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Image of a Homemade Sub in a Tub emphasizing its simplicity and ease of preparation. The photo might show the sub being quickly assembled with pre-prepared ingredients, highlighting it as a convenient meal option.

Make a Classic Sub in a Tub Recipe at Home

  • Author: chef red
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Enjoy all the flavors of your favorite sub sandwich without the bread! This vibrant and customizable “Sub in a Tub” salad is a hearty, refreshing, and low-carb alternative. Packed with crisp vegetables, savory meats, cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck gathering. It’s easy to assemble and allows everyone to tailor their bowl to their own liking.

Ingredients

  • Base:

    • 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens

  • Meats (choose 2-3):

    • 8 oz sliced deli turkey, ham, roast beef, or salami (or a mix)

    • 4 oz diced or crumbled cooked bacon

    • 4 oz grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken

  • Cheeses (choose 1-2):

    • 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese

    • 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

    • 4 oz provolone cheese, sliced or cubed

    • 4 oz crumbled feta cheese

  • Vegetables:

    • 1 cup sliced cucumber

    • 1 cup diced tomato

    • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion

    • 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)

    • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers

    • 1/2 cup shredded carrots

    • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

    • 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles

  • Dressing (choose 1):

    • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

    • 1/2 cup Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

    • 1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)

    • 1/4 cup Olive oil and 2 tbs vinegar

  • Optional Toppings:

    • Avocado, diced

    • Sunflower seeds or croutons

    • Fresh herbs (such as parsley, oregano, or basil)

    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

    • Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables as indicated in the ingredients list.

  2. Prepare the Meats and Cheeses: Slice, dice, or crumble the meats and cheeses as desired.

  3. Assemble the Base: Place the chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens in a large bowl or serving platter. This will be the base of your salad “sub”.

  4. Arrange Toppings: Layer the prepared meats, cheeses, and vegetables over the lettuce base. Be creative with your presentation.

  5. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the chosen dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine, if desired, or let each person dress their own serving.

  6. Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with any optional toppings before serving, such as sunflower seeds, croutons, or fresh herbs.

  7. Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your Sub in a Tub right away so the ingredients are fresh and crisp.

Notes

  • Customization: This recipe is highly customizable. Use your favorite sub sandwich ingredients to create your ideal Sub in a Tub.

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare all the components in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

  • Dressing Timing: If not serving immediately, hold the dressing until just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

  • Leftovers: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the dressing just before serving. Leftover salads tend to get soggy, so it is best to eat within 24 hours.

  • Serving Size: You can scale the ingredients up or down depending on how many you’re feeding. This recipe makes a good salad for four people.

  • Presentation: Instead of one big bowl, you can assemble individual bowls or even use clear glasses for a visually appealing presentation.

  • Spice: If you are going for a spicy sub, try adding hot cherry peppers and a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.

  • Bread Option: For a more traditional “deconstructed sandwich” experience, try serving this dish alongside some toasted or grilled pita bread, crusty rolls, or crackers.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-10 minutes (if cooking bacon or chicken)
  • Category: Salad, Main Dish, Side Dish
  • Method: Assembling, No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American, International Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 2.5-3 cups
  • Calories: 400-600
  • Sugar: 4-8 grams
  • Sodium: 700-1200 mg (can vary based on deli meats and dressing)
  • Fat: 25-40 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8-15 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15-25 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10-20 grams
  • Fiber: 4-6 grams
  • Protein: 25-35 grams
  • Cholesterol: 80-120 mg (can vary based on ingredients)

Keywords: Sub Salad, Deconstructed Sandwich, Low Carb, Keto, Salad Bowl, Easy Meal, Summer Salad, Lunch Salad, Dinner Salad, Make Ahead Salad, Gluten-Free Salad

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Find it online: https://www.orchardrecipes.com/sub-in-a-tub-recipe/