If you love the classic flavors of a deli sub but want something lighter and fresh, you’re going to adore this Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe. It’s basically a platter of your favorite sandwich ingredients, tossed up as a zesty, crunchy salad that feels totally satisfying without any bread.

A large white bowl filled with a mixed salad showing many layers, including light green lettuce leaves as the base, evenly spread thin slices of pink ham, and round slices of red tomato. Scattered on top are thin slices of purple onion and pieces of yellow pepper. The salad is coated lightly with a creamy white dressing and sprinkled with small green herbs. Two black spoons rest inside the bowl on a white marbled surface with a green cloth partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This salad is a total game-changer if you’re craving something hearty and fresh at the same time. I’ve shared it with friends countless times, and it always gets rave reviews because it’s so simple but so flavorful.

Loaded with deli favorites: You get the best of ham, pepperoni, and salami all in one bite.
Homemade zesty dressing: It brings together creamy mayo, garlic, and a tangy kick from pepperoncini juice.
Crunchy, fresh veggies: Iceberg lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes add that refreshing crisp.
Ready in 30 minutes: No cooking required, just a quick toss and you’re ready to enjoy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this salad really comes down to fresh, quality ingredients — especially the deli meats and the vibrant veggies. When shopping, pick a crisp iceberg lettuce, ripe cherry tomatoes, and your favorite sliced cold cuts from the deli counter for that authentic sub taste.

Flat lay of fresh shredded iceberg lettuce arranged loosely, halved shiny red cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced vibrant red onion rings, freshly shredded pale yellow provolone cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl with deep red wine vinegar, a small white bowl with translucent greenish-yellow pepperoncini juice, a small white bowl containing sliced bright green pepperoncini peppers, neatly arranged bite-sized pieces of pink sliced ham, quartered glossy red pepperoni slices, quartered marbled salami slices, a small white bowl with dried Italian seasoning herbs, and a small white bowl of coarse ground black pepper, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing a rich, creamy base that clings beautifully to the lettuce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of savoriness that wakes up the dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to balance the creaminess.
Pepperoncini juice: A little secret ingredient for a mild heat and tangy edge.
Italian seasoning: Adds herbal warmth and depth without overpowering.
Salt and ground black pepper: To season the dressing just right.
Iceberg lettuce: Provides a crisp and sturdy base perfect for holding all the toppings.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add pops of color and freshness.
Red onion: Offers a slightly sharp bite and crunch to balance the meats.
Provolone cheese: Freshly shredded for creamy, melty bites throughout the salad.
Pepperoncini peppers: Give a zesty kick and complement the dressing’s flavor.
Sliced ham: Classic deli meat that’s tender and flavorful in every piece.
Sliced pepperoni: Adds a spicy, slightly smoky depth.
Salami: Brings a savory richness to round out the meat trio.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of the Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste buds and pantry staples. Whether you want to swap in different deli meats or add a few more veggies, feel free to get creative!

Variation: I love making this salad with turkey and sharp cheddar instead of ham and provolone. It adds a different savory punch and keeps things interesting when I’m craving variety.
Vegetarian Friendly: You can skip the cold cuts altogether and bulk up on pepperoncini, olives, and your favorite hearty veggies like cucumbers or roasted red peppers for a delicious meatless twist.
Spice It Up: Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing to bring more heat if you enjoy a little kick.
Seasonal Touch: In warmer months, I like to toss in fresh basil or parsley to brighten the flavors even more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe

A close-up of a black serving spoon holding a colorful salad with layers of light green lettuce leaves, light pink slices of ham, thin red onion strips, and small round orange carrot pieces. The background is a white marbled surface, and some salad pieces are visible in a white bowl below. The colors are fresh and bright, with the salad showing a mix of soft and crisp textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together That Flavor-Packed Dressing

Start off by combining ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon pepperoncini juice, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk them vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well blended. This creamy and tangy dressing sets the tone for the whole salad, so make sure it’s well combined and flavorful.

Step 2: Toss the Crisp, Shredded Iceberg Lettuce

Add 1½ pounds of shredded iceberg lettuce—make sure to discard the outer leaves for the freshest, crunchiest texture—and toss it thoroughly in the dressing. This part is key: tossing the lettuce well ensures every bite is coated with that zesty, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Fold in All the Delicious Salad Ingredients

Gently fold in 10 ounces halved cherry tomatoes, 1 small thinly sliced red onion, 1 cup freshly shredded provolone cheese, ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, 3 ounces ham cut into 1-inch pieces, 2 ounces pepperoni quartered, and 2 ounces salami quartered. Mixing these ingredients carefully keeps the textures intact and distributes the balanced flavors evenly throughout the salad.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish for a Stunning Presentation

Transfer the beautifully tossed salad onto serving plates. For that extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle freshly minced parsley and crushed red pepper flakes over the top if you like a little extra heat. This step elevates the salad from simple to show-stopping in seconds.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the best flavor and texture from your Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe every single time. A few little tricks go a long way in making this salad truly shine!

Make the Dressing Ahead: Prepare the dressing a day in advance to let those garlic and Italian seasonings meld. It really boosts the flavor.
Keep Lettuce Crisp: Toss the lettuce with dressing right before serving to avoid sogginess — this keeps that refreshing crunch intact.
Uniform Cutting: Cutting the cold cuts and cheeses into similar sizes ensures every bite has a nice balance of savory, cheesy, and fresh flavors.
Skip Overdressing: Resist the urge to drown the salad in dressing; a light coating keeps the flavors balanced and refreshing.

How to Serve Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with six distinct layers arranged side by side. Starting from the top left, there is a layer of small, dark red pepperoni slices next to a layer of folded, darker pink salami pieces. Below the pepperoni is a layer of white shredded cheese, and next to it, at the bottom left, a layer of light pink diced ham. Moving clockwise, at the bottom right corner, there is a pile of chopped yellow pickled peppers, beside curved slices of purple red onion. At the top right, bright red grape tomatoes, some whole and some halved, complete the arrangement. The ingredients contrast vividly against each other and the white bowl, creating a colorful and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly minced parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives just a touch of heat. For extra texture and color, consider adding a few Kalamata olives or some cracked black pepper on top.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs delightfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the dressing. A light soup such as minestrone or tomato basil complements the cold cuts beautifully, rounding out a hearty and satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the salad components separately to maintain freshness—keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The mixed salad is best eaten immediately to avoid soggy lettuce.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and lose texture upon thawing.

Reheating

This dish is served cold and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer room temperature, simply remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute other types of lettuce for iceberg?

Yes! While iceberg adds great crunch and mild flavor, you can also use romaine or a mix of greens like butter lettuce for a slightly different texture and taste.

Can this salad be made vegan or vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the cold cuts for plant-based deli slices or roasted vegetables, and replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

How long does the dressing keep?

The homemade dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Can I add other deli meats or cheeses?

Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite cold cuts like turkey, roast beef, or cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar to suit your tastes.

Final Thoughts

Making the Treasure Island Salad with Cold Cuts Recipe is such a joyful way to bring the classic sub sandwich into a fresh, vibrant salad form. Whether it’s a quick lunch or part of a casual gathering, this no-cook, flavorful salad always delivers a satisfying crunch and savory combination that’s tough to beat. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your favorite ingredients—you might just find a new personal favorite! Happy salad making!