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A close-up shot of a vibrant sub in a tub recipe layered with fresh ingredients like lettuce, deli meats, cheese, and veggies.

Sub in a Tub Recipe

A versatile, layered dish featuring fresh greens, deli meats, cheeses, and veggies, served in a single container. Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or quick meals!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Clear Acrylic or Glass Tub/Tray A transparent container is key to showcasing the beautiful layers of your sub in a tub recipe. If you don’t own one, consider investing in a medium-sized clear acrylic tray or glass casserole dish.
  • Salad Spinner Ensures your greens are perfectly dry and crisp, preventing sogginess in your layers.
  • Small Ramekins or Sauce Dispensers These are perfect for organizing sauces and toppings during assembly or serving. They add a professional touch to your presentation.
  • Offset Spatula Helps spread sauces evenly and smooth out layers for a polished look.
  • Insulated Transport Container (Optional) If you’re taking this dish to a party or event, an insulated container ensures it stays fresh and cool during transport.

Ingredients
  

Base Layer (Foundation)

  • Lettuce: 6 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce or baby spinach for low-carb
  • Optional Bread Base: 8–10 hoagie rolls or slices of ciabatta bread

Proteins (Meats & Cheeses)

  • Deli Meats:
  • 8 oz sliced turkey breast
  • 8 oz sliced ham
  • 4 oz salami or pepperoni optional for extra flavor
  • Cheeses:
  • 8 oz provolone cheese slices or mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar
  • Vegetarian Option:
  • 1 cup marinated tofu tempeh, or roasted chickpeas

Fresh Veggies (Crunch & Color)

  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup halved
  • Cucumbers: 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
  • Red Onion: ½ cup thinly sliced
  • Bell Peppers: 1 cup sliced red, yellow, or green
  • Pickles: ½ cup sliced dill pickles or banana peppers
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ½ cup artichoke hearts
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers

Sauces & Dressings (Flavor Boosters)

  • Creamy Sauce Options:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
  • Vinaigrette Options:
  • ¼ cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
  • Optional Extras:
  • 1 –2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce for spice lovers
  • 1 tsp garlic powder or oregano for seasoning

Garnishes (Finishing Touches)

  • Fresh parsley or basil leaves for color and freshness
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for added richness
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for texture and flair

Optional Sides (Pairing Ideas)

  • Potato chips pretzels, or garlic bread
  • Side salad fruit platter, or creamy soup (e.g., tomato bisque or clam chowder)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients (5 Minutes)

  • Wash and dry all fresh produce thoroughly. Use a salad spinner to ensure your greens are crisp and free of excess moistur.
  • Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even layering. Slice deli meats and cheeses evenly if they aren’t pre-sliced.
  • If using bread, line the bottom of your tub or tray with hoagie rolls or slices of ciabatta. For low-carb options, skip the bread and use a bed of shredded lettuce or spinach instead8.

Step 2: Build the Base Layer (2 Minutes)

  • Start by spreading a generous layer of crisp lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or spinach) at the bottom of your tub. This creates a sturdy foundation for the other ingredients .
  • If using bread, arrange the rolls or slices evenly to cover the base of the container.

Step 3: Add the Protein Layer (3 Minutes)

  • Layer on your deli meats—turkey, ham, salami, or your choice of protein—spreading them evenly across the base.
  • Top the meats with slices of cheese (provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss). The cheese adds richness and ties the layers together .
  • For vegetarian options, add marinated tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas as your protein source.

Step 4: Pile on the Veggies (3 Minutes)

  • Add fresh veggies in an even layer: cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and pickles. Arrange them neatly for visual appeal .
  • Include optional extras like olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture.

Step 5: Drizzle with Sauces (1 Minute)

  • Lightly drizzle your chosen sauces over the top. A mix of creamy mayo-mustard blend or tangy Italian dressing works beautifully .
  • Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra seasoning if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve (1 Minute)

  • Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color. Add grated Parmesan cheese or sesame seeds for a gourmet touch .
  • If serving immediately, cut the dish into individual portions using a sharp knife. Pair with sides like chips, pretzels, or a small salad for a complete meal experience

Optional: Transport or Store

  • If transporting, cover the tub tightly with plastic wrap or use a lid to keep everything secure. For longer storage, keep sauces separate and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness 7.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s the breakdown of essential nutrition facts for your sub in a tub recipe:
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 35g (Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 8g)
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
 
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
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