Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Viral Chopped Sandwiches (Bold, Crunchy & Ultra-Satisfying)

Sarah Smith
Jan 23
2 min read

Sub sandwich with lettuce, ham, and salami on a wooden board. A striped cloth and dipping sauce are in the background. Vibrant and fresh.

These Viral Chopped Sandwiches are crunchy, juicy, and packed with bold deli flavor in every bite. Finely chopping the meats, cheeses, and vegetables lets the dressing coat everything evenly, creating a perfectly balanced sandwich that’s crisp, savory, tangy, and deeply satisfying without falling apart.

They’re ideal for quick lunches, casual dinners, or game-day spreads and pair especially well with comfort sides like Crispy Roasted Potatoes, Cilantro Lime Slaw (Fresh, Zesty & Creamy), or Loaded Potato Skins. This recipe fits easily into a rotation of low-effort, high-reward meals when you want something fresh, filling, and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This

Every bite is evenly dressed and flavorful
Crunchy, fresh, and satisfying without being messy
Easy to customize with your favorite deli meats and cheeses
Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
No cooking required

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 sandwiches

Nutrition Information

Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Estimated per serving:

Calories: 540
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 34g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
½ cup chopped tomato
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, chopped
½ cup chopped pepperoncini
6 oz deli meats (salami, ham, turkey, or roast beef), finely chopped
4 oz provolone or mozzarella, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Hoagie rolls or sub rolls, split

Instructions

On a large cutting board, add lettuce, tomato, onion, and pepperoncini.
Layer deli meats and cheese over the vegetables.
Chop everything together until finely mixed.
Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
Chop again briefly to fully incorporate the dressing.
Spoon the mixture into hoagie rolls and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Italian-style: Add olives and extra oregano
Turkey club: Use turkey, cheddar, and shredded lettuce
Spicy: Add banana peppers or Calabrian chili paste
Low-carb: Serve in lettuce cups instead of bread

Make-Ahead & Storage

The chopped filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored airtight in the refrigerator. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.

FAQ

Why chop everything instead of layering? Chopping ensures every bite has balanced flavor and dressing coverage.

Can I make this vegetarian? Yes — substitute chickpeas or marinated vegetables for the meat.

What bread works best? Soft hoagie rolls or sub rolls that hold up to dressing without tearing.

Final Thoughts

The Viral Chopped Sandwiches live up to the hype for a reason — they’re crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you’re making lunch for one or feeding a crowd, this is a fresh, satisfying sandwich that never disappoints.