🧀 Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles
🌿 Mediterranean-Style
🌿 Description
This Marinated Cheese Appetizer features cubes of creamy cheese soaked in a zesty olive-oil marinade with herbs, paired with savory salami and crisp pickles. Inspired by Mediterranean antipasti, it’s rich yet balanced, requires no cooking, and is perfect for parties, mezze boards, or quick snack platters.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Marinated Cheese
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400 g (14 oz) semi-firm cheese, cubed
(mozzarella, provolone, mild cheddar, or feta cubes) -
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 garlic clove, finely minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
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Black pepper to taste
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Pinch chili flakes (optional)
For Serving
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150 g (5 oz) salami, sliced or rolled
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½–¾ cup pickles or cornichons, sliced
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Optional extras: olives, roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes
👩🍳 Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar (or lemon), Dijon, garlic, herbs, pepper, and chili flakes. -
Marinate the Cheese
Place cheese cubes in a jar or shallow dish.
Pour marinade over cheese and gently toss to coat. -
Chill
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours) for best flavor. -
Assemble the Appetizer
Arrange marinated cheese, salami, and pickles on a platter.
Drizzle with a little extra marinade if desired. -
Serve
Bring to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
🫒 Mediterranean Highlights
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Olive oil–based marinade
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Simple, whole ingredients
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No added sugars
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Great balance of fats and protein
❓ Q & A
Q: What cheese works best?
Semi-firm cheeses hold up best—mozzarella balls, provolone, gouda, or feta cubes are ideal.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after marinating overnight.
Q: Is this appetizer keto or low-carb?
Yes—very low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the salami and add olives, nuts, or marinated veggies.
Q: How long does marinated cheese last?
Stored airtight in the fridge, it keeps well for 3–4 days.
🍽 Serving Ideas
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Add to a Mediterranean mezze board
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Serve with whole-grain crackers or sourdough
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Pair with sparkling water, white wine, or herbal tea
