Description
A flavorful and easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer featuring sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese, hard salami, and tangy mini dill pickles, all tossed in a zesty marinade of olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasonings. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, this no-cook, make-ahead dish bursts with savory and slightly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Meats
- 8 oz block sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese, cubed
- 4 oz hard salami, sliced into quarters or small wedges
Pickles
- 1/2 cup mini dill pickles or cornichons, sliced if large
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, white or red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, minced garlic, and salt and black pepper to taste. This blend will infuse the appetizer with robust, tangy flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the cubed cheese, quartered or wedged slices of hard salami, and sliced mini dill pickles or cornichons to create a balanced mix of textures and flavors.
- Marinate the Mixture: Pour the prepared marinade over the cheese, salami, and pickles. Gently toss everything together to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl or transfer the mixture to a jar with a lid, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir the mixture once or twice during marinating if possible to redistribute the marinade.
- Serve: Before serving, bring the appetizer to room temperature for optimal flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with toothpicks or small skewers for easy eating. Pair it with crackers or crusty bread if desired for a heartier snack.
Notes
- This appetizer can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time, making it perfect for prepping before gatherings.
- For variety, try substituting in different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella cubes.
- Serve alongside crackers or crusty bread to create a more substantial snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
