Learn how to make Jersey Mike's, sub in a tub at home! This low-carb version of a sub sandwich is the perfect way to pack in all your favorite veggies and toppings with less guilt. This recipe is customizable and perfect for an easy meal idea or meal prepping.
Before preparing this low carb recipe, make my copycat version of Jersey Mike's famous cherry pepper relish, it's perfect with this salad. And, if you are not wanting a salad, be sure to try this Jersey Mike's Turkey Sub copycat recipe. It's all so delicious- and in my opinion, better than the original!
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Why You'll Love This Sub in a Tub
As mentioned, this recipe is customizable and a healthier alternative if you are looking for that. This sub in a bowl is a great option if you are craving all the fixings. Here are a few reasons why you will love this recipe.
- Customizable. Think about your favorite sub sandwich and imagine it in salad form. This recipe is extremely DYI approved, you can add or take out your favorite ingredients.
- Meal Prep Idea. Looking to become more organized? Preparing this Sub in a Tub works great for prepping for the week ahead.
- Low Carb. If you are watching your carb intake, this recipe meets the criteria of low carb friendly!
- Unique Salad Option. With all the salad recipes out there, this recipe is unique.
- Quick and Easy. This recipe is ready in under 15 minutes, simply chop up your veggies and protein of choice and you're ready to eat. No salad dressing required!
- Keto Friendly Sub. Living a keto friendly lifestyle? This recipe is perfect.
Recipe Video
Sub in a Tub Ingredients
Here's what to grab if you make this exact recipe. It's a dupe on the Jersey Mike's #7 Turkey and Provolone option with bacon added.

- Deli Turkey. Thinly sliced turkey (I used honey roasted) breast works best. To prepare 2-3 salads, you will need about a ½ lb worth.
- Bacon. This ingredient is optional but makes the "club" version of the original sandwich. You will need about 4-5 slices to make 2-3 salads.
- Cheese. Use your favorite deli sliced cheese. In the original Jersey Mike's recipe, provolone is used however, I used Colby Jack. Use your favorite!
- Lettuce. If you're staying true to the recipe, shredded iceberg lettuce is used but as mentioned, you can substitute with spinach, romaine lettuce or even kale.
- Onion. This recipe specifically uses white onion as that what Jersey Mike's uses. Of course you can use red onion too.
- Tomato. A beefsteak or Roma tomato works best and one that is slightly firm so there's not extra tomato juice.
- Pickle. Dill pickles of course but use bread and butter if that's your thing.
- Banana Peppers. Another optional ingredient but certainly adds a nice tang and spice.
- Oregano. If you are staying true to this copycat version, sprinting with oregano is a must!
- Oil. Use what oil you have on hand, I used a lemon flavored olive oil from Emblem Olive Oil, AMAZING brand.
- Vinegar. Red wine vinegar works best for this sub in a tub.
- Cherry Pepper Relish. Wanting to keep this as authentic as possible? This relish is a must-try. It adds a sweet and spicy flare that steps this recipe up several notches.
How to Make Jersey Mike's Sub in a Tub
Prep the Ingredients
Begin by prepping the veggies. For this recipe, slice the tomato, onion, pickle and banana peppers. Next, if you are adding the bacon, prepare your bacon according to package instructions or how you cook bacon. I bake mine in the oven at 425 degrees for about 12 minutes.
Using parchment paper or a flat surface, dice the turkey and cheese into squares and roughly chop the bacon.
Measure your additional ingredients by measuring the shredded lettuce, slices of cheese and any additional toppings you would like to add. Each bowl will need about ¼ cup of toppings each. Get creative!
Build the Sub in a Tub
It's just that easy. Once the ingredients are prepped, you are ready to build the salad bowl. With that said, choose a salad bowl as that's the easiest way to eat and store this recipe for leftovers.



Begin by layering the ingredients in this order:
- Layer shredded lettuce.
- Add sliced onion and tomato.
- Evenly distribute the sliced turkey and cheese or layer your favorite deli meats.
- Top with sliced pickles and banana peppers.
- Topped with chopped bacon and cherry pepper relish.
- Season with oregano.
- Drizzle with oil and vinegar and enjoy!



Customize your Sub in a Tub: Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Looking for alternative ingredients and toppings, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Use your favorite salad dressing and omit the oil and vinegar topping. Try ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, Italian dressing, mustard or even pesto!
- Follow "Mike's Way" and add a dollop of mayonnaise, along with oil, vinegar and cherry pepper relish.
- Try different proteins like ham, roast beef, chicken or even shrimp.
- Looking for other salad base options? Try spinach, romaine lettuce or even kale.
- Add croutons. Still need that "bread" fix, add a few croutons for extra crunch and texture.
- Cheese. As mentioned, use provolone to stick to the original. Or, add spicy pepper jack, Swiss, cheddar or Mozzarella.
- Toppings like olives, avocado, herbs, jalapeños and bell peppers always add more dimension and flavor.
How to Store a Sub in a Tub
Airtight Containers
Store your easy sub in a tub in a glass or BPA airtight container. For best freshness, make sure each ingredient in the salad is stored separately. Typically, if I'm eating the salad within 24 hours, you can omit this step and prepare your sub salad as is.
Wanting to store it longer? Make sure the ingredients are prepped and stored individually and build your sub salad when you are ready to eat!
Refresh Leftovers
If the salad appears to be a bit soggy, not to worry, simply add additional ingredients to balance out the textures and freshness. For example, add more greens, veggies and toppings.

General Questions and Answers
1. How many calories in a Jersey Mike's Sub in a Tub?
This answer will vary based on the ingredients but if you start with turkey, cheese and veggies, oil and vinegar (similar to this recipe), the calories may range around 250-350 calories.
2. What is a sub in a tub?
A sub in a tub or sub salad is a deconstructed version of your favorite sub stored in a bowl or served on a plate. You can customize all ingredients to fit your dietary needs and lifestyle choices.
3. Is this recipe keto friendly?
This healthy sub alternative is keto friendly since there is no bread in this recipe.
4. How long can I store a Sub in a Tub?
As mentioned in this post, if stored appropriately, this recipe can last 3-4 days. Just be sure that the longer it's stored, it's best to separate each ingredient.
5. How can I make this sub salad more spicy?
Simply add jalapeños or be sure to try the cherry pepper relish!
How to make this sub alternative more filling?
Since we are cutting the carbs, make this salad more filling by adding more protein. Also, you can add proteins like nuts and seeds too!
Love Jersey Mike's? Try these Copycat Recipes


I Hope You Enjoy This Jersey Mike's Sub in a Tub Recipe
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Jersey Mike's Sub in a Tub Recipe

How To Make Jersey Mike's Sub In a Tub
Ingredients
- 2 cup Shredded Lettuce
- ½ cup Tomato
- ½ cup Onion
- ¼ cup Pickle
- ¼ cup Banana Peppers
- 3 slices Colby Jack Cheese
- ½ lb Deli Turkey
- ½ cup Bacon crumbled
- 1 teaspoon Oil
- 1 teaspoon Vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Oregano
- 1 tablespoon Cherry Pepper Relish see blog post for recipe
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
- Slice the tomato, onion, pickle, banana peppers.
- If you are adding the bacon, prepare your bacon according to package instructions or how you cook bacon. I bake mine in the oven at 425 degrees for about 12 minutes.
- Using parchment paper or a flat surface, dice the turkey and cheese into squares and roughly chop the bacon.
- Measure your additional ingredients by measuring the shredded lettuce, slices of cheese and any additional toppings you would like to add. Each bowl will need about ¼ cup of toppings each.
Build Sub in a Tub
- Layer shredded lettuce.
- Add sliced onion and tomato.
- Evenly distribute the sliced turkey and cheese or layer your favorite deli meats.
- Top with sliced pickles and banana peppers.
- Top with chopped bacon and cherry pepper relish.
- Season with oregano. Drizzle with oil and vinegar and enjoy!
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