Simple Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles Recipe

Cheese lovers always seek that perfect easy marinated cheese appetizer that brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients.

This Mediterranean-inspired snack combines tangy cheese cubes with savory salami and zesty pickles.

The marinade infuses each bite with incredible depth and complexity.

Olive oil, herbs, and garlic create a rich coating that enhances every morsel.

Serve these delectable bites at your next gathering, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate.

Guests will be asking for the recipe before the evening ends.

Dive into this delightful appetizer that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles Prep Steps

• Tangy Marinade Magic

Blend zesty herbs, spicy red pepper, and aromatic garlic into a silky liquid that will transform ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering experience.

• Ingredient Transformation

Layer cubed cheese, crispy salami, and crunchy pickles into an elegant arrangement that promises delightful bites.

• Flavor Infusion

Drench your masterpiece with the vibrant marinade, ensuring every morsel gets coated in deliciousness.

• Chill and Develop

Let the dish rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to dance and mingle into a harmonious blend.

• Herbal Finale

Sprinkle fresh green herbs on top, creating a visual and taste sensation that will impress your guests.

Tips For Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles

• Flavor Boost Techniques: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richer marinade depth and more complex taste profile.
• Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of dried Italian seasoning to elevate the appetizer's aromatic notes.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace mini pickles with cucumber slices for a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains crunch and freshness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional cheese cubes with firm tofu cubes or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests without compromising flavor intensity.
• Temperature Tip: Allow marinated appetizer to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to help ingredients release maximum flavor and soften slightly for more enjoyable texture.

Serving Ideas For Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the marinated cheese appetizer on a wooden board with additional whole pickles and salami slices for a stunning visual display.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Serve alongside crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the tangy and savory flavors of the appetizer.
• Dipping Delight: Provide crusty baguette slices or artisan crackers for guests to scoop up the marinated cheese and salami, creating an interactive eating experience.
• Quick Brunch Boost: Use the appetizer as a protein-packed addition to a weekend brunch spread, offering guests a delicious and easy-to-eat nibble between main dishes.

How To Store Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles

• Flavor-Boosting Refrigeration: Chill the marinated cheese appetizer for 2-24 hours to enhance taste depth. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor becomes.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Keep appetizer chilled in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal taste and texture.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store unused marinated cheese separately from salami and pickles to maintain individual textures. This prevents soggy ingredients and preserves crispness.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Mix marinade ingredients and chop components up to 2 days before assembly. Assemble appetizer 1 day ahead for stress-free entertaining, allowing flavors to develop beautifully.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky, smooth backdrop that helps infuse flavors and creates a luxurious coating for ingredients.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through richness and balances the overall taste profile.

• Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic kick that deepens the appetizer's savory notes.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a classic Mediterranean herb blend that elevates the dish's complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers a subtle heat that sparks excitement on the palate.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all the individual ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Contributes a warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the other seasonings.

• Cheese Cubes: Serve as the creamy, rich centerpiece that absorbs the marinade beautifully.
• Salami Slices: Provide a robust, meaty element with a classic charcuterie charm.
• Mini Pickles: Offer a zesty, crunchy contrast that cuts through the richness of cheese and salami.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a vibrant, garden-fresh finish that brightens the entire appetizer.

Tools Checklist For Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles

• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings into a cohesive mixture.
• Shallow Dish: Ideal for arranging cheese cubes, salami, and pickles in an appealing single layer.
• Plastic Wrap: Crucial for covering and sealing the marinating appetizer in the refrigerator.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for preparing and arranging ingredients neatly.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing salami and trimming herbs if needed.
• Toothpicks: Great for easy serving and helping guests pick up the appetizer.

Tangy Marinated Cheese Appetizer With Salami & Pickles Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy marinated cheese takes center stage in this Italian-inspired appetizer, blending tangy herbs with rich dairy. Salami and pickled vegetables add zesty layers, creating an irresistible snack you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces (226 grams) salami slices, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese cubes
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese cubes
• 1 cup mini pickles (cornichons or dill pickles)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Fresh thyme, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
2. Layering Foundation: Spread cheese cubes in a single layer across a shallow serving dish, creating an elegant base for the appetizer.
3. Architectural Composition: Artfully fold salami slices into quarters, interspersing them strategically between cheese cubes to build visual depth and flavor complexity.
4. Pickle Placement: Tuck mini pickles into the remaining spaces, filling gaps and enhancing the overall textural and visual appeal of the dish.
5. Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared marinade evenly over the entire arrangement, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption for the cheese, salami, and pickles.
6. Flavor Development: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow ingredients to marinate and develop rich, interconnected flavors.
7. Final Presentation: Immediately before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs across the top for a vibrant color burst and aromatic enhancement. Accompany with toothpicks or crisp crackers to elevate the appetizer’s serving experience.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, premium cheeses like mozzarella or feta with firm texture that absorb marinade well without crumbling.
• Marinate Strategically: Allow minimum 2 hours refrigeration for flavors to fully develop, but avoid marinating more than 24 hours to prevent cheese becoming overly saturated.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference; start with small amount and gradually increase for balanced flavor profile.
• Presentation Matters: Use clear glass dish to showcase colorful layers and ingredients, creating visual appeal that enhances overall appetizer experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg