Name: Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes; 8 ounces Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes; 6 ounces hard salami, cut into bite-sized pieces or folded; ½ cup baby dill pickles or cornichons, sliced or left whole; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you love crowd-pleasing nibbles that are as low-maintenance as they are irresistible, you absolutely have to try this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles. Featuring cubes of bold cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack, snappy bites of salami, and tangy baby dill pickles, all tossed in an herby, zesty marinade, this easy-to-make appetizer brings together iconic party flavors in one bowl. It’s the ultimate snack to serve at gatherings, holidays, or as a quick treat when you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and just a little bit fancy!

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is how each simple ingredient works together to create the perfect bite—salty, creamy, tangy, and a little spicy. Make sure to choose your cheeses and salami with care; the better the ingredients, the more delicious the outcome!

Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8 ounces): Brings a classic savory punch and firm texture to the mix.
Monterey Jack or Mozzarella Cheese (8 ounces): Adds a mild, creamy balance—go with mozzarella for extra stretch or Monterey Jack for richness.
Hard Salami (6 ounces): Provides smoky, meaty bites; you can fold or dice it for the prettiest presentation.
Baby Dill Pickles or Cornichons (½ cup): Their tangy crunch wakes up every bite; slice or leave them whole for visual appeal.
Olive Oil (¼ cup): Forms the base of the marinade, coating each ingredient with luscious flavor.
Red Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Supplies zing and acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and salami.
Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds aromatic spice and depth to the dressing.
Dried Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers herby, savory flavor in every spoonful.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): For subtle, earthy warmth without overpowering the dish.
Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Blends in a background sweetness and depth.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Kicks up the heat—add more or less as you prefer!
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Rounds out and enhances all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons) for garnish: A burst of color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

Step 1: Prep the Main Ingredients

Start by cutting your cheddar and Monterey Jack (or mozzarella) cheeses into bite-size cubes, aiming for even sizes so every forkful is balanced. Fold or dice the salami, depending on your preference, and slice your baby dill pickles or cornichons if you want a little more tang in each bite. Toss everything into a large bowl or a shallow dish to ensure each piece gets plenty of marinade exposure.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Marinade

In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, a few pinches of salt and black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re after a bit of heat. Whisk everything together until emulsified and marvel at the aromatic bouquet—this is what’s going to tie the entire Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles together!

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour your marinade right over the cheese, salami, and pickle mixture. Gently toss everything together using a big spoon or spatula, making sure every morsel is well coated. This process is crucial for flavor distribution and ensures each piece soaks up those tangy, herby notes.

Step 4: Marinate and Chill

Cover the bowl or dish and pop it into the refrigerator. Let the appetizer marinate for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours if you’ve planned ahead—the longer it sits, the more intensified and irresistible the flavors become. Just be sure to give everything a gentle stir a couple of times while it chills, so the marinade stays evenly distributed.

Step 5: Serve with Style

Take the marinated appetizer out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Letting it warm up just a touch liberates all those beautiful flavors. Right before serving, sprinkle with fresh, vibrant parsley. Arrange on a serving platter with toothpicks or skewers for easy, shareable bites. Your Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is party-ready!

How to Serve Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

Garnishes

To finish off your Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles, don’t skip the fresh parsley—its grassy flavor and pop of green make the whole platter look polished and inviting. You could also scatter a few extra red pepper flakes for color and spice, or even drizzle a touch more olive oil for shine.

Side Dishes

This savory snack is perfectly paired with crunchy crackers, sliced baguette, pretzel crisps, or fresh vegetable sticks. Serving as part of a larger charcuterie spread? Try adding marinated olives, honey, or spiced nuts to round out the textures and flavors on the board.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination shine! Thread cheese, salami, and pickles onto skewers for adorable kabobs, or layer the mixture in small jars for portable picnic servings. For an elegant touch at a dinner party, serve in tiny cups or on mini forks for a hands-free, bite-sized delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The marinade will continue to infuse the ingredients, so the flavors only get bolder and better by the next day. Enjoy within 3 days for the freshest taste and best texture!

Freezing

While tempting, freezing is not recommended for the Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles. The cheese and pickles can lose their appealing texture once thawed, turning soft or watery. It’s best to whip up a fresh batch when cravings (or parties) strike.

Reheating

No reheating required! This appetizer is designed to be enjoyed straight out of the fridge (or at cool room temperature). If it’s a bit too chilled from the fridge, just set it out for 15–20 minutes before serving to bring out its full bouquet of flavors and aromas.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this appetizer?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses like Gouda, provolone, or even spicy pepper jack for a twist. Just stick with firm varieties that will hold up well to marinating and serving.

How far in advance can I make Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles?

You can prepare this appetizer up to 24 hours ahead—just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making it a stress-free option for entertaining or potlucks.

Can I make this appetizer vegetarian?

Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, simply leave out the salami or replace it with marinated artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a tasty, satisfying bite.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?

Yes, the Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, making it ideal for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets. Just double-check the ingredients for added sugars if you’re using store-bought pickles or salami.

What should I do if the marinade seems too strong or acidic?

If you find the marinade too tangy, simply add a bit more olive oil or toss in a little extra cheese to mellow it out. Taste and adjust the seasonings to fit your preferences—a quick fix ensures it’s just right for you and your guests.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to share this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles as I am! It’s a guaranteed hit wherever it goes, striking the perfect balance of convenience, fun, and flavor. Gather your ingredients, let them mingle, and watch this zesty, colorful snack disappear in no time!

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is a flavorful and effortless dish perfect for entertaining. Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses are paired with savory salami, tangy pickles, and a zesty marinade for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture:

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
8 ounces Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes

Additional Ingredients:

6 ounces hard salami, cut into bite-sized pieces or folded
½ cup baby dill pickles or cornichons, sliced or left whole
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl or shallow dish, combine the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salami, and pickles.
Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Marinate: Pour the marinade over the cheese mixture and gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Serve: Before serving, allow to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with toothpicks or skewers.