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Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 59 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including minimum marination time)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is a flavorful and quick-to-prepare dish perfect for gatherings or casual snacking. Cubes of Havarti cheese are combined with savory salami, tangy cornichons, Castelvetrano olives, and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, all marinated in a vibrant garlic vinaigrette. The mixture benefits from a refreshing infusion of fresh basil and requires only minimal preparation and refrigeration time to develop its rich flavors. Serve chilled alongside crackers, bread, or as part of a charcuterie board for an impressive and tasty appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Meats

  • 6 oz Havarti cheese, diced
  • 1 cup salami, cubed

Vegetables and Pickles

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
  • ½ cup cornichons (small pickles)
  • ½ cup Castelvetrano olives
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Marinade

  • 1 cup garlic vinaigrette (or Italian-style vinaigrette)


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced Havarti cheese, cubed salami, sun-dried tomatoes, cornichons, Castelvetrano olives, and chopped fresh basil. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute evenly.
  2. Add Vinaigrette: Pour the garlic vinaigrette over the combined ingredients. Use a gentle folding motion to mix, ensuring every piece is lightly coated with the flavorful dressing without breaking the delicate cheese.
  3. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 1 to 2 hours to develop the flavors. For best results, refrigerate overnight to let the ingredients fully absorb the vinaigrette.
  4. Serve: After marinating, give the mixture a gentle stir. Serve chilled as an appetizer alongside crackers, slices of bread, or arranged on a charcuterie board to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor, but if short on time, 1-2 hours will still provide a tasty appetizer.
  • Castelvetrano olives provide a mild, buttery flavor; you can substitute with Kalamata olives if unavailable, but expect a different taste profile.
  • Use a quality garlic vinaigrette or make your own with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for freshness.
  • Keep the cheese cubes relatively uniform to ensure even marination.
  • This appetizer can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated.