Muffuletta Sandwich Olive Salad (Print Version)
A New Orleans classic, this halal Muffuletta layers savory deli meats, cheeses, and zesty olive salad on crusty bread. Ideal for sharing or a hearty lunch.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Olive Salad
01 - 1 cup pitted, coarsely chopped green olives
02 - 1 cup pitted, coarsely chopped black olives
03 - 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
04 - 1/4 cup chopped pickled giardiniera
05 - 2 tablespoons drained capers
06 - 2 minced garlic cloves
07 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
08 - 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Sandwich Components
12 - 1 large (approximately 10-inch diameter) round Italian bread loaf, halved horizontally
13 - 5.3 ounces sliced halal smoked turkey breast
14 - 5.3 ounces sliced halal beef salami
15 - 5.3 ounces sliced halal beef mortadella
16 - 5.3 ounces sliced provolone cheese
17 - 5.3 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
# Directions:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine all olive salad ingredients. Thoroughly mix, then cover and allow to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes, or ideally overnight, to develop maximum flavor.
02 - Horizontally slice the Italian loaf. Carefully hollow out some of the soft interior bread from the center of each half to create ample space for the sandwich fillings.
03 - Evenly spread half of the prepared olive salad mixture onto the bottom half of the bread.
04 - Systematically arrange layers of smoked turkey breast, beef salami, beef mortadella, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese atop the olive salad.
05 - Distribute the remaining olive salad over the layered fillings, then carefully position the top half of the bread to cover the entire sandwich.
06 - Gently press the assembled sandwich to compress its layers. For optimal flavor integration, tightly wrap the muffuletta in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
07 - Slice the chilled muffuletta into individual wedges and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You&ll adore how effortlessly this sandwich transforms humble deli meats into a culinary masterpiece, proving that sometimes the simplest assemblies yield the greatest joys.
- This recipe is a true game-changer for meal prep or gatherings, as it actually tastes *better* after a little time to let all those incredible flavors get cozy.
02 -
- I learned the hard way that *not* scooping out some bread makes the sandwich too tall and difficult to eat, and it also prevents that wonderful compression that marries the flavors.
- Discovering that letting the olive salad marinate overnight, and then letting the *entire sandwich* rest, dramatically deepened the flavors—it&s not just a suggestion, it&s a game-changer!
03 -
- To get that perfect "deli-pressed" effect, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place it under something heavy, like a cutting board with a few cans on top, while it chills in the fridge.
- Don&t be afraid to make extra olive salad; it&s fantastic on its own as a dip, mixed into pasta, or even dolloped on grilled chicken.