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Avatar photoLia Patel

Sub in a Tub Recipe: Easy Copycat Salad in Minutes

A chilled, deconstructed sub salad packed with ham, salami, provolone, fresh veggies, and zesty Italian dressing—perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a quick Southern-inspired lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups (280g) chopped deli-sliced ham
  • 1 ¾ cups (240g) Genoa salami, thinly sliced and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) provolone cheese, shredded or cubed
  • 4 cups (120g) iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
  • ¾ cup (105g) sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups (240g) grape tomatoes, halved
  • ¾ cup (100g) pepperoncini, drained and sliced
  • 1 cup (240ml) Italian dressing (oil-based)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Salad tongs or spoons
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. sub in a tub recipe recipeCard1
  2. Begin by gathering and preparing all ingredients. Chop the ham and salami into bite-sized pieces, cube the provolone, finely shred the iceberg lettuce, slice the onions thinly, halve the grape tomatoes, and drain and slice the pepperoncini. Keep everything refrigerated until ready to assemble to preserve freshness and crunch.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, salami, and cubed provolone. Mixing these first ensures even distribution of cheese and meats. If using alternative proteins like grilled chicken or turkey, add them at this stage.
  4. Add the shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced onions, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced pepperoncini to the bowl. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring even color and texture distribution without crushing the lettuce.
  5. Pour 1 cup of oil-based Italian dressing over the salad. Start with ¾ cup if you prefer a lighter taste, adding more as needed. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each ingredient with the zesty dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 1–2 hours. Serve in individual plastic tubs or mason jars for a presentation that echoes the original Sub Station experience.

Nutrition

Calories: 310 | Carbohydrates: 8 | Protein: 18 | Fat: 23 | Fiber: 1 | Sugar: 3

Notes

STORAGE: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to maintain lettuce crispness.
MAKE AHEAD: Layer ingredients in jars: dressing at the bottom, then meats and cheese, followed by tomatoes and onions, and lettuce on top. Shake and toss when ready to eat.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Use roasted chicken or turkey for a lighter protein. Swap lettuce with spinach, arugula, or butter lettuce. Opt for low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium deli meats to make it healthier.
PRO TIPS: Chill your mixing bowl and ingredients beforehand for a colder, crisper salad. For deeper flavor, marinate the meats and cheese in half the dressing for 30 minutes before adding vegetables.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve alongside grilled corn or antipasto skewers. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a no-cook weeknight meal.
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