Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe
This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer combines cubes of mozzarella or cheddar cheese with strips of salami and green olives, all marinated in a flavorful olive oil mixture infused with garlic, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. It’s a simple, no-cook appetizer that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese & Meats
- 8 ounces cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar), cut into cubes
- 4 ounces sliced salami, cut into strips
Olives
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed cheese, sliced salami, and green olives thoroughly.
- Prepare marinade: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well blended.
- Coat mixture: Pour the marinade over the cheese, salami, and olives, stirring gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Marinate: Transfer the coated mixture into a small jar or airtight container. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together fully. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
- Serve: Serve the marinated appetizer chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with toothpicks or served atop crackers for an easy and delicious snack.
Notes
- Use your preferred cheese such as mozzarella for a milder taste or cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Green olives can be substituted with black olives if desired.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance, or omit for a milder appetizer.
- This appetizer can be prepared a day ahead, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Serve with crusty bread or assorted crackers for variety.
Keywords: marinated cheese appetizer, salami and olives appetizer, easy no-cook appetizer, party snack, Italian appetizer
