Little King Salad: The Iconic Hoagie in a Bowl Recipe with Homemade Dressing

The Perfect Anytime Meal: Little King Salad + Signature Dressing

This incredible Little King Salad is a true year-round staple in our home. Its simplicity makes it an ideal weeknight meal solution when time is short, yet its robust flavors and satisfying nature also make it a colossal hit at our tailgates and gatherings. Imagine the perfect harmony of cool, crisp iceberg lettuce, vibrant red Roma tomatoes, creamy Provolone cheese, a medley of savory and spicy deli meats, and tender torn Italian bread – all brought together by a bright, herbaceous dressing made from tarragon vinegar, premium olive oil, and aromatic oregano. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.

What Makes This a Hoagie Salad Recipe?

As I’ve highlighted, this recipe masterfully transforms the essence of a traditional hoagie sandwich into a convenient and delectable salad bowl. Every ingredient you’d find nestled between slices of Italian bread – from the savory meats to the fresh veggies and zesty dressing – is present here, perfectly tossed for an ultimate flavor experience. Looking to adapt it for specific dietary needs? It’s incredibly easy to make this Hoagie Salad Recipe Keto-friendly! Simply omit the Italian hard rolls, and you’ll still enjoy all the fantastic flavors without the carbs.

Unraveling the Mystery: Where Did the Name Hoagie Come From?

The intriguing name “hoagie” is deeply rooted in the history of the Philadelphia area. During the fervor of World War I, Italian immigrants working at the Hog Island shipyard began crafting substantial sandwiches to sustain themselves through long days. These hearty creations were initially referred to as “hoggies,” a name believed to be a playful nod to their workplace. Over time, this evolved into the widely recognized and beloved term “hoagie,” which has since become synonymous with a particular style of generously filled submarine sandwich.

The Great Mayo Debate: Does Mayo Belong on a Hoagie?

When it comes to the question of mayonnaise on a hoagie, tradition holds a strong stance: typically, no. Many hoagie purists firmly assert that mayonnaise has no place on an authentic hoagie. They advocate for a simpler, more classic approach, preferring the bright tang of oil and vinegar as the primary condiment, believing it allows the true flavors of the meats, cheeses, and vegetables to shine without being overwhelmed by the richness of mayo.

Grinder vs. Hoagie – What’s the Real Difference?

The distinction between a grinder and a hoagie primarily lies in one key factor: heat. A grinder is essentially a hoagie that undergoes a heating process after assembly. This is true regardless of whether the filling consists of traditionally hot ingredients, like meatballs or steak, or cold deli meats. If you’ve encountered the viral TikTok Grinder sub and salad, then you already grasp just how remarkably delicious and satisfying a salad inspired by a warm, toasted sandwich can be! Our Little King Salad captures this essence, offering the best of both worlds.

Essential Ingredients for Your Little King Hoagie Salad

Crafting this exquisite Hoagie Sub Salad requires only a handful of straightforward ingredients, many of which you likely already have readily available in your refrigerator or pantry! For precise measurements and quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card located further down this page.

For The Little King Salad:

• Iceberg Lettuce: Forming the crisp foundation of our salad, iceberg lettuce contributes a clean, mild flavor and an incredibly firm, crunchy texture that holds up beautifully to the dressing and other ingredients, providing a refreshing bite.
• Sliced Deli Ham, Deli Turkey, Hard Salami, and Pepperoni: These carefully selected deli meats are the heart and soul of the salad, drawing inspiration directly from classic hoagie fillings. They are substantial, satisfying, and infuse the dish with a rich, savory, and subtly spicy flavor profile that makes the salad truly filling and delicious.
• Red Onion: A key flavor enhancer, red onion introduces a sharp, crunchy burst of piquant heat that perfectly complements the richness of the meats and cheeses, adding depth and a delightful zing.
• Roma Tomatoes: These firm, flavorful tomatoes are ideal for salads. Halved lengthwise and then sliced, they offer chewy bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the savory components.
• Provolone Cheese: Providing a wonderfully creamy and slightly sharp element, cubed or chopped Provolone cheese melts beautifully into the salad’s flavors. If Provolone isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of chopped Swiss cheese for a similar yet distinct creamy texture and nutty flavor.
• Italian Hard Rolls: A quintessential hoagie element, these bread rolls are torn into rustic, bite-sized pieces and tossed directly into the salad. They absorb the dressing, adding a delightful soft, chewy texture and carbohydrate richness that truly makes this a “hoagie in a bowl.”

For the Zesty Little King Dressing:

• Olive Oil: A foundational component of nearly any great salad dressing, olive oil serves as one of the go-to salad toppings, both on its own and as a critical ingredient in a dressing, providing a smooth, rich base and binding the flavors together.
• Tarragon Vinegar: This unique vinegar is the secret weapon of the Little King Dressing, infusing it with a distinctive herbal note. It beautifully compliments and combines the flavors of the various salad ingredients while also creating a vibrant, tangy base for the dressing that truly sets this salad apart.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Added judiciously to taste, these fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and elevating the overall flavor profile of the dressing, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Dried Oregano: This classic Italian herb contributes a subtle earthy flavor with a delightful hint of mint to the dressing, enhancing its Mediterranean character and tying into the “Italian hoagie” theme.
• Garlic Powder: Used to impart a touch of subtle garlicky flavor to the wet ingredients, garlic powder offers a gentle warmth and aromatic depth without the intensity of fresh garlic.

How to Assemble Your Irresistible Little King Salad / Hoagie Sub Salad

My recipe for this homemade Italian Hoagie Salad is remarkably straightforward and incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for any occasion! For even more detailed instructions and helpful visual cues, please continue scrolling down to the comprehensive recipe card below.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop & Slice

2. Assemble the Salad Base

3. Whisk Together the Signature Dressing

5. The Grand Finale: Toss & Add Bread

6. Serve Immediately & Enjoy!

Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!

Don’t let this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Little King Hoagie Salad recipe get lost in the shuffle! Make sure to save it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you leave. This way, you can easily find it whenever that hoagie craving strikes!

Ingredient Substitution Tip: Can’t Find Tarragon Vinegar? No Problem!

More Mouthwatering Recipes to Enjoy

• Toasted Italian Sub Sandwiches (pictured above): If you enjoyed the hoagie-inspired flavors of the salad, you’ll adore these warm, gooey subs packed with deli meats, melted cheese, and crisp veggies.
• Greek Style Cucumber Salad: A fresh, vibrant, and light salad, perfect for a refreshing side or a light lunch.
• Ham and Cheese Sliders: Another crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and flavor to any gathering.
• Chicken Ala King Baked Potatoes: A hearty and inventive way to enjoy a classic, turning a simple baked potato into a fulfilling meal.
• Chicken Ala King: The traditional, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

 

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Print Recipe

Little King Salad – It’s like a Hoagie in a Bowl!

This salad is like a hoagie sandwich in a bowl! Full of sliced deli meats, cheese, onion, lettuce, tomatoes and bread, covered in Little King’s very own dressing. It’s a meal in itself!

Prep Time

5 minutes
mins

Total Time

5 minutes
mins

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
hoagie salad, hoagie salad dressing recipe, how to make little king salad, Italian Hoagie salad, Little King Salad, Little King Salad recipe

Servings:

8
servings

Calories:

458
kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

• 3 Piece Wooden Salad Set
• Oggi Mixing Bowl, 4 Quart
• 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• FOR THE LITTLE KING SALAD:
• 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
• 1/4 pound sliced deli ham chopped
• 1/4 pound sliced deli turkey chopped
• 1/4 pound sliced hard salami chopped
• 1/4 pound sliced pepperoni chopped
• 1 small red onion sliced
• 2- 3 Roma tomatoes halved lengthwise and sliced
• 1 cup provolone cheese chopped (can sub Swiss)
• 4 Italian Hard Rolls torn into pieces
• FOR THE LITTLE KING SALAD DRESSING:
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup tarragon vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

• Chop deli meat and cheese. Slice tomatoes and chop lettuce.
• Add lettuce to a large bowl. Top with meats and cheeses, onions, and tomatoes. Combine the dressing ingredients well.
• Keep everything in the fridge until you are ready to serve the salad.
• Right before you serve the salad, toss the salad with the dressing. Add in the torn Italian hard rolls. Toss again and serve immediately.

Notes

• Romaine lettuce can be subbed, or use half iceberg half Romaine lettuce for a slightly softer texture while maintaining crunch.

• I recommend asking the deli to slice the meat a little thicker for this salad. You can certainly use thinly shaved deli meat, but it tends to be prettier and easier to chop or julienne cut when it’s a bit thicker. Sometimes I like to cut the meats in different ways (e.g., strips, cubes) just to enhance the visual appeal, but it’s not strictly necessary for flavor.

• If you anticipate having leftover salad, it’s best to add the torn bread rolls to each individual serving just before eating. The bread will get soggy if it sits in the dressed salad for too long.
• Refrigerate any leftover salad in an airtight container. For optimal freshness, consume within two days. The dressing can be stored separately for up to a week.

Nutrition

Serving:
1


|

Calories:
458
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
13
g

|

Protein:
16
g

|

Fat:
38
g

|

Saturated Fat:
10
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
26
g

|

Cholesterol:
56
mg

|

Sodium:
1287
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
3
g