Some of the best recipes come with stories, and this one is particularly special to me. My good friends Denise and Lee went on a Costa Cruise Lines vacation and came back raving about a particular salad they couldn’t stop thinking about. After charming the cruise chef, they managed to bring back the recipe for this incredible salami salad. The first time Lee prepared it for our cocktail party, the bowl was completely emptied within minutes, with everyone requesting the recipe. I’ve made it countless times since then, and without fail, it disappears just as quickly. This simple yet distinctive salad has become my go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, and anytime I need a reliable crowd-pleaser.
This hearty, meaty salad combines quality salami with crisp pickles and onions, brought together with a simple olive oil dressing. It’s incredibly easy to prepare yet delivers complex flavors that only improve with time.
Table of Contents
Why This Salad Is a Guaranteed Hit
There’s something universally appealing about this combination of flavors. Here’s why it never fails to impress:
- Appeals to meat lovers: It’s hearty and satisfying without being heavy
- Simple yet distinctive: The flavor profile is unique but accessible
- Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for busy hosts
- Versatility: Works as an appetizer, side dish, or sandwich filling
- Travel-friendly: Easy to transport to gatherings without wilting or sogging
What You’ll Need
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Storage container with lid
Ingredients
- Quality salami – The star of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture
- Premium pickles – Adds tanginess and crunch that perfectly complements the salami (Claussen pickles are highly recommended for their superior flavor and crispness)
- Onions – Delivers a sharp, aromatic bite that mellows as the salad rests
- Olive oil – Creates a simple yet effective dressing that brings all the flavors together
- Salt and pepper – Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the natural ingredients
The Secret to Perfect Costa Cruise Salami Salad
What makes this salad genuinely exceptional is its simplicity—but this means the quality of each ingredient truly matters:
Choosing Your Ingredients
- Salami selection: Choose a high-quality, flavorful hard salami. Italian dry salami or Genoa salami work beautifully.
- Pickle perfection: As Lee insists, Claussen refrigerated pickles are ideal—they provide the perfect balance of crispness and flavor. Their refrigerated dills have an ideal tanginess without being overly vinegary.
- Onion options: Red onions provide color and a milder flavor, while white onions deliver more sharpness. Depending on your preference, either works well.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the salami: Slice salami into thin strips or bite-sized cubes, whatever your preference.
- Chop the pickles: Dice the pickles into small, manageable pieces.
- Slice the onions: Cut onions into thin slices or small dice, depending on your preference.
- Combine: Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle with olive oil and toss until lightly coated.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Marinate: For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Costa Cruise Lines Salami Salad
Ingredients
- 10 ounces salami
- 15 ounces dill pickles Claussin brand recommended
- 1 cup chopped red onions
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl add chopped salami, pickles, and onions. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over the salami, pickles, and onions and stir to blend. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving. Ideally this recipe will taste better the second day.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad works beautifully in multiple settings:
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy eating
- Sandwich enhancer: Use as a filling for crusty Italian bread
- Main dish accompaniment: Pair with grilled chicken or fish
- Antipasto platter: Add alongside cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables
- Potluck star: Bring to gatherings in a sealed container for easy transport
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the magical qualities of this salad is that it improves with time:
- Make-ahead magic: Prepare 1-2 days in advance for even better flavor
- Storage: Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Serving from cold: Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow the olive oil to loosen up
Ready to bring a taste of Costa Cruise Lines to your table? This simple yet unforgettable salami salad is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Pin this recipe for your next gathering or print it using the recipe card below! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments if you try it.
Are the pickles drained?
You do not need to drain the pickles.
When you say pickles, which kind? Bread and butter, dill, garlic dill? Sorry, have never had this. But, will definitely be trying it. Thanks!
Yes, its dill pickles.
1 16 ounce jar Dill pickles (Claussen is recommended).
Thanks.
When you go to the store buy the ones that say dill pickle!
I’ve never been on this cruise line & not a fan of salami…but the combination of a few simple ingredients makes me want to try it. Someone must love it or Steph would not have published. Let’s hear from someone who has actually eaten this salad, please.
I have tried this recipe, it was good. It was brought to a party at my house. It was surprisingly good.