Sub in a Tub Recipe

Ingredients Needed for Sub in a Tub

• Deli turkey or ham – This is the main source of protein in the salad. Use sliced deli turkey, smoked ham, or a combination of both for even more flavor.
• Provolone or Swiss cheese – Provolone adds a mild, creamy flavor that is commonly found on deli sandwiches, while Swiss cheese offers a slightly nutty taste.
• Lettuce – Crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce provides the perfect crunchy base for this salad.
• Tomato – Fresh, ripe tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor that balances the savory deli meat and rich cheese. Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes all work well in this recipe.
• Onion (optional) – Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild sharpness and a bit of crunch. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the onion slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
• Banana peppers or pickles – These tangy toppings give the salad its signature sub sandwich flavor. Banana peppers add a mild kick with a touch of sweetness, while dill pickles provide extra crunch and acidity.
• Olive oil – A good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base of the simple homemade dressing. It coats all of the ingredients and brings the flavors together beautifully.
• Red wine vinegar – This classic deli-style vinegar adds brightness and tanginess that complements the meats, cheese, and vegetables. It is one of the key ingredients that gives this salad its authentic sub shop flavor.
• Salt, black pepper, and dried oregano – These simple pantry seasonings add plenty of flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients. The oregano is especially important because it gives the salad that classic Italian deli taste.
• Substitution Tip: You can swap the deli meat for tuna, shredded chicken, or even leftover ground beef if you want a different twist.

How to Make Sub in a Tub

Start by chopping your deli meat and cheese into bite-sized pieces. This helps everything mix evenly.

Add your chopped lettuce, tomato, onion, and any extra toppings to a bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.

The key is to mix it well so every bite has a little bit of everything, just like a good sandwich.

Pro Tips for Sub in a Tub

• Add some pickle juice and red wine vinegar to some mayo to make a really yummy dressing Jersey Mike style.
• Chop everything small so the flavors combine better
• Do not skip the oil and vinegar, it gives it that true sub flavor
• Add a little mayo or mustard if you want a creamier texture
• Use fresh, crisp lettuce for the best texture
• If your deli meat is thick-cut, slice it thinner for easier bites

Sub in a Tub Variations to Try

🍗 Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub in a Tub – grilled chicken, bacon, cheddar, tomatoes, ranch.

🥓 Club Sub in a Tub – turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar, tomatoes, lettuce, ranch.

🥩 Italian Sub in a Tub – salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone, pepperoncini, red onion, Italian dressing.

🦃 Turkey Avocado Sub in a Tub – turkey, avocado, Swiss, cucumbers, ranch.

🌶️ Spicy Italian Sub in a Tub – hot capicola, pepperoni, banana peppers, provolone.

🧀 Veggie Sub in a Tub – cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, olives, provolone, red onion.

Storage

This is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to one day. If you are prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat so the lettuce stays crisp.