Published
This Italian sub salad, aka Sub in a Tub, is my favorite way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic deli sandwich without the bread. Crisp iceberg lettuce gets piled high with savory ham and turkey, provolone cheese, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, and finished with an easy oregano vinaigrette that ties everything together. I make this for quick lunches during the week or when I want something light but still really satisfying. It comes together in just 15 minutes with hardly any effort and always hits the spot.
Pin this recipe for later!
Pin ItIf I’m grabbing a sub, it will most definitely be a classic Italian sub. I love the mix of savory deli meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and those tangy pickles all tied together with oregano and vinegar. That combination of bold flavors and crunchy textures is exactly what inspired this Italian Sub Salad. It gives me everything I crave from the sandwich in a quick salad form. It’s the perfect way to feed a crowd and share with family for a quick, filling lunch.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
- Keep the lettuce very dry. After washing, let it air dry or pat it well with paper towels. Even a little extra moisture will make the iceberg lose its signature crunch fast.
- Use firm, ripe tomatoes. Overripe tomatoes release too much juice and will water down the salad and dressing as it sits.
- Add the pickles right before serving. This keeps them crisp and prevents their brine from softening the lettuce underneath.
- Chop it, if you prefer. I like to keep the ingredients whole before serving. However, this is delicious as a chopped salad. Just add everything to a large cutting board and chop it up. Add the dressing, mix, and serve. You can even make a chopped Italian sub.
Sub in a Tub
Ingredients
- 8 oz. shredded iceberg lettuce
- 6 oz. ham slices
- 6 oz. turkey slices
- 6 slices provolone cheese chopped
- 2 large tomatoes sliced
- ¼ cup red onion slices
- ½ cup pickle chips
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Divide the lettuce among four bowls.8 oz. shredded iceberg lettuce
- Top each with an equal amount of ham, turkey, cheese, tomatoes, onion, and pickles.6 oz. ham slices, 6 oz. turkey slices, 6 slices provolone cheese, 2 large tomatoes, ¼ cup red onion slices, ½ cup pickle chips
- Combine the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a dish. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over each tub. Then, sprinkle on the seasoning.½ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make a Sub in a Tub Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Layer the ingredients: Divide 8 oz. shredded iceberg lettuce evenly among four bowls, making sure the lettuce is dry and crisp. Top each bowl with about 1½ oz. ham, 1½ oz. turkey, and 1½ slices chopped provolone cheese. Add ½ a sliced tomato, 1 tbsp red onion slices, and 2 tbsp pickle chips to each bowl.
Mix the seasonings: In a small dish, combine ½ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.
Dress the salad: Drizzle ½ tbsp olive oil and ½ tbsp red wine vinegar over each bowl, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the top before serving. Enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If already assembled, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but the lettuce will begin to soften as it sits. For longer storage, keep the components separate. Store the deli meats, chopped cheese, and sliced vegetables in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and assemble just before serving.
Freezing is not recommended since lettuce and tomatoes do not hold up well once thawed.
Make Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and slice the cheese in advance and store them separately to keep everything crisp. Portion the olive oil, vinegar, and seasoning into small containers and add the dressing right before eating.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this Sub in a Tub for easy lunchboxes or packing it up for office lunches during the week. To round it out, I’ll add some crisp cucumber slices, extra pickles, a handful of olives, and a hard-boiled egg on the side. If I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll turn it into more of a snack plate and add a few deviled eggs, too. It makes the whole meal feel fresh, satisfying, and perfectly balanced without needing anything heavy.
More Shareable Lunch Recipes
- Giant Party Sub: Feed a crowd with layers of deli meats, cheese, and fresh veggies added into a giant, sliceable sub. Perfect for picnics, parties, and gatherings.
- Hoagie Dip: A deconstructed Italian-style sandwich layered with savory cold cuts, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing. Perfect for scooping with crackers or chips for your next party.
- Taco Ring: Flaky crescent rolls wrapped around seasoned taco beef and melty cheese, baked into a fun, shareable ring that’s perfect for parties and game day.
