If you love hearty sandwiches but are trying to cut carbs or follow a gluten-free lifestyle, the Jersey Mike’s Sub in a Tub recipe is the perfect solution. This dish is essentially a deconstructed sub, transforming all the delicious ingredients of your favorite sandwich into a satisfying chopped salad. Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative or simply want to try something new, our sub in a tub recipe has you covered.
What Is Sub in a Tub?
A Sub in a Tub is a chopped salad variation of the popular Jersey Mike’s sub sandwiches. By eliminating the bread, you’re left with a protein-packed, low-carb, and gluten-free meal that still maintains all the robust flavors of the original sandwich. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe offers a fresh, customizable approach that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Sub in a Tub
Creating the best sub in a tub starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Let’s break down everything you’ll need to assemble this flavorful chopped salad:
For the Salad:
- Lettuce: The base of any great salad. We recommend using either iceberg lettuce or romaine for this recipe. Iceberg will give you that fresh, crisp bite, while romaine offers a slightly deeper flavor. You can buy pre-shredded lettuce for convenience, or chop it yourself.
- Tomato: Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes work perfectly for this salad. If you don’t have those, any ripe on-the-vine or Roma tomatoes will add a burst of juiciness.
- Onion: Sweet yellow onions are classic in Jersey Mike’s subs, but feel free to swap in red onion for a stronger flavor profile.
- Pepperoncini: These sweet, tangy Italian chile peppers add a unique zing to your salad. You can find them in a jar near pickles and olives at your local grocery store. Alternatively, you can use pickled banana peppers, pickles, or even jalapeños for more heat.
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone offers a mild, buttery taste, but you can substitute your favorite hard cheese. Mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar would also pair nicely.
- Deli Meats: The heart of the sub in a tub recipe is the combination of flavorful deli meats. We suggest using deli ham, turkey, and salami, but feel free to experiment with roast beef, chicken, or pepperoni depending on your preference.
- Optional Italian Roll: If you want a more traditional sandwich feel, you can chop up a small soft Italian roll like a bolillo roll and sprinkle the pieces over your salad like croutons. For a gluten-free version, omit the roll entirely.
For the Dressing:
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This is the foundation of your dressing, adding richness and smooth texture.
- Red wine vinegar: A little tanginess goes a long way, and red wine vinegar provides the perfect balance to the oil.
- Dried oregano: Classic dried oregano brings in an authentic Italian flavor. You can substitute with Italian seasoning if needed.
- Salt and black pepper: A sprinkle of fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall flavor of your salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Sub in a Tub
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, follow these simple steps to create your sub in a tub at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Start by chopping all of your salad ingredients. For the lettuce, remove the outer leaves and core, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Do the same with your tomatoes, onions, and pepperoncini (or other pickled peppers you’re using). Cut the provolone cheese into small cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
