Jimmy John’s Unwich Recipe

This isn’t just a regular old lettuce wrap. This is a Jimmy John’s Unwich, amplified. My “Meg-Unwich” is an easy, budget-friendly, light sandwich that actually satisfies. And the best part of making your own Jimmy John’s Unwich recipe? No more rolling the dice on disappointment at the drive-thru!

Original post: June 2017 | Updated July 2025

Why This Copycat Unwich Recipe Works

• It’s a low-carb sandwich that actually leaves you feeling satisfied! 
• I adore the Jimmy John’s Unwich, but wanted a version with more flavor and substance.
• After one too many lettuce wraps filled with air and disappointment, I decided to create my own alternative.
• This homemade Unwich recipe (aka the Meg-Unwich!) is packed with fresh ingredients, is budget-friendly, and is way more filling and delicious than anything you’ll get from a drive-thru.

I adore Jimmy John’s “Unwich”, but after receiving quite a few filled with mostly air and disappointment I wanted a version with more flavor and substance. Enter the Meg-Unwich! Get it? Megan-unwich! I crack myself up, but this is a serious sandwich.

This homemade Unwich recipe is packed with fresh ingredients and way more delicious than anything you’ll get from a drive-thru. Plus it’s more budget-friendly and perfect for anyone avoiding bread or heavy carbs, or just if you’re looking for a lighter version of your favorite sandwiches.

Ingredients for Jimmy John’s Unwich

These are my personal favorite ingredients for a simple un-sandwich, but I’ve also included tons of options to try out in the section below!

Iceberg lettuce leaves – Butter lettuce also creates a nice pocket to build a sandwich in. although it’ll be smaller.

Deli meat – Turkey lunch meat, ham, salami, or any combination of meats work.

Veggies – Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, avocados.

Condiments – Mustard or mayo, vinaigrette, dressing, etc.

Seasonings – Sprinkle seasoned salt, oregano or garlic salt over your sandwich.

How To Make a Jimmy Johns Unwich

This is such an easy recipe to put together, you’ll find yourself making these again and again.

Step 1. Make 2 iceberg lettuce “bowls.” 

Step 2. Divide the sandwich ingredients between the 2 lettuce bowls and wrap them like burritos. 

Step 3. Wrap with parchment paper for added stability and ease.

What Is An Unwich?

An Unwich is a breadless sandwich created by Jimmy John’s as a great way to enjoy a healthy, carbless sandwich. 

The lettuce in an Unwich acts as the bread or wrap, holding the contents together while adding a delicious crunch. It’s a great option for people who might be avoiding gluten and/or carbs or just cutting back on bread for the summer and opting for something lighter. 

More Unwich Ingredient Options

The options and variations of fillings you can use to create an Unwich are practically endless. Consider some of these delicious classic sandwich possibilities:

• Load it up with salami, ham, mozzarella and tomatoes with Italian dressing.
• Bell peppers, sprouts and hummus is a light and delicious option!
• Turn it into a BLT!
• Load it up with meat. Sliced smoked ham, roast beef, turkey breast and salami and top it off with your favorite condiments.
• Put a few spoonfuls of chicken salad or tuna salad inside.
• Cream cheese or provolone cheese, cucumber slices and seasoned salt…YUM!
• Shredded chicken, guacamole or avocado spread and your favorite hot sauce!
• Pack in the turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo and seasoned salt!
• Take a peek at Jimmy John’s menu and turn some of their most popular menu items into unwiches: JJ Gargantuan, Italian Night Club, Club Unwich, Gourmet Veggie Club, Tuna Salad Unwich and Beach Club!

Best Types of Lettuce for Wraps

• Iceberg – often the classic choice for ease of availability and crispness.
• Bibb or Butter – a good option with a delicate flavor and texture.
• Red leaf or Green leaf – These offer a good pliable texture with a subtle flavor.
• Romaine – I like Romaine best for taco-like or open-face form of a sandwich.
• If you’re looking for an even healthier option, you can make these lightly blanched large collard green or dinosaur kale leaves.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Use crisp lettuce that also has a little pliability to wrap around your fillings without breaking.
• Use a piece of parchment to wrap your unwich and help the stability of the sandwich.
• Check out the More Unwich Options section of this post for more great sandwich varieties you can easily make at home.

What to Serve with Your Unwich

Serve your homemade Unwich with whatever you would normally eat with your sandwich. These are a few of my faves!

• French Fries or Homemade Potato Chips 
• Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Lemon Roasted Vegetables
• Dill Pickle Fries
• Zucchini Fritters
• Coleslaw

How to Store

If you find yourself with some leftovers, wrap the lettuce sandwich in a paper towel and  place carefully in a well-sealed airtight container and refrigerate. Eat within 2-3 days.

More Light Lunch Recipes

• Best Chopped Salad – Packed with delicious ingredients including candied pecans, red onions, avocado, tomatoes and more!
• Edamame Tomato Corn Salad – Always a crowd-pleaser, any time of the year. Bring this to a party and it will be devoured immediately!
• Loaded Veggie Salad – EASY to make and packed with healthy ingredients like chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes and avocado. A delicious lunch, wrap filling, or party side!
• Quinoa Edamame Salad – Great for parties and can be served in throw-away cups for serving ease. Packed with fresh fruit and veggies.
• Crunchy Bok Choy Salad – This crunchy, veggie-packed salad is a great dish to bring to parties and potlucks. Prepare this once, and it will quickly become a crowd favorite!

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