Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami: 1 Amazing Recipe

Name: Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami: 1 Amazing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cubed; 1 cup sliced salami or pepperoni; 1 cup green olives (Castelvetrano or Spanish Manzanilla); ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, for garnish

by basmer

24 de October de 2025

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Marinated cheese appetizer salami has been my go-to for effortless entertaining since I discovered this simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe. I remember my first holiday party where I served this, and guests couldn’t stop raving about the savory salami mixed with briny olives and creamy cheese, all coated in a zesty herb marinade. Seriously, this easy marinated cheese salami appetizer is a lifesaver when you need a stunning dish without the stress. The aroma alone is divine! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami

This recipe is a true winner for so many reasons!

Effortless Entertaining: It’s a no-cook wonder that looks and tastes gourmet.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it the day before, and the flavors only get better.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of creamy cheese, savory salami, and briny olives is irresistible.
Mediterranean Inspiration: Enjoy bold, herb-infused tastes that transport you.
Versatile Appetizer: Perfect as a party appetizer with marinated cheese and salami, or for a simple wine night.
Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite cheeses and add-ins.
Visually Appealing: A beautiful addition to any charcuterie or cheese board.
Fantastic for Game Day: This easy party food marinated cheese is always a hit!

Ingredients for Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a show-stopping appetizer. This easy marinated cheese salami appetizer comes together quickly, but the magic happens as the flavors meld.

1 lb Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cubed – I love using Monterey Jack for its mild creaminess, but mozzarella works beautifully too. Cube it into ½-inch pieces for perfect bite-sized portions.
1 cup sliced salami or pepperoni – Thinly sliced salami or pepperoni adds that savory, slightly spicy kick. You can also cut them into quarters if you prefer smaller pieces.
1 cup green olives (Castelvetrano or Spanish Manzanilla) – These briny gems are crucial! Castelvetrano olives offer a buttery, mild flavor, while Spanish Manzanilla olives provide a more classic, piquant taste.
⅓ cup olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is the base of our marinade, carrying all those delicious herbs and spices.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – This adds a lovely tanginess that balances the richness of the cheese and salami.
1 tablespoon dried oregano – A classic Mediterranean herb that brings an earthy, aromatic quality.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that savory garlic punch without the bite of fresh garlic.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – If you like a little heat, these add a subtle warmth that complements the other flavors.
Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, for garnish – A pop of green freshness makes the final presentation stunning.

How to Make Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami

This no-cook appetizer is incredibly simple to assemble, and the marinating time is where all the magic happens. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Step 1: Start by cubing your cheese into nice, uniform ½-inch pieces. This ensures they marinate evenly and are perfect for grabbing with a toothpick.
Step 2: Thinly slice your salami or pepperoni. If your slices are large, you can cut them into quarters to make them more bite-sized.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cubed cheese, sliced salami, and your briny green olives. Give them a gentle toss to mix everything up.
Step 4: Now, let’s whisk up that delicious marinade. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the ⅓ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the optional ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined.
Step 5: Pour this zesty marinade over the cheese, salami, and olive mixture. Gently toss everything together until each piece is beautifully coated. Transfer this glorious mix into an airtight container.
Step 6: Now comes the waiting game, but trust me, it’s worth it! Refrigerate your marinated cheese and salami recipe for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. You’ll notice the aroma becoming more intense as it sits.
Step 7: Before serving your amazing marinated cheese salami appetizer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This brings out the best texture and flavor. Garnish with a few fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with your favorite crackers or small bread slices for a complete party appetizer!

Pro Tips for the Best Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami

I’ve made this appetizer more times than I can count, and a few tricks really elevate it. Follow these tips for a truly spectacular result that your guests will rave about.

Don’t Rush the Marinate: While 2 hours is the minimum, letting this sit overnight in the fridge allows the cheese to truly absorb all those delicious herb and vinegar notes. It makes a world of difference!
Quality Matters: Use good quality olive oil and fresh-tasting herbs. The marinade is simple, so using the best ingredients will shine through.
Room Temperature is Key: Always let your marinated cheese and salami recipe sit out for about 15 minutes before serving. This softens the cheese slightly and makes the flavors more vibrant and accessible.
Serve with the Right Sides: Offer crusty bread, plain crackers, or even small slices of baguette to scoop up the delicious marinade and ingredients.

What’s the secret to perfect Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami?

The absolute secret is allowing ample marinating time! Overnight is best. This lets the cheese absorb the tangy, herbaceous marinade, transforming it into a flavorful bite that perfectly complements the savory salami and olives.

Can I make Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a make-ahead dream. I usually prepare it the day before a party. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It gets even better as it sits!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami?

A common pitfall is not marinating long enough, leading to bland cheese. Also, make sure to drain off most of the excess marinade before serving, or it can get messy. Lastly, don’t forget to let it come to room temperature before guests arrive!

Best Ways to Serve Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami

This versatile appetizer is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired thoughtfully. I love serving it as part of a larger spread, or simply with a few key accompaniments.

Classic Platter Addition: Arrange this marinated cheese and salami mixture in a beautiful bowl or on a platter. Surround it with a variety of crusty baguette slices, plain water crackers, or even some pita triangles. The bread will soak up that incredible marinade!
Skewered Bites: For a super easy grab-and-go option at parties, thread a cube of the marinated cheese, a folded piece of salami, and an olive onto small skewers or fancy toothpicks. This makes it a perfect finger food appetizer with marinated cheese and salami.
With Wine or Cocktails: This savory appetizer is a perfect companion for a crisp white wine, a light-bodied red, or even a classic martini. The briny, savory flavors cut through the richness of the drink beautifully.

Nutrition Facts for Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami

This savory and flavorful appetizer is a delightful addition to any gathering. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, based on the recipe’s yield.

Calories: 260
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 780mg
Cholesterol: 35mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your marinated cheese and salami recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami

One of the best things about this marinated cheese appetizer salami is how well it keeps! I love making it a day or two ahead, and it’s still fantastic. Once it’s cooled down after sitting at room temperature (if it wasn’t all devoured immediately!), transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay wonderfully fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to deepen, making it a great option for ongoing snacking.

Thinking even longer term? You can totally freeze this easy party food marinated cheese for up to 3 months. Just pop it into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to thaw it is slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Reheating isn’t really necessary, as it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warmer, you can gently warm it in a low oven for a few minutes, though I usually just let it sit out before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami

Can I use different types of cheese in this Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami?

Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and mozzarella are fantastic, feel free to experiment. Havarti offers a lovely buttery flavor, sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, and even feta can provide a salty, crumbly contrast. Just make sure to cube them to a similar size for even marinating in this easy marinated cheese salami appetizer.

What’s the best way to serve this Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami at a party?

For easy serving at parties, I love using small skewers or decorative toothpicks. Thread a cube of marinated cheese, a folded piece of salami, and an olive onto each one. This makes it a perfect, mess-free finger food appetizer with marinated cheese and salami, allowing guests to mingle and enjoy without needing plates.

How long does the marinade last on the cheese and salami?

The marinade infuses the cheese and salami beautifully over time. I recommend at least 2 hours, but overnight is truly best for developing deep flavors. You can keep the mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, and honestly, the flavors continue to meld and improve!

Can I add other ingredients to this Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami?

Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Some other delicious additions include marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed work best), or even some roasted red peppers. You could also add a pinch more of your favorite herbs, like fresh rosemary or thyme, to the marinade for a new flavor profile in your cheese and salami appetizer ideas.

Variations of Marinated Cheese Appetizer Salami You Can Try

While I adore the classic combination, this marinated cheese appetizer salami recipe is so versatile! I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to keep things exciting for guests. Here are a few of my favorite twists:

Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by increasing the crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. You could also add a few thinly sliced jalapeños to the mix for an extra layer of spice in your spicy marinated cheese salami recipe.
Mediterranean Veggie Boost: For a heartier, vegetarian-friendly option, skip the salami and add marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, or roasted red peppers. This transforms it into a fantastic cheese and olive platter variation.
Herb Garden Delight: Don’t be afraid to play with fresh herbs! Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or even a bit of fresh basil to the marinade along with or instead of the oregano. It adds a wonderful aromatic complexity to this easy party food marinated cheese.
Different Cheese Adventures: While Monterey Jack and mozzarella are my go-to, try using a firm feta cheese for a salty bite, or a smoked gouda for a deeper, richer flavor. Each cheese offers a unique texture and taste profile to your salami and cheese appetizer ideas.