Sandwich Bowl

Our tasty sandwich bowl packs all the flavors of your favorite sub into a refreshing salad. It's both filling and straightforward to prepare, perfect for lunch or even dinner!

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Table of Contents

Sandwich Bowl Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions For Sub In A Bowl
How To Make This Sandwich Bowl Recipe
How To Serve Your Low Carb Sandwich Bowl
How To Store A Sandwich Bowl
Why This Sandwich Bowl Is The Best
Frequently Asked Questions
5-Star Salad Recipes We Love
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This sandwich bowl recipe is a low carb dish that’s ideal if you’re sticking to a keto diet. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or an easy dinner, this recipe has you covered without spending hours in the kitchen.

Sandwich Bowl Ingredients

Sandwich Bowl raw ingredients that are labeled

This Italian sub salad recipe takes all of your favorite sandwich ingredients and transforms them into a fresh, satisfying salad.

With a mix of hearty lunch meats, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this keto sandwich bowl is both simple and flavorful.

You’ll need:

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
¼ cup sliced Deli Tavern ham
¼ cup sliced Deli Genoa salami
¼ cup sliced provolone cheese
½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
⅓ cup thinly sliced cucumber
¼ cup jarred banana pepper rings, juices drained
2 tablespoons sliced black olives
⅓ cup bottled Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, divided
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Substitutions and Additions For Sub In A Bowl

Customizing your sandwich bowl recipe is easy! These alternatives can help you adapt the recipe to suit your preferences.

Romaine Lettuce: You can substitute with spinach or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.

Deli Ham: Substitute with turkey or chicken slices. For a heartier salad, use roast beef slices.

Deli Genoa Salami: Pepperoni or smoked sausage slices can add a different spice level.

Provolone Cheese: Swap with mozzarella or cheddar for a change in taste.

Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes can be used if cherry tomatoes are not available.

Red Onion: White or yellow onions can be used, though they will have a slightly different flavor.

Cucumber: Zucchini or bell peppers can add a similar crunch if you prefer a different vegetable.

Banana Pepper Rings: Pickled jalapeños or mild pepperoncini can add a similar tangy kick.

Black Olives: Green olives or capers can be used for a different savory element.

Italian Salad Dressing: Homemade Italian vinaigrette or your favorite salad dressing will work great! Add a touch of Italian seasoning to maintain the Italian hoagie salad flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used for a slightly different flavor.

How To Make This Sandwich Bowl Recipe

Preparing this sub sandwich bowl is straightforward and fun, perfect for when you crave the flavors of a hearty sub in a refreshing, salad form.

Here’s how you make it:

STEP ONE: Lay the foundation of your salad by adding the chopped romaine lettuce to a large bowl.

PRO TIP: Opt for a larger bowl than you think you might need for preparing your salad. This extra space makes it easier to toss the salad without spilling ingredients.

STEP TWO: Incorporate the sliced Deli Tavern ham and sliced Deli Genoa salami into the bowl.

STEP THREE: Add the sliced provolone cheese to the mix.

STEP FOUR: Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and thinly sliced cucumber.

STEP FIVE: Stir in the drained banana pepper rings and sliced black olives.

PRO TIP: Try to cut all the ingredients into similar sizes to ensure each forkful includes a bit of everything.

lettuce, provolone, salami, ham, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, banana pepper, and black olives combined to a bowl

STEP SIX: In a small bowl, mix the bottled Italian salad dressing with 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.

Italian salad dressing and grated parmesan cheese combined in a bowl

STEP SEVEN: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are well-coated. The salad should look vibrant and well-mixed.

dressing poured over the salad and combined

STEP EIGHT: Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese and the fresh cracked black pepper over the top.

salad garnished with grated parmesan cheese and the fresh cracked black pepper

STEP NINE: Serve the salad immediately.

How To Serve Your Low Carb Sandwich Bowl

Whether you’re aiming for a casual lunch or a more structured dinner, here are some creative and appealing ways to serve this sub bowl.

Classic Platter Presentation: Serve the sandwich bowl in a serving bowl or on a platter. This makes it easy to serve and share.

Wrap it Up: For a grab-and-go option, scoop portions of the salad into large lettuce leaves, wrapping them up to create fresh, low-carb wraps.

Appetizer Style: Transform this dish into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by serving it in small, individual cups. It’s a great way to kickstart any gathering, allowing guests to mingle while enjoying their own mini salad.

Dressing Options: Instead of bottled Italian dressing, try a classic homemade Ranch for a creamier flavorl

Pairing with Soups: Pair this salad with a homemade soup. We think squash soup, tomato soup, or cabbage soup would all go nicely.

Weeknight Family Dinner: This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a quick, nutritious option that minimizes cooking time and maximizes family time.

Outdoor Picnic: Pack the sandwich bowl for an outdoor picnic. Its fresh ingredients hold up well in a cooler, and the salad is a filling meal that’s easy to serve and eat outdoors.

Buffet Style Gathering: At a buffet-style gathering, this sandwich bowl serves as a hearty side that complements a variety of main dishes, like pasta and casseroles.

Casual Brunch: Incorporate this salad into a casual brunch menu as the main dish alongside sweets and homemade biscuits.

How To Store A Sandwich Bowl

This tasty salad is like an Italian grinder salad! All the meat, cheese, and veggies, but no bun! Whether you’re prepping ahead for a gathering or saving leftovers, here are the best ways to keep your salad fresh.

MAKE AHEAD: This salad can be prepped ahead of time by chopping all the vegetables and storing them in separate containers in the fridge. Meats and cheeses can also be sliced and stored similarly. However, don’t add the dressing until just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of the sandwich bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate if possible, as dressed salad will become soggy over time. If already mixed, consume sooner rather than later to enjoy its best texture.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing this dish is not recommended. The sandwich bowl contains fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber, which do not freeze well and will lose their texture and flavor when thawed.

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Why This Sandwich Bowl Is The Best

The sandwich bowl is a hit for its unique twist on classic flavors. It’s so delicious and full of tasty ingredients, you won’t even miss the bread!

Here’s why our team loved this recipe:

Quick Assembly: Ready in a snap, perfect for those days when you’re short on time but still want a full-flavored meal.

Healthier Option: Packed with fresh veggies and lean meats, it’s a guilt-free choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.

No Cooking Required: Skip the heat! This recipe is all about chopping, assembling, and serving.

Customizable: Easy to tweak based on what’s in your fridge or your guests’ dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific wines that pair well with this salad?

A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp rosé complements the fresh and savory flavors of the salad well.

What’s the best way to serve this sandwich bowl for a dinner party?

Serve it in a large, clear bowl or on a platter to showcase the colorful layers of ingredients.

Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?

Adding nuts or seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds is a great way to introduce additional texture and flavor.

Is this sandwich bowl suitable for a large group?

Yes, it scales up easily. Just multiply the ingredients based on the number of guests you’re expecting.

How can I make this sandwich bowl more kid-friendly?

Use milder meats and cheeses, and consider adding fun elements like mini croutons or diced fruits to make it more appealing to children.

What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?

Mozzarella, Swiss, or even a mild blue cheese can provide a delicious twist to the sandwich bowl.

Can I make the dressing from scratch?

Definitely! A homemade Italian dressing using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs is a great alternative to bottled dressing.

What’s the best way to keep the ingredients fresh if I’m taking a sandwich bowl to a picnic?

Keep all ingredients cool and separate until ready to serve, and toss them with the dressing just before eating to maintain freshness.

Is there a vegetarian option for the meats in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the meats with grilled tofu, tempeh, or a variety of roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of romaine?

Absolutely! Feel free to use iceberg, butter lettuce, or even a spring mix for a different texture and taste.

Is this sandwich bowl salad a keto bowl?

Yes, this sub salad bowl can be considered a keto-friendly meal.

This sandwich bowl recipe combines the best parts of a sub in a fresh, easy-to-prepare salad, offering a delightful blend of savory meats, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a nutritious meal that’s both delicious and quick to assemble!

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Sandwich Bowl

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Our tasty sandwich bowl packs all the flavors of your favorite sub into a refreshing salad. It’s both filling and straightforward to prepare, perfect for lunch or even dinner!

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings

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Ingredients

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, from 1 large head of romaine lettuce
¼ cup sliced Deli Tavern ham, approximately 2 slices cut into ½ wide strips
¼ cup sliced Deli Genoa salami, approximately 4 slices cut into ½ inch wide strips
¼ cup sliced provolone cheese, approximately 2 slices cut into ½-inch wide strips
½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
⅓ cup thinly sliced cucumber, cut into quarters
¼ cup jarred banana pepper rings, juices drained
2 tablespoons sliced black olives
⅓ cup bottled Italian salad dressing
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, divided
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced Deli Tavern ham, sliced Deli Genoa salami, sliced provolone cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, thinly sliced cucumber, banana pepper rings, and sliced black olives.
In a small bowl, whisk together the bottled Italian salad dressing and 2 tablespoons of the grated parmesan cheese.
Pour the dressing into the bowl of salad ingredients. Gently toss to coat all the meat and vegetables in the dressing until all the salad ingredients are evenly coated and distributed in the bowl.
Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of the remaining 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese and the freshly cracked black pepper before serving into individual bowls.

Notes

Opt for a larger bowl than you think you might need for preparing your salad. This extra space makes it easier to toss the salad without spilling ingredients.
Try to cut all the ingredients into similar sizes to ensure each forkful includes a bit of everything.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lenore Ortyl Editorial Director
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Sandwich Bowl

Sandwich Bowl Ingredients

Substitutions and Additions For Sub In A Bowl

How To Make This Sandwich Bowl Recipe

How To Serve Your Low Carb Sandwich Bowl

How To Store A Sandwich Bowl

Cucumber Salad

Simple Caesar Salad Recipe

Why This Sandwich Bowl Is The Best

Frequently Asked Questions

5-Star Salad Recipes We Love