Sub In a Tub (Jersey Mike's Viral Copycat Recipe)

This sub in a tub recipe takes everything you love about a classic Italian sub—layers of savory meats, sliced cheese, crisp veggies, and tangy peppers—and turns it into a hearty, customizable salad. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the bold flavors of a deli sandwich without all the bread, making it a great option for a low-carb, keto, or high-protein meal. Fresh, healthy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this Italian sub in a bowl is quick to prepare and easy to scale for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Why I Love This Sub in a Tub Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of classic deli subs, but sometimes I don’t feel like eating all that bread. Recently, a Jersey Mike’s opened up near my house, and during lunch one day, I decided to try their “sub in a tub” option that I saw going viral on TikTok. I ordered it and absolutely loved it—same salty salami, tender turkey, creamy provolone, and crunchy veggies, just served in a bowl instead of on a roll.

When I told my wife about it, she suggested we try making our own version at home. That’s how this recipe was born, and honestly, it’s become a regular in our weekly meal rotation. It's great because we use some of the same ingredients, like the meat and dressing, and then pick our own fix-ins for the cheese and veggies. 

Another reason this recipe is a keeper is how convenient it is. You can prep it in under 15 minutes, scale it up for a crowd, and it actually tastes better after sitting for a bit since the dressing soaks into the veggies and meats. It’s my go-to when I want the taste of a deli sub without all the carbs—and it’s just as good for meal prep as it is for a quick dinner.

Don't just take my word for it though, here's what one of our readers who made it had to say about it:

I'm a big sub in a tub fan when I go to Jersey Mike's, and this recipe totally hit the spot. Thanks!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 1 small head iceberg lettuce (3–4 cups), chopped (or use chopped romaine)
• 10–12 cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ medium red onion, sliced
• ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers, chopped
• 4 slices (3 oz) provolone cheese, chopped
• 4 slices (3 oz) deli turkey, chopped
• 4 slices (2 oz) deli salami, chopped
• Optional: 1–2 small soft Italian rolls, chopped (for a classic sub vibe)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Sub in a Tub

Step 1 – Chop the Base

Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, onion, peppers, cheese, and meats into bite-sized pieces. Put everything into a large mixing bowl—a wooden salad bowl works great.

Step 2 – Make the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or shake the dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid.

Step 3 – Toss the Salad

Pour the homemade dressing over the salad and toss it all until evenly coated.

Step 4 – Add the Bread (Optional)

If you're using the bread, cube the Italian rolls and gently fold them into the salad just before serving so they don’t get soggy.

Step 5 – Serve

Serve immediately, chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and enjoy within a day.

Expert Tips To Follow

• Lettuce Choice Matters – Iceberg lettuce gives the crunch of a deli sandwich, while romaine makes it a bit heartier. I tested with spring mix, but the softer leaves didn’t hold up to the dressing as well. My favorite to use is pre-shredded iceberg lettuce.
• Slice Everything Small – Chopping the meats, cheese, and veggies into uniform bite-sized pieces makes each forkful taste like a mini sub. This trick also helps distribute flavors evenly in each bite.
• Balance the Vinegar and Oil – Red wine vinegar is classic for that Italian sub tang. If you prefer a milder flavor, use 2 tablespoon vinegar and 4 tablespoon oil. For more punch, keep it a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to oil.
• Don’t Add Bread Too Early – If you’re using the optional Italian roll, wait until right before serving. Otherwise, it will soak up the dressing and turn mushy.
• Upgrade the Dressing – A teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of Parmesan in the dressing deepens the flavor and gives it that extra deli-shop quality with a bit of creaminess.
• Meal Prep Friendly (With a Trick) – If you’re making this ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. The veggies and meats hold up well for up to 2 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.

Sub In a Tub Variations To Try

One of the best things about this copycat Jersey Mike's sub in a tub recipe is how customizable it is. You can mix and match meats, cheeses, and toppings to recreate your favorite deli subs in salad form. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Italian Sub in a Tub: Add mortadella, pepperoni, and a handful of black or green olives for that classic Italian hoagie flavor. Sprinkle with oregano and red wine vinegar for an authentic deli-style finish.
• Turkey Club Style: Layer turkey, ham, and crispy bacon, then swap provolone for sharp cheddar. Add sliced avocado or a hard-boiled egg to give this sub bowl a hearty club-sandwich feel.
• Spicy Sub Salad: Kick up the heat by adding fresh jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy giardiniera. A drizzle of hot sauce or spicy mustard also turns this into a low carb spicy sub in a bowl.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meats and bulk it up with chickpeas, roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, and extra cheese. Mozzarella balls or feta crumbles make this vegetarian sub salad filling and flavorful.
• Lighter Dressing: For a healthier twist, swap the olive oil with half olive oil and half Greek yogurt. It creates a creamy dressing that’s still tangy but lighter in calories and fat.
• Philly-Style Hoagie Bowl: Add thinly sliced roast beef or steak, provolone, sautéed onions, and bell peppers for a Philly cheesesteak—without the roll.
• Caprese Sub Bowl: Use fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an Italian-inspired vegetarian option—I like to slice up this chicken cutlet and add it to the bowl.

Sub in a Tub FAQs

What is a sub in a tub?

A sub in a tub is essentially a low-carb alternative to a traditional sub sandwich. Instead of bread, all the fillings—deli meats, cheeses, veggies, and dressing—are layered into a hearty salad bowl. It’s a great way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic Italian hoagie or Jersey Mike’s sub in a lighter, low-carb, and keto-friendly way.

Can I make this sub in a tub ahead of time?

Yes! This sub in a tub recipe is perfect for meal prep. For best results, store the salad and dressing separately and toss them together right before eating to prevent soggy lettuce. You can also layer the heaviest ingredients (like meats and peppers) on the bottom of the container and keep the lettuce on top to keep everything fresher for longer.

What other meats can I use?

The beauty of this sub bowl is how versatile it is. Beyond turkey and salami, you can add ham, roast beef, pastrami, pepperoni, or even grilled chicken. For variety, mix two or three different deli meats together. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces so they blend evenly into the salad.

How long does a sub in a tub last?

Once the salad is dressed, it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for maximum crunch. If you leave the dressing off, the undressed salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. This makes it a great option for prepping lunches ahead of time.

Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?

Definitely. Store-bought Italian dressing or vinaigrette works fine if you’re short on time. Keep in mind that bottled dressings can sometimes be saltier or sweeter than homemade, so taste the salad after tossing and adjust with extra olive oil, vinegar, or fresh herbs as needed.

Is a sub in a tub keto-friendly?

Yes! As long as you skip the optional bread cubes or croutons, this low carb sub salad is naturally keto-friendly. The meats, cheeses, and vegetables all fit into a low-carb diet, and you can further control macros by choosing a keto-friendly dressing or making your own at home.

Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely. Beyond the standard lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and onions, you can add extras like avocado, cucumber, banana peppers, pickled jalapeños, or even hard-boiled eggs for more protein. This flexibility is what makes the sub in a tub recipe so easy to tailor to your own taste or diet preferences.

My Final Thoughts

This sub in a tub recipe is everything you love about a deli sub, minus the heavy bread. It’s fresh, crisp, meaty, cheesy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re keeping it low-carb, looking for a healthy lunch, or serving it family-style, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing salad that tastes like it came straight from your favorite sandwich shop. Try it out and leave a review and comment below to let me know what you think!

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