How to Make Jersey Mike’s Copycat Sub in a Tub Recipe

This Jersey Mike’s Copycat Sub in a Tub is a low-carb, high-protein salad packed with deli meats, cheese, and bold Italian flavor!

If you’ve ever ordered a Sub in a Tub from Jersey Mike’s, you know it’s a total flavor bomb—crunchy lettuce, savory deli meats, tangy pickled veggies, and that signature Italian dressing. Whether you’re cutting back on carbs, love a good salad, or just want something quick and satisfying, this homemade version delivers on all fronts. No bun, no problem!

Thanks to the viral TikTok “make it in a tub” trend, dupe recipes like this Jersey Mike’s copycat sub in a tub are taking over. But this one? It’s packed with protein, easy to customize, and works great for meal prep. This DIY version brings the classic Original Italian Sub into salad form, with bold ingredients you can grab straight from the grocery store and toss together on a flat surface or in a bowl. Ready to dupe the deli? Let’s do it.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-carb & high-protein: Skip the bread without skipping the satisfaction. This salad packs all the flavor of your favorite Italian cold cut subs.
• Fast & no cooking required: Just chop, toss, and serve. Ideal for easy dinners or work-from-home lunches.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a batch and store in containers for grab-and-go meals during the week.
• Customizable: Use your favorite deli meats, swap out banana peppers for pepperoncinis, or add olives and cucumbers. It’s your homemade sub—your rules.
• Tastes just like Jersey Mike’s: From the deli turkey and provolone to the tangy red wine vinegar based dressing, this copycat recipe hits all the notes of the original.

---

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Sub in a Tub tick:

Salad Ingredients

• Iceberg lettuce: Brings crisp, refreshing crunch and mimics the classic sub texture.
• Deli turkey, ham & salami: A trio of protein-packed deli meats that form the heart of this copycat sub.
• Provolone cheese: Mild and creamy, it balances the saltiness of the meats.
• Pepperoncinis & pickled red onions: Tangy and a little spicy—these bring the zing!
• Cherry tomatoes: A burst of juicy sweetness in every bite.

Dressing Ingredients

• Olive oil: A high-quality fat that gives body to the dressing.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and depth—feel free to sub in red wine vinegar for a more Jersey Mike’s-style twist.
• Dried oregano, salt & pepper: The simple but essential seasonings that make it taste like the real deal.

💡Pro Tip: Want a more authentic flavor? Combine both balsamic and red wine vinegar in equal parts!

---

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prepare the Salad
Start by chopping your lettuce and laying it out on a flat surface or placing it into a large mixing bowl. Add in chopped slices of deli turkey, ham, and salami. Scatter chopped provolone cheese, then add in the cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and pickled red onions.

2. Make the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or split with red wine vinegar), 1 teaspoon oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined.

3. Toss & Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for peak freshness.

---

How to Store the Recipe

• In the fridge: Store undressed salad components in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
• Meal prep tip: Layer lettuce on the bottom of your container, followed by meats and cheese, with pickled veggies on top. Add the dressing right before eating to keep the texture crisp.

---

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use romaine for variety: Swap iceberg lettuce for romaine lettuce if you prefer a slightly more nutrient-dense base.
• Add crunch: Toss in cucumbers or bell peppers for added texture.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or spicy mustard for extra kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Sub meats for chickpeas or marinated tofu and keep the cheese.
• Double the dressing: It’s that good—make extra and keep in the fridge for salads all week.

This Jersey Mike’s copycat sub in a tuba Tub dupe is a total win for anyone craving bold sub flavor without the bread. Perfect for easy dinners, quick lunches, and meal prep, it’s a copycat recipe that fits your cravings and dietary needs. With simple ingredients from your local grocery store, you can build a salad that’s every bit as satisfying as the original.

Whether you’re inspired by TikTok, looking for a healthier lunch idea, or just a fan of Italian-style deli flavors—this salad checks every box. Try it out and enjoy your homemade sub—in salad form!

Inspired by the Real Food Dietitians.

---

FAQs

More Protein-Packed Recipes