You know those days when you open the fridge, see a bunch of sandwich fixings, and think, “Hmm… I don’t really feel like making a sandwich”? That’s exactly how this sub in a tub recipe was born in our kitchen. It’s everything you love piled high at the deli counter—meats, cheese, crunchy veggies, and a bold homemade dressing—all served up in a bowl, fork ready.
There’s no bread to build or crusts to trim, and you still get all those layers of flavor you’re craving. Whether you’re prepping lunchboxes, hosting a backyard gathering, or just want a no-fuss meal you can toss together in minutes, this recipe fits right in.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, show you how to layer everything for the best texture and flavor, and share tips for customizing it to your family’s favorites—from classic deli to a little extra zing. Let’s get started!
What Makes This Sub in a Tub Recipe a Must-Try
This isn’t just another lunch idea—it’s the kind of recipe that makes your whole day easier and tastier. Whether you’re packing up meals for the week, throwing together a quick family dinner, or just craving deli-style flavors without the fuss, this sub in a tub recipe fits right in.
It’s a meal you can count on—simple to prep, fun to personalize, and easy to enjoy anytime.
Here’s why this bowl earns a permanent spot in your meal rotation:
Quick and easy to make – Everything comes together in one bowl with just a bit of chopping and layering. Ideal for those busy moments when you need something quick, tasty, and hassle-free.
Family-friendly and fun to build – Let everyone in the house make their own version! Set up a topping station with all the goodies—think mini sub in a tub salad bowls for a build-your-own night.
Full of flavor and texture – You get crisp veggies, savory deli meats, smooth cheese, and that irresistible tang from the sub in a tub salad dressing—all in one bite.
Customizable for any taste – From a classic combo to a bold Italian sub in a tub, you can easily swap out meats, cheeses, and toppings depending on what you love (or what’s in the fridge).
Perfect for any occasion – Great for lunchboxes, easy weeknight meals, or even casual weekend get-togethers. Just prep, chill, and serve when you’re ready.
No bread, no mess – Everything stays where it’s supposed to, so each bite is clean and packed with flavor. Fork it, scoop it, love it!
It’s the kind of recipe that fits into your routine without any extra hassle—and better yet, it brings all those sandwich-shop flavors right to your table.
Now that you’re craving a bowl of this goodness, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make it happen.
Sub in a Tub Ingredients You’ll Need (and Easy Add-Ins)
Let’s build this bowl from the bottom up! You don’t need anything fancy—just fresh ingredients that layer well and taste like they came from your favorite sandwich shop. Here’s what to gather:
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded romaine lettuce – This gives your bowl a crisp, sturdy foundation and holds up beautifully under all the toppings.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds juicy pops of sweetness and bright color.
- 1 cup sliced cucumber – Brings in a cool, fresh crunch with every bite.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion – Adds a little bite and some sharp contrast.
- 4 slices provolone cheese, cut into strips – Creamy and smooth, these melt slightly into the meats and make every forkful sing.
- 6 oz smoked turkey breast, ribboned or chopped – Savory and satisfying with a mild smoky edge.
- 4 oz Genoa salami, folded into bite-size pieces – A little peppery, a little bold—it brings that classic deli flavor.
- ¼ cup pepperoncini rings – Bright, tangy, and perfect for adding zip.
- ¼ cup sliced black olives – Adds richness and a briny kick to balance the other flavors.
- Sub in a tub salad dressing – A quick homemade vinaigrette that ties everything together. (We’ll make this in the next section!)
Optional Add-Ins
Want to switch it up or add a personal twist? Try these:
- Roasted red peppers for smoky sweetness
- Pickled jalapeños if you like a little kick
- Shredded mozzarella for more cheese pull
- Chickpeas for an extra spoonful of heartiness
- Banana peppers for a more tangy crunch
Pro Tip:
To give this bowl a twist based on your mood, try mixing up the ingredients by region:
- For an Italian sub in a tub, use ham or capicola, swap provolone for asiago, and sprinkle a touch of oregano on top.
- For a bold deli feel, toss in pastrami or roast beef with sharp cheddar and extra onions.
Now that the fridge is raided and ingredients are prepped, let’s layer this beauty together step by step!
How to Make This Flavorful Sub in a Tub Salad
Time to turn those fresh, flavorful ingredients into a crave-worthy bowl. This part is easy, fun, and full of color—and the end result is as pretty as it is delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, a pinch of garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper. Shake or whisk until the dressing turns silky and slightly thickened. You’ll notice a fragrant, herby aroma—that’s how you know it’s ready.
2. Build your lettuce layer
Start with your shredded romaine. Spread it evenly across the bottom of your bowl. This acts as a fresh bed to catch all the toppings and gives you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
3. Add the fresh veggies
Top your lettuce with the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion. Scatter them like a little garden so you get something fresh with every forkful.
4. Layer in the meats and cheese
Ribbon the smoked turkey and tuck the salami slices in between. Drape the provolone strips over everything like a finishing touch—it’ll soften just slightly from the room temperature meats.
5. Sprinkle on bold toppings
Add your pepperoncini rings and sliced black olives. These bold, briny bites balance the smooth and savory elements perfectly.
6. Drizzle the dressing
Spoon the dressing right over the top of your bowl. You don’t need to soak it—just a light drizzle so each bite gets a little zing and shine.
7. Optional: Toss or serve as-is
If you want every layer evenly coated, give the bowl a gentle toss. Or, keep it layered for a picture-perfect presentation—totally your call!
8. Taste and adjust
Before diving in, take one bite and decide if you want a splash more vinegar or an extra sprinkle of salt. This bowl loves a little customization.
9. Serve and enjoy
Fork it up and dig in while everything is fresh and full of texture!
That’s it—one bowl, all the flavor, no mess. Up next, I’ll share some helpful chef tips and ways you can customize this bowl to make it your own.
Sub in a Tub Recipe Tips + Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve made this bowl once, you’ll start to get ideas for little tweaks and upgrades, just like I do every time I make it. Whether you want to adjust the flavor, prep it for later, or create your own deli-style spin, these tips and variations will help you take your sub in a tub recipe to the next level.
Handy Tips:
- Keep dressing separate for later – If you’re meal prepping or saving bowls for later, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. It keeps everything crisp and fresh.
- Slice veggies last-minute – For the best texture, especially with tomatoes and cucumbers, slice them right before building your bowl.
- Don’t over-layer – Too many toppings can make it tricky to mix or eat comfortably. Stick to a few bold flavors that complement each other.
- Use chilled ingredients – A cold bowl of fresh ingredients makes every bite crisp and satisfying.
Fun Variations:
- Italian sub in a tub – Swap the turkey for ham or capicola, keep the salami, and add a sprinkle of dried basil or Italian seasoning.
- Keto sub in a tub – Double the deli meats, go heavy on the cheese, skip starchy add-ins, and toss in diced avocado for a creamy finish.
- Veggie-style – Ditch the meats and go all in on marinated artichokes, roasted bell peppers, olives, chickpeas, and dairy-free cheese.
- Spicy twist – Add pickled jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a bold bite.
- Kid-friendly bowl – Stick with sliced turkey, cheddar cheese cubes, sweet bell peppers, and a simple olive oil drizzle.
With a few small changes, this bowl can take on entirely new personalities—so have fun with it and make it your own! Up next, let’s talk about how to serve it up in style.
Serving Ideas for Your Sub in a Tub Salad Bowls
This bowl doesn’t need much to shine, but there are some fun ways to serve it that make it even more memorable, whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a backyard lunch.
Ideas for Serving:
- Picnic-perfect bowls – Pack individual sub in a tub salad bowls in airtight containers and keep the dressing on the side until it’s time to eat.
- Family-style lunch bar – Lay out all the ingredients in separate bowls so everyone can build their own version at the table—great for picky eaters or different taste preferences.
- Party platter version – Arrange all toppings beautifully on a large tray and let guests scoop and build their own bowls buffet-style.
- After-school snack cups – Serve smaller portions in clear cups for kids who want something filling but fun.
- Pair with crisp sides – Try it alongside kettle chips, a fresh fruit salad, or homemade veggie sticks with hummus.
No matter how you plate it, this bowl brings bold deli vibes to any occasion. Now let’s make sure your leftovers taste just as great tomorrow!
How to Store and Enjoy Leftover Sub in a Tub
The beauty of this sub in a tub recipe is that it stores like a dream when done right. Whether you’re prepping ahead or saving extras, these tips will keep your bowl fresh and flavorful.
Here’s how to store it properly:
- In the fridge:
- Store undressed ingredients in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing in a separate jar so it doesn’t soften the lettuce or veggies too soon.
- Dressing tip:
- Give your dressing a quick shake before using if it’s been sitting—this helps re-blend the oil and vinegar.
- Avoid freezing:
- This one’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing affects the texture of lettuce and veggies, so skip the freezer and focus on quick assembly.
- Quick refresh trick:
- If your lettuce softens slightly after a day or two, add a handful of fresh romaine when serving—it perks everything right back up.
Simple prep and smart storing make this bowl a great grab-and-go option throughout the week.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Looking for more hearty meals and fun dinner ideas to add to your rotation? These reader favorites are worth a spot on your table:
- Stuffed Bell Peppers Without Rice – A flavor-packed twist on the classic
- Taco Cupcakes – Perfect for game day or a fun dinner night
- Meatloaf Casserole – Comfort food meets easy layering
- Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe (3 Ingredients) – Quick, hearty, and kid-friendly
- Burger Bowl Recipe – All the classic burger flavors, served fork-style
Sub in a Tub Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small jar or bowl (for dressing)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 slices provolone cheese cut into strips
- 6 oz smoked turkey breast ribboned
- 4 oz Genoa salami folded
- ¼ cup pepperoncini rings
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Pinch garlic powder
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Roasted red peppers
- Pickled jalapeños
- Shredded mozzarella
- Chickpeas
- Banana peppers
Instructions
- In a jar, shake together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Spread lettuce in a serving bowl as the base.
- Add tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
- Layer turkey and salami evenly over the veggies.
- Top with provolone, olives, and pepperoncini.
- Drizzle with dressing.
- Toss gently or serve layered.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick look at what makes this sub in a tub recipe such a keeper:
- All the flavors of a deli sandwich—served in a bowl
- Simple to prep, layer, and customize
- Great for lunch, dinner, or gatherings
- Easy to store and enjoy later
- Works for individual servings or party platters
Let’s finish up with a few helpful answers to questions you might still have!
Sub in a Tub Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
1. Can I prep the entire sub in a tub recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just layer all the ingredients—except the dressing—up to 3 days in advance. Keep the sub in a tub salad dressing in a small jar on the side, and toss it in right before serving so everything stays crisp and colorful.
2. What kind of lettuce works best for this bowl?
Romaine is a great go-to because it holds up well and adds a nice crunch. You can also try iceberg or butter lettuce blends. Skip the baby greens, though—they don’t hold up as well with heavier toppings.
3. How can I make a vegetarian version of this sub in a tub recipe?
Easy! Swap out the meats for things like roasted chickpeas, grilled portobello slices, or marinated artichoke hearts. Keep the cheese, or use a dairy-free version if that’s what you prefer. It still feels hearty and full of flavor.
4. What’s a good dressing for a keto sub in a tub?
Stick with the basics—olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs. It’s flavorful, simple, and works perfectly if you’re building a keto sub in a tub with lots of meats, cheese, and extras like avocado or olives.
5. Can I serve this as a portable sub in a tub salad bowls for a group?
Absolutely! Layer the ingredients into small clear cups (8-ounce works well), keep the dressing in mini containers or drizzle just before serving, and hand out little forks. It’s great for parties, picnics, or meal prep.
6. What cheese goes best for an Italian sub in a tub?
Provolone is a classic choice, but if you want to switch things up, try aged Asiago or even pepper jack for a little heat. They all pair beautifully with deli meats and those bold toppings.
Got more ideas or your own version of this bowl? I’d love to hear how you make it your own! But before we wrap things up, here’s one last reminder of why this recipe is a keeper.
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about a recipe that’s both easy to make and full of bold, familiar flavors—and this sub in a tub recipe checks every box. Whether you’re mixing up lunch for the week or building a family-style dinner bowl, it’s one of those meals that feels satisfying without being fussy.
If you give it a try, I’d truly love to know how it turned out for you! Feel free to leave a comment or share your version—every little tweak and topping choice helps make this recipe your own.
Thanks for spending time in the kitchen with me today. Happy layering!
