Gluten-free • Nut-free • Low-carb • Keto-friendly
This chopped salad brings all the flavors of your favorite sub sandwich into a fresh, healthy bowl. I’ve perfected this Jersey Mike’s copycat after countless tries. It’s absolutely delicious as a light salad or stuffed into crusty Italian rolls for a heartier meal!
I’ve been obsessed with perfecting this sub in a tub recipe for years now. There’s something magical about Jersey Mike’s version and how they chop everything into perfect bite-sized pieces. Every forkful delivers the ideal combination of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and tangy dressing.
My love affair with this salad started during a particularly busy work week. I needed something quick, satisfying, and healthy that wouldn’t leave me feeling sluggish. The sub in a tub checked every box. But after ordering it three times in one week, I knew I had to recreate it at home.
My Recipe Development Journey
Creating the perfect copycat took me about two weeks of testing. I experimented with different lettuce varieties, cheese combinations, and dressing ratios. My family became my willing taste testers, offering feedback on each version.
The breakthrough came when I realized the secret wasn’t just the ingredients. It was the chopping technique and the perfect balance of oil to vinegar in the dressing. Jersey Mike’s uses a specific chopping method that creates uniform pieces. This ensures every bite has the same flavor profile.
I also discovered that the type of pepperoncini matters significantly. The sweet Italian variety adds the perfect tangy kick without overwhelming heat. Many grocery stores carry them near the pickle aisle, usually in glass jars.
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade version gives you complete control over ingredients and portions. You can adjust the meat-to-vegetable ratio based on your preferences. Want more protein? Add extra turkey or ham. Prefer more vegetables? Load up on tomatoes and onions.
The beauty lies in its versatility. I serve it as a light lunch on busy days. My husband prefers it stuffed into Italian rolls for a more substantial meal. Both approaches work perfectly with this flexible recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this amazing sub in a tub at home:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iceberg lettuce | 1 small head (3-4 cups chopped) | Remove outer leaves and core; romaine works too |
| Tomatoes | 1 small or 10-12 cherry tomatoes | About ½ cup chopped |
| Sweet onion | ½ medium | Yellow or red variety, about ⅓ cup |
| Pepperoncini | ¼ cup sliced | Sweet Italian variety preferred |
| Provolone cheese | 4 slices (3 oz) | Chopped into small pieces |
| Deli ham | 4 slices (3 oz) | Choose quality deli meat |
| Deli turkey | 4 slices (3 oz) | Low-sodium option recommended |
| Deli salami | 4 slices (2 oz) | Italian variety works best |
| Italian rolls | 1-2 small (optional) | Bolillo or similar soft rolls |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons | High-quality oil makes a difference |
| Red wine vinegar | 3 tablespoons | Creates the signature tangy flavor |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | Italian seasoning can substitute |
| Fine sea salt | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste preference |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Gather all ingredients and a large mixing bowl. Having everything ready makes assembly much quicker. I recommend using a sharp chef’s knife for even chopping.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables Remove outer leaves from lettuce and cut out the core. Chop lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice tomatoes into similar-sized pieces. Slice onion thinly, then chop into smaller pieces if desired.
Step 3: Prepare the Meats and Cheese Chop all deli meats into uniform pieces, roughly the same size as your vegetables. Cut provolone cheese into similar-sized cubes. This consistency ensures every bite has balanced flavors.
Step 4: Make the Dressing Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until well combined. You can also use a jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad Add all chopped ingredients to your large bowl. Pour dressing over the mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring even coating. Add chopped Italian roll pieces last if using.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
The key to authentic flavor lies in the ingredient quality. I always choose the freshest vegetables and highest-quality deli meats available. The difference in taste is remarkable.
Don’t overdress the salad initially. You can always add more dressing, but you can’t remove excess. Start with three-quarters of the dressing, then adjust as needed.
Variations & FAQs
Recipe Variations
Low-Carb Version: Simply omit the Italian roll pieces. This keeps the salad under 8 grams of carbs per serving, making it perfect for keto diets.
Vegetarian Option: Replace deli meats with marinated mozzarella balls, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein alternatives.
Spicier Version: Add sliced jalapeños or banana peppers. You can also incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing.
Mediterranean Twist: Substitute feta cheese for provolone and add Kalamata olives. Use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This salad tastes best when served immediately after assembling. However, you can prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance. Store chopped vegetables, meats, and cheese separately in the refrigerator.
The dressing keeps well for up to one week in the refrigerator. Store it in a sealed container and shake before using. This makes meal prep incredibly convenient.
If making ahead completely, add the dressing just before serving. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy and maintains the fresh, crispy texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe provides excellent protein from three different deli meats. The vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Using quality olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats.
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, 28 grams of protein, and only 8 grams of carbohydrates (without the optional bread). It’s naturally gluten-free when you skip the Italian roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute different types of lettuce? Absolutely! Romaine lettuce works wonderfully and adds extra crunch. Mixed greens or butter lettuce create different textures. Iceberg provides the most authentic Jersey Mike’s experience.
What if I can’t find pepperoncini? Banana peppers make an excellent substitute. Pickled jalapeños work for heat lovers. Even dill pickle slices can provide the necessary tangy element in a pinch.
How long does the assembled salad last? The dressed salad stays fresh for about 2-3 hours at room temperature. Refrigerated, it maintains quality for up to 24 hours, though the lettuce may soften slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! Simply omit the provolone cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The salad remains delicious and satisfying without cheese.
What’s the best way to chop everything uniformly? A food chopper makes this process incredibly quick and ensures consistent sizing. If using a knife, aim for pieces roughly ½ inch in size. Consistent chopping creates the best eating experience.
Final Thoughts
This sub in a tub recipe has become my go-to meal when I want something fresh, satisfying, and quick. The combination of crisp vegetables, savory meats, and tangy dressing never gets old.
I love how versatile this recipe is. Serve it as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or party appetizer. Everyone always asks for the recipe when I bring it to gatherings.
The best part? You know exactly what goes into your food. No preservatives, artificial flavors, or questionable ingredients. Just fresh, wholesome components that taste absolutely amazing together.
Try this recipe once, and I guarantee you’ll make it again and again. It’s that good!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g (without bread)
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Sub in a Tub Recipe (Jersey Mike’s Copycat)
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce outer leaves and core removed, chopped (3-4 cups)
- 1 small tomato or 10-12 cherry tomatoes chopped (about ½ cup)
- ½ medium sweet yellow or red onion sliced or chopped (about ⅓ cup)
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers chopped
- 4 slices 3 oz provolone cheese, chopped
- 4 slices 3 oz deli ham, chopped
- 4 slices 3 oz deli turkey, chopped
- 4 slices 2 oz deli sliced salami, chopped
- 1-2 small soft Italian rolls optional, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare workspace: Gather all ingredients and a large mixing bowl. Use a sharp chef’s knife for even chopping.
- Chop vegetables: Remove outer leaves from lettuce and cut out core. Chop lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice tomatoes into similar-sized pieces. Slice onion thinly, then chop into smaller pieces if desired.
- Prepare meats and cheese: Chop all deli meats into uniform pieces, roughly the same size as vegetables. Cut provolone cheese into similar-sized cubes.
- Make dressing: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until well combined.
- Assemble salad: Add all chopped ingredients to large bowl. Pour dressing over mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring even coating. Add chopped Italian roll pieces last if using.
Notes
Don’t overdress initially – start with ¾ of the dressing and adjust as needed
Can be made low-carb by omitting Italian roll pieces
Store components separately if making ahead; dress just before serving
Pepperoncini can be substituted with banana peppers or pickled jalapeños
Romaine lettuce can be used instead of iceberg for extra crunch
