These Italian Wraps are a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on the classic salad, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Packed with fiber-rich romaine, protein from salami and cheese, and healthy fats from olive oil, they provide a balanced, nourishing option for lunch or dinner.
Easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for meal prep, these wraps combine convenience with bold Italian-inspired flavors everyone will love.
Italian Wraps
Equipment
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 small bowl or jar for dressing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Wrap:
- 6 –7 cups romaine lettuce chopped (1 head)
- ¼ cup red onion chopped
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup peperoncini sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ⅓ cup black olives sliced
- ½ cup salami chopped
- ¼ cup pepperoni chopped
- 4 wraps of choice
- ¼ cup mozzarella small balls or shredded
For the Italian Dressing:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Romaine Lettuce: Begin by washing the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to ensure they are completely dry. Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1–2 inches in length. Place the chopped lettuce into a large mixing bowl, which will serve as the base for the wrap filling.
- Chop the Vegetables and Olives: Next, prepare the vegetables for the wrap. Finely chop ¼ cup of red onion and halve ½ cup of cherry tomatoes. Slice ⅓ cup of black olives into thin rounds. If desired, you can adjust the size of the cuts depending on your preference for texture. Add all the chopped vegetables and olives directly into the large bowl with the romaine lettuce, creating a colorful, flavorful base.
- Prepare the Meats: Chop ½ cup of salami and ¼ cup of pepperoni into small bite-sized pieces. This ensures that each bite of the wrap has a balanced mix of meat and vegetables. Add the chopped meats to the bowl with the lettuce and vegetables. Stir gently to combine so that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad base.
- Add the Cheeses: Measure ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of mozzarella (small balls or shredded). Sprinkle the Parmesan directly over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Reserve the mozzarella for later, as it will be added on top just before assembling the wraps to maintain a pleasant texture and prevent it from melting into the salad too soon.
- Prepare the Italian Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine ½ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. If you like a touch of tangy complexity, add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously in a bowl or secure the lid on the jar and shake until fully emulsified. The result should be a well-blended, slightly thickened dressing with vibrant herb flavors.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the freshly made Italian dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss the ingredients thoroughly using salad tongs or two large spoons, ensuring that every piece of lettuce, vegetable, and meat is coated evenly with the dressing. This step enhances the flavors and softens the salad slightly, making it easier to wrap later.
- Let the Salad Marinate: Allow the dressed salad to sit for 3–5 minutes. This short resting period lets the lettuce absorb some of the dressing, softening slightly while still maintaining a crisp texture. It also helps the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious taste experience when wrapped.
- Add Mozzarella on Top: Just before assembling the wraps, add the reserved ¼ cup of mozzarella on top of the salad mixture. The small cheese balls or shredded mozzarella will add creaminess and a slight chew, contrasting beautifully with the crisp lettuce and zesty dressing.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay out the 4 wraps on a clean surface or cutting board. Spoon an even portion of the salad mixture into the center of each wrap, making sure to include lettuce, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Fold the sides of the wrap inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, creating a secure, compact wrap that holds all the ingredients together. Repeat for all 4 wraps.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the wraps in half if desired, for easier handling and presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and bold Italian flavors. These wraps pair wonderfully with a light soup, fresh fruit, or even a crunchy side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a plant-based version, use vegan Parmesan and plant-based pepperoni; the flavor remains rich and satisfying.
- Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes after adding the dressing; this softens the lettuce slightly and helps the wraps hold together better.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the vegetables and meats into uniform, bite-sized pieces for an even distribution of flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls can be halved or left whole depending on your texture preference.
- Adjust the spice level of the dressing by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Wraps
The key to exceptional Italian wraps lies in balancing flavors and textures.
Always chop ingredients into consistent, small pieces to ensure every bite delivers a mix of crisp lettuce, tangy vegetables, and savory meats.
Letting the salad sit briefly after dressing allows the flavors to meld and the lettuce to soften just enough without becoming soggy.
For extra depth, consider marinating the peperoncini in a touch of olive oil and garlic before adding them—they’ll infuse the wrap with an irresistible, subtle tang.
Serving Suggestions for Italian Wraps
These wraps are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides.
For a light meal, serve with a crisp cucumber or carrot salad, or pair with a cup of homemade tomato soup for a comforting option.
They also work well with roasted vegetables or a handful of baked chips for a casual lunch.
For gatherings or picnics, cut the wraps in halves or thirds for easy finger foods, allowing guests to enjoy a full spectrum of flavors in every bite.
Storage Tips to Maintain Freshness
Italian wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for convenience.
Keep the salad mixture and wraps separate if storing overnight; this prevents the wraps from becoming soggy.
Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, while the wraps themselves can be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
If you plan to meal prep, assemble the wraps just before eating for maximum freshness and crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, but to prevent sogginess, keep the salad and wraps separate until serving. Assemble just before eating to maintain a fresh, crisp texture.
2. Can I use different meats or proteins?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option work beautifully. Choose proteins that complement the Italian dressing and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
3. What if I don’t have peperoncini?
You can substitute with banana peppers, mild pickled peppers, or even sliced pickles for a similar tangy, slightly spicy bite.
4. How can I make this recipe lower in fat?
Opt for reduced-fat cheese, skip some of the salami or pepperoni, and use less olive oil in the dressing. The wraps remain flavorful while being lighter.
5. Can I freeze these wraps?
Freezing is not recommended because the lettuce and vegetables will become soggy when thawed. If you need long-term storage, freeze the individual ingredients separately (meats, cheese, and dressing) and assemble fresh wraps when ready to eat.
