A Sub in a Tub recipe takes everything you love about a sub sandwich—the crunchy veggies, tasty meats, and yummy cheeses—and puts it in a bowl. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a snack for a party. Think of it as all the flavor of a sub without the bread! This makes it a healthier, gluten-free way to enjoy a classic.
This Sub in a Tub recipe is great because you can make it exactly how you like it. Use your favorite sub fillings to create your own special mix. Plus, it’s super simple to put together! For other quick and easy meal ideas, check out our School Chicken Taco Lunch recipe.
Why this Sub in a Tub Recipe Is Special
This Sub in a Tub recipe is extra special because it’s so versatile. You get to choose exactly what goes in it, making every bowl unique. Pick your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies to build your dream “sub” in a bowl. And the best part? It’s a breeze to make!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce, outer leaves and core removed, chopped (3-4 cups), or chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 small tomato or 10-12 cherry tomatoes, chopped (about ½ cup)
- ½ medium sweet yellow or red onion, sliced or chopped (about ⅓ cup)
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers, chopped
- 4 slices (3 oz) provolone cheese, chopped
- 4 slices (3 oz) deli beef, chopped
- 4 slices (3 oz) deli turkey, chopped
- 4 slices (2 oz) deli sliced salami, chopped
- Optional: 1-2 small soft Italian rolls (like a bolillo roll), chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Making the Perfect Sub in a Tub
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by washing your lettuce thoroughly. Remove the core and any outer leaves that don’t look fresh. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, simply halve or quarter them. For a regular tomato, dice it into small pieces. Slice your onion thinly or chop it, depending on your preference. Finally, chop the pepperoncini or banana peppers. If you like smaller pieces, give them a rough chop.
Choosing and Prepping Your Protein
For this Sub in a Tub, we’re using deli meats. Choose your favorites! Good quality deli beef, turkey, and salami will make a big difference. If you’re not a fan of one of these, feel free to swap it out for another deli meat like ham or roast beef. Chop the deli meats into bite-sized pieces, similar to how you chopped the lettuce, so everything is easy to eat.
Layering Your Sub in a Tub
Now for the fun part – building your Sub in a Tub! Start with a base of chopped lettuce. This creates a nice bed for the other ingredients. Next, add your chopped deli meats, spreading them evenly over the lettuce. Sprinkle the chopped provolone cheese over the meat. Top with the chopped tomatoes, onions, and pepperoncini. If you’re adding the optional Italian roll pieces, toss them in now. For some great layering inspiration, check out our Mama’s Roses Lasagna Recipe.
Sub Sauce: The Secret Ingredient
The dressing is what ties everything together! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple vinaigrette adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients. Drizzle it over your Sub in a Tub just before serving. You can also use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing, or try a creamy ranch or Caesar dressing for a different taste. Looking for a creamy sauce inspiration? Check out our Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.
Sub in a Tub Variations and Ideas
Classic Italian Sub in a Tub
For an Italian Sub in a Tub, use a mix of romaine lettuce and spinach as your base. Layer with sliced salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and chopped tomatoes, onions, and pepperoncini. A simple red wine vinaigrette or a classic Italian dressing makes the perfect finishing touch. A sprinkle of dried oregano adds an extra layer of Italian flavor.
Turkey and Swiss Sub in a Tub
This version is all about that classic deli combo! Start with a bed of crisp lettuce. Add sliced turkey breast and Swiss cheese. For toppings, try sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and sprouts. A light vinaigrette, a creamy dill dressing, or even a honey mustard dressing pairs well with this sub salad.
For more insights on building a healthy and balanced meal, you can check out this article on the healthiest vegetables and this one about healthy protein sources from Healthline.
Vegetarian/Vegan Sub in a Tub
For a hearty and flavorful Vegetarian/Vegan Sub in a Tub, use chickpeas or marinated tofu as your protein. Add chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and your favorite vegan cheese (or skip the cheese altogether!). A lemon-tahini dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette complements these flavors beautifully.
Creating Your Own Signature Sub in a Tub
The best part about a Sub in a Tub is that you can get creative! Try a “Club” version with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Or go for a “Spicy Southwest” with grilled chicken or black beans, corn, avocado, jalapenos, and a chipotle ranch dressing. If you’re a fan of chicken dishes, you might enjoy our Chicken with Peppers and Onions recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of meats, cheeses, veggies, and dressings to create your own signature Sub in a Tub!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a sub in a tub?
A sub in a tub is like a deconstructed sub sandwich. It has all the same ingredients—lettuce, meat (or a vegetarian option like chickpeas or tofu), cheese, veggies, and a tasty sauce—but it’s served in a bowl or container instead of on a roll or bread.
What is a sub in a tub at Jersey Mike’s?
At Jersey Mike’s, a “sub in a tub” is simply their regular sub without the bread. You get the same meat, cheese, and veggies, plus their signature “The Juice” dressing (a mix of red wine vinegar and olive oil), all served in a convenient tub.
How to make your own sub sauce?
Whipping up your own sub sauce is easy! Combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, olive oil, a pinch of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to create your perfect sauce.
How do you make a turkey sub in a bowl?
Start with a bed of lettuce in a bowl. Then, layer on sliced turkey breast, your favorite cheese (provolone or Swiss are classic choices), and your favorite sub toppings like tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of sub sauce or vinaigrette. For another delicious bowl meal, try our Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.
Tips and Storage
Tips for the Best Sub in a Tub
For the tastiest Sub in a Tub, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. If you’re making it ahead of time, prep your veggies and store them separately. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp. When layering, put the lettuce at the bottom, then the protein, cheese, and finally the other veggies. This helps distribute the flavors and textures evenly. For a pretty presentation, arrange the ingredients in a visually appealing way—think of it as building a colorful salad!
Storage Instructions
Store leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Lettuce and other veggies will stay fresh for a few days. Deli meat and cheese should be used within 3-5 days. If you have leftover assembled sub salads, it’s best to eat them within a day to prevent them from getting soggy. Store the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before eating.
Conclusion
This Sub in a Tub recipe is a fun and easy way to enjoy all the goodness of a sub sandwich in a healthier, more versatile way. With so many different ingredient combinations to try, you can create a custom sub salad that’s perfect for you. So gather your favorite toppings and get ready to make a Sub in a Tub that your whole family will love!
Sub in a Tub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce chopped (or romaine)
- 1 small tomato chopped (or 10-12 cherry tomatoes)
- ½ medium sweet onion yellow or red, sliced or chopped
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers
- 4 slices 3 oz provolone cheese, chopped
- 4 slices 3 oz deli beef, chopped
- 4 slices 3 oz deli turkey, chopped
- 4 slices 2 oz deli salami, chopped
- 1-2 small soft Italian rolls chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and chop the lettuce, tomato, onion, and pepperoncini.
- Chop the deli meats and cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the lettuce, deli meats, cheese, tomato, onion, and pepperoncini in a bowl or container. Add chopped Italian roll pieces if desired.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.