Ingredients:
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 cup black olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 round loaf of Italian bread (about 10 inches in diameter)
- 1/4 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound ham, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound provolone cheese, sliced
- 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
Directions:
Make the Olive Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, roasted red peppers, capers, celery, red onion, and garlic.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the olive mixture and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Slice the loaf of Italian bread horizontally and hollow out some of the interior to create space for the fillings.
- Spread half of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread.
- Layer the mortadella, ham, salami, provolone, and mozzarella on top of the olive salad.
- Spread the remaining olive salad on the top half of the bread.
- Place the top half of the bread over the fillings and press down firmly. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice into wedges and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes | Refrigeration Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
FAQs:
- What is a Muffuletta Sandwich? A Muffuletta Sandwich is a classic New Orleans sandwich made with a round, sesame-seed-topped Italian bread loaf, layered with a variety of Italian cold cuts (such as salami, ham, and mortadella), provolone and mozzarella cheeses, and a zesty olive salad. The sandwich is typically served cold or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- How do you make a Classic Muffuletta Sandwich with Zesty Olive Salad? To make a Classic Muffuletta Sandwich, start by preparing the zesty olive salad with a mixture of chopped green and black olives, giardiniera (pickled vegetables), garlic, capers, celery, and olive oil. Slice the bread loaf horizontally, then layer the bottom half with the olive salad, followed by layers of Italian meats and cheeses. Add more olive salad on top of the cheese layer, then cover with the top half of the bread. Press the sandwich down firmly, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and let it sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Can I make the olive salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the olive salad ahead of time. In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop and meld together more thoroughly. Store the olive salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- What type of bread is best for a Muffuletta Sandwich? The best bread for a Muffuletta Sandwich is a round Italian or Sicilian loaf with a sturdy crust and a soft interior. The bread should be large enough to hold the multiple layers of meat, cheese, and olive salad without becoming too soggy. If you can’t find a traditional muffuletta loaf, a round focaccia or a large ciabatta loaf can be a good substitute.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with a Muffuletta Sandwich? A Muffuletta Sandwich pairs well with various side dishes, such as a simple green salad, coleslaw, potato chips, or a light pasta salad. You can also serve it with pickles or marinated vegetables to complement the flavors of the olive salad. For a complete meal, add a bowl of soup like tomato basil or a hearty minestrone.