Chopped Italian Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS:

For the Sandwich:

1 loaf Italian bread or ciabatta, sliced in half lengthwise

1/4 pound salami, thinly sliced

1/4 pound ham, thinly sliced

1/4 pound mortadella, thinly sliced

1/4 pound provolone cheese, thinly sliced

1 cup iceberg lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

2 tomatoes, sliced

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Sandwich:

Open the sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board.

Layer the salami, ham, mortadella, and provolone cheese evenly on the bottom half of the bread.

On top of the meats and cheese, add the chopped lettuce, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, red onion, and tomato slices.

Dress the Sandwich:

Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the sandwich fillings. The dressing will add a tangy and flavorful kick to the sandwich.

Complete the Sandwich:

Place the top half of the bread onto the sandwich. Press down gently to compact the ingredients slightly.

Cut and Serve:

Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich into individual portions. This will make it easier to handle and serve.

Serve immediately, or wrap each portion in parchment paper or aluminum foil for a picnic or to-go meal.

Tips and Variations:

Meat and Cheese Selection: Feel free to customize the sandwich with your favorite Italian meats and cheeses. Other options include capicola, soppressata, and mozzarella.

Vegetable Additions: You can add other vegetables like artichoke hearts, olives, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

Bread Choices: While Italian bread or ciabatta is traditional, you can also use a baguette or any sturdy bread that can hold up to the dressing and fillings.

Make-Ahead: If preparing the sandwich in advance, keep the dressing separate and apply it just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Spiciness: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the dressing to suit your preference for heat.

Enjoy!