Who doesn’t love a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and is super easy to whip up? This Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives recipe is the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and rich ingredients that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack, a last-minute appetizer for guests, or just something to nibble on with a glass of wine. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!
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Why You’ll Love Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives
This dish is more than just a simple appetizer—it’s all about those moments where food brings people together. Here’s why you’re going to love it:
- Versatile: This is perfect for everything from a laid-back evening at home to a fancy dinner party. Imagine sitting down to enjoy it with friends, watching their faces light up as they take that first bite.
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy, hard-to-find ingredients to make this dish shine. It uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need to spend a fortune to make something delicious!
- Quick and Easy: Don’t have a ton of time? No worries! This recipe comes together in no time, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the flavors.
- Customizable: If you’re not a fan of one of the ingredients, feel free to swap it out! Add some chili flakes for a spicy kick or swap the salami for another cured meat—it’s all about making it your own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it at a party or just enjoying it on your own, this dish is guaranteed to make everyone happy.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s made with a handful of ingredients that pack a punch. Let’s break it down:
- Cheese: The star of the show. I love using a mix of tangy feta and creamy mozzarella, but you can use whatever cheese you adore.
- Salami: Adds that smoky, savory richness that makes everything come alive. Slice it thin, or leave it chunkier for an extra bite.
- Olives: Choose a mix of green and black olives for a balance of salty and briny goodness.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color.
- Olive Oil: This is the base of the marinade, making everything silky and rich.
- Vinegar: Adds just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and salami.
- Garlic: A few cloves bring an aromatic punch to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, if you’re feeling bold!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by cutting your cheese and salami into bite-sized pieces. You want everything to be easy to grab and pop into your mouth.
2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. You want this marinade to be smooth and well-mixed so every bite of cheese and salami gets a taste of it.
3. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, toss together your cheese, salami, olives, and herbs. Drizzle the marinade over the top and give it a gentle toss. Make sure everything gets a little love from the marinade.
4. Marinate: Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together. If you’ve got time, let it sit for a few hours for even more flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your marinated cheese with salami and olives as an appetizer or snack, and watch as it disappears in no time. Don’t forget a crusty baguette or crackers on the side to scoop up all those delicious flavors!
How to Serve Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives
This dish is so versatile, and here are a few ways to serve it up:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a light, refreshing green salad to balance the rich, savory flavors of the cheese and salami.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette to soak up any leftover marinade. It’s perfect for a cozy evening.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies, like bell peppers or tomatoes, complement the dish and add some color to your plate.
- As a Standalone: Honestly, sometimes this dish is hearty enough to enjoy all on its own. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can chop and marinate everything the night before. It only gets better as it sits!
- Spice It Up: Want to add a little heat? Toss in some chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Dietary Adjustments: Feel free to swap out cheeses or olives to suit your dietary preferences.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
- Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for doubling if you’re hosting a bigger crowd!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
A1: Yes! You can use goat cheese, cheddar, or even a creamy brie. Whatever cheese you love will work wonders.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead. Just marinate it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing isn’t recommended because the cheese and olives may not hold up well to freezing, but you can enjoy leftovers from the fridge for a few days.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: For the best flavor, serve it at room temperature. No need to heat it up—just pull it out of the fridge and enjoy!
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! If you’re hosting a crowd, feel free to double the batch. It’s easy to scale up and just as tasty.
Q7: Can I use different meats instead of salami?
A7: Absolutely! Try prosciutto, pepperoni, or even thinly sliced ham for a different take.
Q8: Can I add more vegetables to the mix?
A8: Yes, adding roasted peppers or even artichoke hearts would be a great addition!
Q9: Is this dish gluten-free?
A9: Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the cheese and salami are gluten-free, too!
Q10: Can I use store-bought marinades instead of making my own?
A10: Sure! If you’re short on time, a store-bought marinade can work in a pinch. Just make sure it complements the flavors you want.
Conclusion
This Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives is the perfect dish to make when you want something quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re enjoying it by yourself or sharing it with friends, it’s guaranteed to impress. Happy cooking!
Print
Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes + marinating time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy marinated cheese appetizer is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for entertaining. A combination of creamy Havarti, savory salami, tangy green olives, and zesty sun-dried tomatoes is marinated in a bold Italian-style vinaigrette, making it a crowd-pleasing snack. Serve it with crackers or crusty bread for a delicious party spread
Ingredients
- 6 oz Havarti cheese, diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup salami, diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained if necessary)
- 1/2 cup green olives (pitted)
- 1/2 cup cornichons (small French pickles), sliced if desired
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Garlic Expressions or your favorite Italian-style vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced Havarti cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, salami, green olives, and cornichons.
- Add the chopped fresh basil and pour the Italian-style vinaigrette over the ingredients.
- Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a mason jar or an airtight container.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a week for a more intense flavor.
- Serve chilled directly from the jar or container. For a stylish presentation, arrange the marinated cheese, salami, and olives on a serving platter with toothpicks.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Add extra ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or pepperoncini for more variety.
- If you don’t have cornichons, swap them for capers or other small pickles.
- For a spicier kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Pair with crusty bread, crackers, or crostini for the perfect bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg