center
  • Spicy salami: brings smoky heat for real Italian flavor choose thinly sliced high-quality meat
  • Capicola: offers a tender bite and salty depth look for marbled slices with fresh aroma
  • Aged provolone cheese: melts slightly from the warmth of the bread giving that tangy nutty finish select a wedge and slice thick
  • Fresh lettuce tomatoes and onions: give crisp juicy contrast pick firm ripe veggies for maximum freshness
  • Zesty Italian dressing: unites all elements with a little acidity make or buy one with herbs and real olive oil
  • Olives (optional): add a briny touch that wakes up each bite go for pitted and sliced for easy eating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients:
Lay out the bread meats cheese veggies and dressing on a clean surface to streamline assembly
Prepare the Ciabatta:
Slice your loaf horizontally but do not cut all the way through This keeps the sandwich intact for easy filling and eating
Layer the Meats and Cheese:
Start with generous slices of salami and capicola overlapping for even coverage Top with slices of provolone cheese so every bite melts together
Add Fresh Veggies:
Scatter lettuce tomato and onion evenly Press into the meats and cheese so the veggies stay put and add crunch
Dress the Sandwich:
Spoon or drizzle Italian dressing generously over the veggies letting a little soak into the bread Use just enough for flavor without making the bread soggy
Finish and Serve:
Close the sandwich pressing gently to secure all layers Use a serrated knife to cut into neat servings Wrap in parchment if taking on the go
A sandwich with meat, peppers, and tomatoes. Pin it
A sandwich with meat, peppers, and tomatoes. | gracefulflavors.com

You Must Know

I never skip the aged provolone because its sharp tang takes this sandwich over the top. Last summer my son insisted on adding olives and it instantly became our new twist adding pop and saltiness we now love.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover sandwich tightly in parchment or foil and store in the fridge for up to one day The bread stays nicely crisp if you toast it just before assembling If you want to prep ahead store filling and bread separately and assemble right before eating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ciabatta for focaccia or a rustic baguette Use turkey or ham if you do not have capicola or salami Swap in mozzarella for a mellow cheese or press in some roasted red peppers for extra zing

A sandwich with meat, peppers, and tomatoes. Pin it
A sandwich with meat, peppers, and tomatoes. | gracefulflavors.com

Serving Suggestions

This Italian chopped sandwich pairs beautifully with kettle chips a handful of pepperoncini or a crisp green salad For a picnic wrap halves individually and keep cool

Cultural Context

The Italian chopped sandwich gets its roots from traditional Italian panini which layer meats cheeses and fresh produce on hearty loaves What makes this version shine is the generous chopping and layering that lets every bite offer all flavors at once It brings the flavors of a classic Italian deli right to your kitchen

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Ciabatta is ideal due to its crusty exterior and airy interior, holding up well to moist ingredients and bold fillings.

→ Can other meats be used instead of capicola?

Yes, you can substitute with other Italian cold cuts like mortadella, prosciutto, or pepperoni for variety.

→ What cheese pairs well besides provolone?

Sliced mozzarella or sharp asiago also complement the meats and vegetables if you prefer a different cheese.

→ How can I add more flavor or texture?

Try including pickled peppers, artichoke hearts, or banana peppers for extra tang and crunch.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Yes, wrap tightly in parchment or foil and refrigerate. For the best texture, add dressing just before serving.

Italian Chopped Ciabatta Sandwich

Layers of salami, capicola, crisp veggies, and provolone fill this bold Italian ciabatta sandwich.

Prep Time
7 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
7 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 sandwich portions)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Bread

01 1 large ciabatta loaf

→ Meat

02 80 g sliced spicy salami
03 80 g sliced capicola

→ Cheese

04 60 g sliced aged provolone cheese

→ Vegetables

05 40 g shredded lettuce
06 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
07 30 g thinly sliced red onion

→ Condiments

08 45 ml Italian dressing

→ Optional

09 30 g pitted olives, sliced

Instructions

Step 01

Place all prepared ingredients on a clean cutting board for easy assembly.

Step 02

Using a sharp bread knife, slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally, keeping the two halves attached at one long edge.

Step 03

Arrange slices of salami and capicola evenly over the bottom half of the bread, followed by a layer of provolone cheese.

Step 04

Scatter lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and olives (if using) over the cheese. Drizzle with Italian dressing for even coverage.

Step 05

Press the top half of the ciabatta down gently to secure the fillings. Cut the sandwich into two equal portions. Serve immediately or wrap for later enjoyment.

Notes

  1. For optimal flavor and texture, assemble just before serving to maintain ciabatta crispness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Bread knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk and wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 20 g