Sub In A Tub

Sub In A Tub is a delightful meal prep favorite that brings the joy of Jersey Mike’s right to your kitchen. This no-cook, high-protein recipe is perfect for quick lunches or a fun bowl bar with friends and family. With its colorful ingredients and customizable elements, you can easily adapt it to suit any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Meal Prep: This recipe requires no cooking, making it perfect for busy days.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap out ingredients to cater to your taste preferences.
• High in Protein: Packed with nutritious chicken and turkey, it’s a satisfying option for any meal.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of crunchy veggies and zesty dressing makes each bite delicious.
• Great for Gatherings: Set up a bowl bar for guests to create their own perfect Sub In A Tub.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools for easy assembly and serving.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meal prep containers
• Salad dressing container
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Meal prep containers: These keep your ingredients fresh and make it easy to grab a healthy lunch on the go.
• Salad dressing container: A must-have for mixing and storing your dressing separately until you’re ready to enjoy your meal.
• Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and proteins quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing all your fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Fresh Base Ingredients

• Shredded Iceberg Lettuce

Protein Options

• Diced Chicken
• Diced Turkey

Flavorful Additions

• Diced Tomatoes
• Sliced Banana Peppers
• Diced Pickles

Dressing Components

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Apple Vinegar Vinegar
• Dried Oregano

How to Make Sub In A Tub

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Start by evenly distributing the shredded iceberg lettuce into your meal prep containers as the base. This will provide a crunchy foundation for the other ingredients.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients

Layer in each ingredient thoughtfully:
1. Sprinkle crispy crumbles of turkey  bacon (substitute with crispy chicken skin or leave out) over the lettuce.
2. Add firm diced tomatoes (seeded to avoid excess moisture).
3. Follow with tangy sliced banana peppers.
4. Next, add crunchy diced pickles.
5. Finally, layer in diced chicken and turkey for protein.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a salad dressing container, combine about 2 tablespoons of apple vinegar vinegar with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Optionally, add extra virgin olive oil for richness or skip it if you prefer a lighter dressing.

Step 4: Combine Before Serving

Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. When it’s time to enjoy your Sub In A Tub, drizzle the dressing over your layered ingredients and mix well before digging in!

How to Serve Sub In A Tub

Sub In A Tub is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s not only great for meal prep but also perfect for gatherings where everyone can customize their bowls. Here are some fun serving suggestions.

Individual Servings

• Serve each portion in a bowl, allowing guests to mix their own ingredients for a personal touch.

Family Style

• Offer a large bowl of each ingredient on the table, letting everyone build their own Sub In A Tub. This creates an interactive dining experience.

Make-Your-Own Bowl Bar

• Set up a buffet-style station with all the ingredients laid out. Guests can create their own combinations based on their preferences.

Lunch Boxes

• Pack individual servings into lunch containers for a quick grab-and-go option during busy weekdays.

How to Perfect Sub In A Tub

To enhance your Sub In A Tub experience, follow these helpful tips. These small adjustments can elevate your dish even further.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor. Fresh produce makes a significant difference in taste.
• Layering Technique: Layer your ingredients from heaviest to lightest to prevent sogginess and keep everything fresh until serving.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different dressings or spices to find your perfect flavor combination. Try adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning for an extra kick.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the assembled bowls chill in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Sub In A Tub

Pairing side dishes with Sub In A Tub can round out the meal nicely. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Chips and Salsa: Crisp tortilla chips served with fresh salsa add a crunchy contrast and vibrant flavor.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing sweetness that balances the savory elements of the main dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots offer warmth and depth alongside your chilled meal.
4. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad mixed with olive oil, herbs, and veggies provides an additional filling option that pairs well with the main dish.
5. Hummus and Veggie Platter: Creamy hummus served with assorted raw vegetables makes for a healthy, colorful side.
6. Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed salad with herbs and lemon dressing adds another layer of flavor while keeping things light and nutritious.
7. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges: Crispy sweet potato wedges are slightly sweet and make an excellent finger food alongside your main course.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer a comforting touch that complements any meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Sub In A Tub, certain pitfalls can hinder your meal prep experience. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Using Excess Moisture: Too much moisture from tomatoes can make your Sub In A Tub soggy. Remove seeds before dicing to avoid this issue.
• Overloading Ingredients: Adding too many ingredients can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Stick to the suggested ingredients for the best combination.
• Skipping the Dressing: Not using a dressing can make your meal bland. Prepare the optional dressing for added flavor and enjoyment.
• Not Storing Properly: Failing to store components separately can result in sogginess. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
• Ignoring Customization: Sticking strictly to the recipe may lead to missed opportunities for personal touches. Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients for a unique spin.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your assembled Sub In A Tub in airtight containers.
• It can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing in a separate container until ready to serve.

Freezing Sub In A Tub

• Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh vegetables’ texture.
• If you need to freeze, only freeze the proteins and dressings.
• Use freezer-safe containers and label them with dates.

Reheating Sub In A Tub

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat proteins for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm proteins in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Sub In A Tub that you might find helpful.

What is Sub In A Tub?

Sub In A Tub is a delicious meal prep option featuring layers of fresh ingredients, perfect for customizable lunches or gatherings.

Can I customize my Sub In A Tub?

Absolutely! You can swap any of the ingredients based on personal preference or dietary needs, making it versatile and fun.

How long does Sub In A Tub last in the fridge?

When stored properly, Sub In A Tub can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, ensuring you have fresh meals throughout the week.

Is there a vegetarian version of Sub In A Tub?

Yes! Simply replace meat with plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu, and load up on more veggies for added nutrition.

How do I make my dressing taste better?

Experiment by adding herbs or spices like garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes to enhance flavor in your dressing!

Final Thoughts

Sub In A Tub is not only a high-protein meal prep favorite but also offers endless customization possibilities. Whether you’re packing lunches or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to please all palates. Give it a try and enjoy creating your own unique combinations!