Skip the bread, but enjoy the flavors of a Sub in a Tub Recipe. This is my take on the popular Jersey Mike’s menu item, where you can order any sub sandwich chopped up into a bowl instead of on a roll. It’s everything I love about a classic deli sub: savory deli turkey, creamy American cheese, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato and an easy-going dressing, all tossed together into a crave-worthy, bread-free lunch. This is great if you’re going low-carb, gluten free, or just want a lighter way to enjoy a sandwich. This easy chopped sub salad is so good and super satisfying, too.
It’s a quick and easy, protein-packed recipe that comes together in about 10 minutes! Perfect as meal prep or a stress-free dinner. All you need to do is load a chopping board with the ingredients, chop, dress and enjoy. It’s ideal for finals season, back-to-school chaos or anytime you need something quick to throw together at home.
If you loved this Sub in a Tub Recipe, I’m 100% sure you’ll like this Italian Hoagie Dip/Italian Sub Dip Recipe, my Pesto Caprese Salad and this Zucchini Salad Recipe. If you’re looking for more gluten free inspiration, here’s my current Gluten Free Dinner favs.
Why you’ll love this gluten free recipe
Let’s start with the fact that all the ingredients for this sub in a tub recipe get chopped on a single board so there’s hardly any washing up to do. It’s a quick and simple recipe that is a perfect easy lunch, low in carbs, gluten free and high in protein. It’s everything you love in a classic Italian sub salad. This salad is delicious, indulgent and refreshing, without the bread. Whether you’re chasing the viral chopped salad trend or looking for healthy lunch ideas to prep ahead for work, this dish is all the things!
Ingredients and substitutions
Deli turkey: Choose a good-quality, thinly sliced deli turkey for a lean, high-protein base for the sub in a tub recipe.
American cheese: Adds a creamy, melty texture and nostalgic sub-shop flavor that I can’t get enough of. Go ahead and swap for provolone or Swiss if you prefer.
Iceberg lettuce: Shredded or chopped, it gives crunch and a refreshing base for your bowl-style sub.
Tomato: Go for cherry tomatoes, but heirloom slices will also work.
White onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp bite that balances the creamy and savory ingredients.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps tie the flavors together. You can use regular, light or even a flavored mayo.
Olive oil: This just helps create a simple dressing together with the vinegar. Use a good quality olive oil like an EVOO because you’ll taste the flavor clearly in this Sub in a Tub Recipe.
Vinegar: Red wine or apple cider vinegar are both great.
Directions (step by step)
Prep the ingredients: Round up your ingredients and lay out the deli turkey, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and white onion on a large cutting board.
Chop everything up: Using a sharp knife, chop everything together until finely diced and evenly mixed.
Dress the salad: Drizzle with mayonnaise, olive oil and vinegar, then chop again to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Plate the Sub in a Tub recipe: Scoop the chopped mixture into a large bowl. Toss gently to coat everything in the dressing. Enjoy your deconstructed sub in a tub fresh and right away!
Expert tips and tricks
Use a sharp knife: Honestly, this makes all the difference. Using a sharp knife will help you chop rather than mash everything up.
Customize your toppings: Add pickles, banana peppers, olives or even jalapenos. Make it your own with what you have at home and what you usually go for with a sub.
Try different deli meats: Mix in salami, ham, or roast beef for variety and extra flavor.
Chill before serving: If you have time, pop the chopped salad into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. I love eating this Sub in a Tub Recipe chilled because everything tastes fresh and crisp.
Serve with lettuce cups or low-carb wraps: If you’re not eating it straight from the bowl, try wrapping it up!
Storage and meal prepping
You can prep the chopped turkey, cheese and veggies up to 2 days in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat it.
To store leftovers, divide the extra Sub in a Tub Recipe into individual containers. These make awesome grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners. Store the mayo, oil, and vinegar in a small jar and shake before adding to each portion.
Variations
Extra Italian: Swap turkey for salami or ham, and add provolone, black olives, banana peppers and some oregano.
Chicken club: Use chopped grilled chicken, add crispy bacon and use cheddar for the cheese.
Veggie-loaded: Skip the meat and add cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots and hummus. SO good, you guys!
Spicy: Add chopped jalapenos, pepperoncini or a drizzle of hot sauce or spicy mustard.
Greek-inspired: Use feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumber and a drizzle of lemon-oregano vinaigrette.
BLT bowl: Use bacon instead of turkey, add diced tomato, shredded lettuce and a mayo-based dressing.
FAQs
Can I make this sub in a tub recipe ahead of time?
Yes! All you need to do is chop the ingredients and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Make your dressing and store it separately. Combine everything just when you’re ready to go.
Is this homemade recipe into a keto Sub in a Tub Recipe?
It can be! Just make sure your deli meat and mayo are low in added sugars and stick to low-carb veggies.
What other dressings work well?
Italian dressing, ranch, or a simple vinaigrette all go well. You just need to keep it light so the ingredients don’t get soggy.
Can I use pre-shredded lettuce or pre-chopped veggies in this quick sub in a tub?
Yes! It saves time and works well. Fresh veggies give the best texture for sure but you can use pre-prepared ingredients, for sure.
How long does the sub in a tub recipe last in the fridge?
Without dressing, the chopped mix will last up to 3 days in an airtight container. Once dressed, I like to eat it within 24 hours.
Looking for more gluten free recipes
Sub In A Tub Recipe (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 4-6 slices deli turkey
- 2 slices American cheese
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce shredded or chopped
- 1/2 medium tomato
- ⅛ cup white onion
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar red wine or apple cider vinegar recommended
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the deli turkey, American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, white onion on a large cutting board.
- Using a large knife, chop all the ingredients together until they are finely diced and well combined.
- Top with mayonnaise, olive oil, and vinegar until well combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the chopped mixture to a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your deconstructed sub!
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