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Marinated cheese appetizer with salami and pickles arranged on a serving platter.

Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles

This easy marinated cheese appetizer is a flavor-packed combo of cubed cheese, sliced salami, and pickles, tossed in a herby marinade. Make it ahead for effortless entertaining — serve with toothpicks or crackers and watch it disappear!
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Serves 6–8 as an appetizer
  • Main ingredients:
  • 200 g 7 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 200 g 7 oz Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda, cubed
  • 100 g 3.5 oz dry-cured salami, sliced or cubed
  • ½ cup mini dill pickles cornichons, halved or whole
  • Optional: ½ cup pickled onions olives, or roasted red peppers
  • For the marinade:
  • 80 ml ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large bowl with lid or a sealable container
  • Small whisk or jar with lid (for marinade)
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Spoon or tongs
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. Prep the ingredients:
  2. Cube cheeses and salami, and slice pickles if needed.
  3. Place all in a large bowl or shallow container.
  4. Make the marinade:
  5. In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, garlic, herbs, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  6. Combine:
  7. Pour marinade over cheese, salami, and pickles. Gently toss to coat evenly.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
  9. Serve:
  10. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
  11. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with toothpicks or alongside crackers or bread.

Notes

Use any firm cheese you like — Havarti, pepper jack, gouda, or Colby work great.
Add cherry tomatoes or pearl mozzarella for a colorful variation.
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days (the flavor gets even better!).
For a spicy kick, use spicy salami and extra red pepper flakes.