Vito from Jimmy John's features a classic Italian sub with Genoa salami, provolone cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sliced onions, and tangy Italian vinaigrette, all layered inside a soft, freshly baked French bread for a savory and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Slicer (for meats and cheese)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Bread knife
- Sandwich prep table
- Measuring spoons (for vinaigrette)
- Ingredient containers/bins
- Bakery tray (for bread)
- Food-safe gloves
Ingredients
- 8 slices Genoa salami
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1/4 small red onion
- 1 soft French bread sub roll
- 2 tablespoons Italian vinaigrette
Using high-quality Genoa salami and provolone cheese ensures authentic flavor and texture in your sandwich. Fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and shredded lettuce add crispness that complements the tangy Italian vinaigrette. Slice meats and cheese evenly with a slicer for consistent layering and use a bread knife to avoid crushing the soft French bread. Properly measuring the vinaigrette helps maintain balance without overpowering other flavors. You can recreate Vito from Jimmy John's copycat menu by following these precise ingredient proportions and preparation tips.
Instructions
- Wash hands and put on food-safe gloves.
- Use bread knife to slice French bread sub roll lengthwise, without cutting all the way through.
- Use slicer to cut Genoa salami and provolone cheese if not pre-sliced.
- Slice tomato and red onion thinly with chef’s knife on cutting board.
- Place open bread on sandwich prep table.
- Lay 8 slices of Genoa salami evenly on bottom half of bread.
- Top salami with 4 slices of provolone cheese.
- Add 2 cups shredded lettuce on top of cheese.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes (from 1 ripe tomato) over lettuce.
- Add sliced onions (from 1/4 small red onion) evenly over tomatoes.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons Italian vinaigrette evenly over all fillings using measuring spoons.
- Close sandwich and press gently.
- Cut sandwich in half, if desired, using bread knife.
- Serve immediately on bakery tray.
Substitution
The Vito sandwich from Jimmy John's features Genoa salami, provolone cheese, and fresh veggies on a soft French bread roll, replicating the classic Italian sub experience. If you don't have Genoa salami, you can substitute with other cured Italian meats like pepperoni or soppressata for a similar flavor profile. Provolone cheese can be swapped with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if preferred. Use any crisp, fresh lettuce and a ripe tomato to maintain the sandwich's signature texture and taste. Your Italian vinaigrette can be replaced with a simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian herbs to achieve a tangy dressing.
Tips
To ensure your Vito sub tastes fresh and balanced, slice the tomato and onion thinly to evenly distribute their flavors without overpowering the sandwich. Using the slicer for Genoa salami and provolone cheese allows for consistent thickness, enhancing the sandwich's texture. When drizzling the Italian vinaigrette, measure precisely to avoid sogginess while providing a tangy zest that complements the meats and veggies. You can press the sandwich gently to meld the ingredients together, but avoid pressing too hard to maintain the bread's soft texture.
Nutritions
The Vito sandwich from Jimmy John's offers a balanced mix of protein, fats, and fresh vegetables, featuring approximately 450 calories per serving. Genoa salami contributes high-quality protein and essential fats, while provolone cheese adds calcium and vitamin D. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions provide dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Your meal includes Italian vinaigrette, which adds flavor with healthy unsaturated fats from olive oil.
Storage
Store your Vito sub in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the bread from drying out. Refrigerate the sandwich to keep the provolone cheese and salami at a safe temperature, ideally between 34degF and 40degF. Consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and safety, as the fresh lettuce and vinaigrette can cause the bread to become soggy over time.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap Genoa salami with spicy soppressata or capicola for a different Italian flavor profile. Try substituting provolone cheese with mozzarella or fontina to add a milder or creamier texture. Instead of shredded lettuce, use arugula or baby spinach for a peppery or fresh green taste. For a twist on the Italian vinaigrette, mix in some balsamic glaze or add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the sandwich's depth of flavor.
Allergies
You should be aware that the Vito sandwich contains common allergens such as dairy from provolone cheese and gluten from the French bread, which could trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Genoa salami may also pose a risk for those allergic to pork or nitrates found in processed meats. Cross-contamination with other ingredients might also occur, so always check with the restaurant if you have severe allergies.
Why this recipe?
Vito from Jimmy John's features a savory combination of Genoa salami, provolone cheese, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and a splash of Italian dressing on freshly baked French bread, creating a unique blend of bold flavors and satisfying textures. The sandwich's perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy elements appeals to diverse palates, making it a fan favorite. Crafting a copycat version allows you to customize ingredient quality and freshness, often enhancing the taste experience while saving money. Your homemade Vito sandwich can replicate the distinctive taste and deliver restaurant-quality satisfaction right in your kitchen.