Jersey Mike’s “Sub in a Tub” Copycat Recipe

If you love the bold flavors of a classic deli sandwich but want something lighter, this Jersey Mike’s Copycat Sub in a Tub is the perfect solution. It transforms your favorite sub ingredients—crisp lettuce, savory deli meats, cheese, and tangy dressing—into a fresh, satisfying salad.

The concept is simple: take everything inside a sub sandwich and serve it in a bowl instead of bread. The result? A low-carb deli-style salad that’s quick to make, refreshing, and loaded with flavor.

Whether you're following a keto lifestyle, cutting carbs, or simply craving a hearty salad, this copycat recipe brings that beloved sandwich shop taste right to your kitchen.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

There’s a reason the Sub in a Tub is one of the most popular options at Jersey Mike’s. It’s bold, customizable, and incredibly satisfying.

• Low-carb and keto-friendly: Skip the bread but keep all the delicious fillings.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in about 10 minutes with minimal effort.
• Fully customizable: Swap meats, cheeses, or veggies depending on what you love.
• Fresh and satisfying: Crisp lettuce, tangy dressing, and salty deli meats create the perfect balance.
• Perfect for meal prep: Easy to assemble for lunch or dinner.

It’s essentially an Italian deli salad, but with that signature Jersey-style flavor.

What Is a Sub in a Tub?

A Sub in a Tub is exactly what it sounds like: a sandwich without the bread. Instead of layering meats, cheeses, and toppings inside a roll, everything is served over chopped lettuce.

The concept became widely popular thanks to Jersey Mike’s Subs, a well-known American sandwich chain famous for its fresh deli meats and signature oil-and-vinegar dressing.

For people following keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets, the Sub in a Tub became a go-to menu option. You still get the full deli experience—salty meats, creamy cheese, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing—just without the carbs from bread. And honestly? Many people prefer it this way.

Cooking Tips for the Best Sub in a Tub

• Use crisp romaine lettuce. It holds up well to dressing and gives the salad crunch.
• Choose high-quality deli meats. Salami, ham, turkey, and pepperoni all work beautifully.
• Dice ingredients evenly. Small pieces make the salad easier to toss and eat.
• Add the dressing right before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh.
• Customize the toppings. Banana peppers, cucumbers, or avocado are great additions.
• Make it spicy. Add hot peppers or crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• A quick drizzle of red wine vinegar and olive oil really brings the whole salad together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What meats work best for a Sub in a Tub?

Italian deli meats like salami, ham, turkey, capicola, or pepperoni work best. However, you can easily customize the mix depending on your preferences.

Is a Sub in a Tub keto-friendly?

Yes! Because it skips the bread, this dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Just be mindful of croutons if you want to keep it strictly keto.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.

What cheese works best in this recipe?

Provolone is the classic choice for an Italian-style sub salad, but mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss are great alternatives.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply skip the deli meats and add ingredients like chickpeas, avocado, roasted vegetables, or extra cheese.

What dressing does Jersey Mike’s use?

Their signature dressing is a simple combination of red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper—which is exactly what this recipe recreates.

How to Store Sub in a Tub

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate if possible. This prevents the lettuce from wilting. When ready to eat, simply toss the salad again and add fresh dressing if needed.

How to Freeze Sub in a Tub

Freezing this salad isn’t recommended. Fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes lose their texture once thawed, becoming watery and limp.

If you’d like to prep ahead, chop the meats, cheese, and vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced or diced
• 1/2 cup deli meat or cured meat, diced or sliced (salami, ham, turkey, etc.)
• 1 cup cheese, diced (provolone or mozzarella recommended)
• 1/2 cup jarred pepperoncini, sliced
• 1/2 cup pitted green olives
• 2 cups croutons (optional for low-carb diets)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions