Jersey Mike’s Italian Sub in a Tub Recipe (2026 Copycat)

Craving the famous Jersey Mike’s Italian Sub in a Tub but want a quick, healthy, and homemade version? This easy copycat recipe gives you the same bold flavors in a fresh, low-carb salad—ready in just 10 minutes.

Whether you’re hosting guests or need a fast meal, this recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

What Is “Sub in a Tub” at Jersey Mike’s?

At Jersey Mike’s Subs, a “Sub in a Tub” is a breadless version of their classic sandwich. Instead of bread, all the ingredients are served in a bowl over lettuce.

👉 It’s popular because:

It’s low-carb and keto-friendly
Packed with fresh deli meats and cheese
Topped with their signature olive oil and vinegar dressing

New to the bowl? See why the [#13 Original Italian] is the most popular choice for this format.

Jersey Mike’s Italian Sub in a Tub Recipe by Tony (Watch Full Recipe Video)

Ingredients (Complete List)

Base (Texture Matters)

2 cups iceberg lettuce (for crunch)
1 cup romaine lettuce (for nutrients)

👉 Pro Insight: Jersey Mike’s uses finely shredded lettuce—this changes the entire eating experience.

Protein Options (Mix for Best Flavor)

Choose 2–3:

Turkey (lean, high protein)
Ham (slightly salty)
Roast beef (rich flavor)
Salami / Pepperoni (for Italian taste)

👉 Best combo (most ordered): Ham + salami + provolone

Cheese

Provolone (authentic choice)
Swap: cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella

Toppings (Customize Smartly)

Tomatoes
Red onions
Banana peppers
Pickles
Olives (optional)

👉 Add jalapeños if you like spice

“Mike’s Way” Dressing (Signature Flavor)

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
½ tsp oregano
Salt & black pepper

👉 This dressing is the core flavor driver—don’t skip it.

Prefer the crunch of a roll? Check out our guide to Jersey Mike’s Sub Sizes to find your perfect fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Chop fresh lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
Add tomatoes and red onions on top.

Step 2: Make Italian Pinwheels (Optional but Recommended)

Layer provolone cheese with deli meats
Roll tightly into a log shape
Slice into small rounds (pinwheels)

👉 This step adds a premium look and better flavor distribution.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Place the sliced meats (or pinwheels) over the salad base.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar:

Add olive oil and red wine vinegar
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and oregano
Shake or mix well

Step 5: Toss & Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly.
Serve immediately for the best taste.

Nutrition Benefits

This recipe is popular because it’s:

Component	Impact
Calories	300–600 (depends on meats & oil)
Protein	20–40g
Carbs	5–10g
Fat	Moderate to high

👉 Weight loss tip: Reduce oil quantity
👉 Muscle gain tip: Add extra meat

Check the full Jersey Mike’s Nutrition breakdown to see the calorie savings of going breadless.

Pro Tips for Best Results

✔️ Use fresh deli meats for authentic taste
✔️ Chill ingredients before serving
✔️ Don’t overdress—add dressing gradually
✔️ Add banana peppers for extra flavor

Best Variations (Based on Real Orders)

🔹 Italian Sub in a Tub (Most Popular)

Salami + pepperoni + ham
Provolone
Extra vinegar + oregano

👉 Strong, bold deli flavor

🔹 Turkey Protein Bowl

Turkey + provolone
Add avocado

👉 Lean, gym-friendly

🔹 Philly Cheesesteak Tub (Hot Version)

Grilled steak
Sautéed onions + peppers
Melted cheese

👉 No lettuce—served warm

🔹 Vegetarian Tub

Grilled zucchini, peppers, mushrooms
Cheese + olives + avocado

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using too much dressing (makes salad soggy)
❌ Skipping seasoning (reduces flavor)
❌ Using low-quality deli meat

How to Order Sub in a Tub Jersey Mike’s Online

Follow these steps:

Go to official website or app of Jersey Mike’s
Select your sub (e.g., Italian, Turkey)
Choose option:
👉 “Sub in a Tub” (instead of bread)
Customize toppings
Add to cart & checkout

👉 Available on:

Website
Mobile app
Delivery apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash)

Jersey Mike’s Sub in a Tub Price

Prices vary by location, but average:

Size	Price Range
Regular Tub	$8 – $11
Giant Tub	$13 – $16

👉 Homemade version is 40–60% cheaper

FAQs

What is a Sub in a Tub at Jersey Mike’s?

It’s a sandwich served without bread, using lettuce as the base.

Is Jersey Mike’s Sub in a Tub healthy?

Yes, it’s a healthier option because it’s lower in carbs and high in protein.

How many calories are in a Sub in a Tub?

Calories vary depending on ingredients, but it’s usually lower than a regular sub.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.

What dressing does Jersey Mike’s use?

They use a simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and spices.

How many carbs are in an Italian Sub in a Tub?

Depending on the toppings, a standard #13 Sub in a Tub contains approximately 6g–9g of net carbs, making it a 2026 favorite for Keto and Paleo lifestyles.

Can I get any sub as a tub?

Absolutely. While the #13 is the classic, you can order any cold sub or even hot subs like the #17 Mike’s Famous Philly in a tub at all Jersey Mike’s Locations.

Does “The Juice” contain sugar?

No. Our signature blend of red wine vinegar and olive oil is naturally sugar-free and keto-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Jersey Mike’s Italian Sub in a Tub recipe is the perfect mix of speed, flavor, and health. In just a few minutes, you can create a meal that looks great, tastes amazing, and fits your diet.

👉 Whether you’re cooking for guests or just need a quick meal, this recipe is a must-try.