Sub In A Tub

A Sub In A Tub is the ultimate meal prep lunch—packed with high protein, zero heating required, and tons of delicious flavor! This Jersey Mike’s copycat sub bowl is not only perfect for busy days when you need something quick, filling, and satisfying, but it’s also one of our go-to easy dinners after late sports practice nights. I love using it for hosted lunches too, where guests can customize their own bowls. Prep it once, and you’ll have a week’s worth of tasty, grab-and-go lunches ready to roll.

Sub In A Tub Ingredients

This “Sub In A Tub” is a Jersey Mike’s copycat that takes all your favorite sub toppings and turns them into a delicious, no-cook lunch bowl. Start with a base of shredded iceberg lettuce (the pre-shredded stuff from the store makes it super easy), then load up your bowl with crispy bacon crumbles, juicy diced tomatoes, tangy banana peppers, crunchy pickles, and a hearty mix of diced ham and turkey. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, and don’t skimp on the oregano—add WAY more than you think you need! Toss it all together for a satisfying, high-protein lunch that’s perfect for meal prep and tastes just like your favorite Jersey Mike’s sub.

Shopping List & Tips

• Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Pre-shredded iceberg lettuce from the store works perfectly for this recipe—it saves time and has the perfect crunch. If you prefer a different lettuce, romaine or spinach can be good alternatives, but they might soften a bit quicker than iceberg.
• Bacon Crumbles: Pre-cooked bacon from the grocery store hot bar is one of my favorite time-saving hacks, but if you prefer to cook your own bacon, make sure to crisp it up well so it stays crunchy in the bowls throughout the week. You can also swap in turkey bacon if you’re looking for a leaner option.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use Roma tomatoes for the firmest texture, and be sure to remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture that could make the lettuce soggy over time.
• Sliced Banana Peppers: If you’re not a fan of banana peppers, pickled jalapeños or pepperoncini can be great substitutes for that tangy kick. Just be mindful of the heat level if you choose a spicier option.
• Diced pickles: For the crispiest texture, use dill pickles and avoid sweet pickles as they can overpower the other flavors.
• Diced Ham: You can use deli-style ham or swap it out with turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner option. If you want extra flavor, look for smoked ham or even prosciutto for a different twist.
• Diced Turkey: If you want a bit more flavor, go for a seasoned deli turkey.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: EVOO adds richness to the bowl, but if you want a lighter option, you can swap it for avocado oil or omit it all together.
• Red Wine Vinegar: In a salad dressing container, I mix together about 2 tbsp red wine vinegar with 1 tsp dried oregano.
• Dried Oregano: If you’re not a fan of oregano, try basil or Italian seasoning for a different herby vibe. If you are a fan, add more than you think you need — trust me!

Build-Your-Own Sub In A Tub Bowl

One of my favorite ways to serve “Sub In A Tub” is buffet-style, especially during the summer when we’re spending time outdoors. I set up an easy and fun bowl bar, where everyone can customize their own bowls with all the toppings—perfect for both kids and adults! I love how it allows guests to pick and choose what they want in their bowls, making it a hit every time. Whether we’re hosting a casual backyard hangout or a laid-back summer dinner, this setup never disappoints. Plus, it’s so simple to put together, leaving me more time to enjoy the company!

If serving outdoors, I highly recommend these fly fans to keep your food fly-free!

Recipes To Check Out Next

• Lunch Prep: Ground Chicken Bowls
• Lunch Prep: Loaded Burger Bowls
• Greek Chicken Bowls
• Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowls
• Tuna Poke Bowls
• Easy Breakfast Bowls