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These classic Italian-style Salami Sandwiches stay fresh, never soggy, and are loaded with cheese, olives, and arugula. My favorite picnic sandwich!
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Salami Sandwiches are of my very favorite lunches. They are perfect for a picnic or just a casual lunch at home. What makes them so picnic-able (yes, I’m sticking with that word) is that they don’t get soggy. You can pack them in your backpack or lunchbox and they’ll stay fresh until you’re ready to eat. Just add the olive spread right before serving and it all comes together like a dream! When we visited Europe, we’d pick up sandwiches like these at the market in the morning and take them along on hikes. By lunchtime, they were still fresh and delicious.
If you’re anything like me, once you start making these you’ll want to try other picnicky sandwiches too, like our Turkey and Brie Sandwich, our zesty Italian Turkey Sandwiches, or even a melty Raclette Sandwich that feels straight out of the Swiss Alps. You can never go wrong with a good sandwich, I can’t wait to you to try these and all of our delicious sandwich recipes!
🩷 Emily
Key Ingredients
- Bread – We like to use a Ciabatta loaf, but you can use rustic Italian bread, hoagie rolls, or toasted soft Italian bread. You can also use our homemade Rosemary Parmesan Focaccia Bread.
- Salami – I usually go with Genoa Salami because it’s easy to find but there are all different kinds to choose from. I will go into this in more detail below.
- Provolone Cheese – I like using provolone because it has a mild flavor and complements the salami but any kind of semi hard cheese will work great. I don’t love smoked provolone because it can overpower the sandwich, but that’s just me. If you don’t have provolone, Swiss or Gruyere will work great.
- Olive Tapenade – This is simply made from chopped Kalamata olives and balsamic vinegar. It adds a bold, salty flavor to the sandwiches that you are going to love!
- Optional Toppings – I love these sandwiches as they are, but you can always dress them up with extras like fresh tomato slices, banana peppers, pickled red onions, or a few fresh basil leaves. You can even add a drizzle of homemade balsamic reduction to add a little sweetness.
What Kind of Salami is Best for Sandwiches?
The most popular salami for sandwiches in the U.S. is probably Genoa salami. You can find it at just about any grocery store, and it has that mild, classic flavor. But Genoa isn’t the only option out there. There are so many different kinds worth trying! Hard salami is another common choice. It’s firmer, drier, and has a smoky flavor that gives your sandwich a little extra bite (I also love snacking on it all by itself). Soppressata has more spice and a chunky, rustic texture that will give your sandwich more bulk. Felino salami (aka the “King of Salami”) is especially popular in Italy. It has a buttery smooth texture and a more subtle flavor. Then there’s pepper salami, rolled in cracked black pepper for a little kick without being too over-the-top peppery. These are just a few of the most common varieties, but your local deli will probably have even more. My advice? Try as many as you can and pick your favorite!
How to Make Salami Sandwiches
- First make the tapenade. Finely chop the Kalamata olives and mix with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Cut the ciabatta roll in half and layer salami slices on the bottom, then top with provolone cheese.
- Spread the olive tapenade over the cheese and pile on a generous handful of arugula.
- If making ahead for lunch or a picnic, keep the tapenade separate and add it just before eating to keep the bread fresh.
Pro Tips for Making Salami Sandwiches
Choose the right bread: Crusty bread like ciabatta or focaccia holds up best for picnics and prevents sogginess. Softer breads work too but toast them lightly for extra sturdiness.
Add the olive spread last: Pack everything up ahead of time, then spread on the tapenade right before eating so the bread stays fresh.
Picnic Tip: Wrap sandwiches in parchment paper, then tuck into a cooler. They’ll stay fresh and travel-ready all day.
Questions About Salami Sandwiches
At room temperature, it’s best to eat within 2 hours. If stored in a cooler with ice packs, it can easily last through the day and still taste fresh at lunchtime. Because salami is cured, it’s more shelf-stable than most deli meats, but I still recommend keeping it in a cooler if you’re taking it on a picnic or hike.
Both! Cold, they’re perfect for picnics or grab-and-go lunches. For a toasty twist, try pressing them in a panini maker or warming them in the oven for a few minutes before eating them.
Yes, you can make them the night before and keep them in the fridge, especially if you layer the cheese against the bread first to act as a barrier. Just wait to add the lettuce and tapenade until right before serving.
Read Next: 35+ Easy Lunch Ideas (Quick, Easy & Healthy)
More Unique Sandwiches to Try
Have you tried these Salami Sandwiches? I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and let me know how you liked it. And don’t forget to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @favoritefamilyrecipes! 📸🥪
Salami Sandwiches with Olive Tapenade
Ingredients
- 4 Ciabatta Bread rolls or Rustic Italian Bread
- 1/3 pound Salami Thin Sliced
- 8 slices Provolone Cheese
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Pitted, the kind in a jar
- ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar not vinaigrette
- 1 cup Arugula Lettuce
Instructions
- Finely chop the Kalamata Olives and mix in a generous amount of Balsamic Vinegar for the tapenade.
- Cut ciabatta bread roll in half and place salami slices on the bottom topped with two slices of provolone cheese.
- Spread a good amount of the olive tapenade on the cheese slices.
- Add a generous amount of arugula lettuce.
- If you are packing this sandwich for lunch or an outing, wait to spread on the tapenade until just before eating.
Notes
- Add olive tapenade right before serving to keep your sandwiches from getting soggy.
- If picnicking or hiking, wrap sandwiches in parchment paper and store in a cooler to keep fresh.
Delicious sandwich which is simple and very easy to prepare. This is a sandwich that you and your family and friends will want time and time again.
Yum! I made these last night and they are so good! Thanks so much for posting the recipe! 🙂
One nice thing is that our Walmart sells red, green or black tapenade. Might save a little chopping – I hate that part 🙂
Sandwiches like this are the food of the Gods – quick, tasty, cheap. Hold the onions.