Italian Chopped Sandwich with Pesto Recipe

If you’re craving a sandwich that bursts with flavor and textures, this Italian Chopped Sandwich with Pesto Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the fresh veggies, Italian meats, and that vibrant pesto mayo come together for a sandwich experience that’s anything but ordinary. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly, and I’m excited to share all my tips so your sandwich turns out fan-freaking-tastic every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Italian Chopped Sandwich with Pesto Recipe brings its own charm to the table. Don’t skimp on the quality of your Italian meats or the freshness of your veggies — it really makes a difference. I usually pick ciabatta rolls that are crusty yet soft inside for the perfect bite every time.

• Roma tomato: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best texture without making the sandwich soggy.
• Red onion: Thin slices add just the right amount of bite without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Black Forest or capicola ham: Go for authentic deli slices; they bring savory depth and a touch of sweetness.
• Provolone cheese: Its mild, creamy flavor melts beautifully with the sandwich fillings.
• Genoa salami: A classic Italian meat that adds a good punch of spice and texture.
• Hot soppressata or pepperoni: For a little heat and boldness — pick your favorite!
• Shredded romaine: Adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the meats and cheese.
• Sliced roasted red peppers: These bring a smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pesto spread.
• Sliced drained peperoncini: Their slight tang and mild spice lift the whole sandwich.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for your pesto spread; make sure it’s good quality.
• Store-bought or homemade pesto: This is my favorite part — the herby brightness of pesto blends everything together beautifully.
• Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity for balance and freshness.
• Onion powder & Italian seasoning: Little flavor boosters that round out the sauce perfectly.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: To season everything just right.
• Ciabatta rolls: Look for crusty rolls that are sturdy enough to hold the chunky filling.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Italian Chopped Sandwich with Pesto Recipe is. You can easily swap ingredients to match your mood or what’s in your fridge. Here’s what I often play with.

• Vegetarian: I’ve made this without meat by adding extra cheese and more roasted red peppers—still delicious and hearty!
• Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or swap peperoncini for pickled banana peppers for a bit more heat.
• Healthier swap: Use whole grain ciabatta and replace mayo with Greek yogurt mixed with pesto to lighten it up.
• Cheese options: Try mozzarella or fontina if you want a creamier melt instead of provolone.

How to Make Italian Chopped Sandwich with Pesto Recipe

Step 1: Chop Everything into Bite-Sized Goodness

This is the part that makes this sandwich so fun and satisfying. Grab a large cutting board and a sharp knife, then chop together the tomato, red onion, ham, provolone, salami, soppressata, romaine, roasted red peppers, and peperoncini. The key is to toss them gently as you go to mix everything evenly and get bite-sized pieces that’ll stay nicely packed inside your ciabatta. I like to keep my chunks uniform to make every bite balanced.

Step 2: Whip Up the Pesto Mayo Sauce

In a big bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, pesto, red wine vinegar, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Then season it with salt and black pepper to taste. This sauce is where flavor meets creaminess, so don’t rush it—make sure it’s well blended. When I first made this, I underestimated the vinegar, but this acidity really helps keep the sandwich fresh and lively.

Step 3: Toss Chopped Mixture with the Sauce

Add your chopped ham and veggies to the pesto mayo bowl and use a spatula or spoon to toss everything until it’s thoroughly coated. This makes the sandwich juicy and flavorful without being soggy. I’ve learned that tossing by hand is best here—you want every piece kissed by that herby, tangy sauce.

Step 4: Toast and Stuff Your Ciabatta Rolls

Slice your ciabatta rolls in half and toast them until they’re golden and just crisp enough to hold up. Then divide the chopped mixture between the rolls. One of my favorite moments is pressing the sandwich gently to help everything settle in—this makes the first bite so satisfying. Finally, cut each roll in half and serve immediately.

How to Serve Italian Chopped Sandwich with Pesto Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little fresh basil or some extra torn romaine on top for color and crunch. A light drizzle of extra pesto or olive oil never hurts either if you want to amp up the flavor just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pairing this sandwich with some crunchy kettle-cooked chips or a simple Italian pasta salad takes the meal next level. I also like some marinated olives or a tangy cucumber salad on the side—it keeps the meal fresh and light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual get-together, I’ve served this Italian Chopped Sandwich chopped salad-style in large bowls alongside breadsticks, letting everyone build their own sandwiches. It’s fun and festive! For a picnic, wrap the sandwiches individually in parchment paper for easy transport and an effortless presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes happens if I don’t eat the whole sandwich right away!), I store the chopped mixture and bread separately in airtight containers. This keeps the bread from getting soggy and the filling fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Freezing

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chopped filling—just skip the bread. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and assemble the sandwich with fresh rolls for best results.

Reheating

For reheating, I usually toast the ciabatta again lightly and serve the filling cold or at room temperature, as reheating the filling can alter the texture of the meats and pesto mayo. This way, you still get that fresh, vibrant taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chopped Sandwich with Pesto Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, bursting with vibrant flavors, and just plain fun to eat. It’s perfect when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours cooking. When you try this at home, I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do—it’s a real crowd-pleaser that feels like a little celebration in every bite!

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