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.
As for the deli meats, you want to chop them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring an even distribution throughout the salad. Whether you’re using ham, turkey, salami, or any other favorite meat, make sure everything is diced uniformly for a cohesive bite.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together your dressing ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a slightly creamier dressing, you can add a touch of Dijon mustard or mayonnaise. You can prepare the dressing up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Once all your salad ingredients are chopped, add them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. If you’re using the optional Italian roll as croutons, add the pieces just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your sub in a tub immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. If you’re meal prepping, you can chop the salad ingredients a few hours in advance, but wait to toss them with the dressing until just before serving.
Customization Ideas for Your Sub in a Tub
The beauty of a sub in a tub lies in its flexibility. You can customize the salad to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get creative:
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, simply omit the Italian roll entirely. You’ll still get a hearty, filling meal packed with protein and healthy fats from the cheese and meats.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian twist, leave out the deli meats and substitute with marinated tofu, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost.
Dairy-Free Version
If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free diet, you can easily omit the cheese or swap it for a plant-based alternative.
Spice it Up
For those who love a little heat, consider adding jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the salad dressing. You could even experiment with spicy deli meats like chorizo or spicy salami.
Serving Suggestions for Sub in a Tub
While this sub in a tub recipe is perfect on its own, there are a few ways you can serve it to make it even more exciting:
- As a Sandwich: For those who prefer a more traditional sub experience, stuff the salad mixture into an Italian roll for a heartier, sandwich-style meal.
- For Meal Prep: This salad makes a fantastic option for meal prep. Simply keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, ensuring the salad stays crisp and fresh.
- For Entertaining: Hosting a casual lunch or get-together? Serve the sub in a tub as a salad bar where guests can choose their favorite ingredients and build their own customized salad.
If you’re craving the bold flavors of a classic sub but want to keep things light and healthy, this sub in a tub recipe is the way to go. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory deli meats, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a versatile meal that fits into nearly any dietary plan. Whether you’re cutting carbs, following a gluten-free lifestyle, or simply looking for a refreshing take on the traditional sandwich, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to. Enjoy it as a salad or stuff it into a roll—the choice is yours!
