🧀 Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles
Ingredients
For the marinade:
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½ cup olive oil
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¼ cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1–2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp honey (optional, balances acidity)
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or a mix of basil, oregano & thyme
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
For the appetizer:
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8 oz block of cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack — cut into ¾-inch cubes
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8 oz block of mozzarella or provolone — cubed
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4–6 oz salami, sliced into bite-size pieces or ribbons
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½–1 cup small dill pickles or cornichons, sliced or left whole if tiny
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Fresh herbs for garnish (optional: parsley, chives, dill)
🥣 Instructions
1. Mix the Marinade
Whisk together oil, vinegar, Dijon, garlic, honey, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl or jar.
2. Assemble the Ingredients
In a shallow dish or jar, layer:
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Cheese cubes
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Salami pieces
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Pickles
Repeat the layers until everything is used.
3. Pour & Chill
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Pour the marinade evenly over the cheese, salami, and pickles.
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Gently toss or tilt the dish so everything is coated.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for stronger flavor.
4. Serve
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Bring to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
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Serve with toothpicks, crusty bread, or crackers.
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Garnish with chopped herbs if desired.
⭐ Tips & Variations
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Add olives for a Mediterranean twist.
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Use smoked cheese for deeper flavor.
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Swap salami with pepperoni or prosciutto.
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Spice it up with extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
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Make it pretty by skewering cheese, salami, and pickles on toothpicks, then drizzling with marinade.
If you’d like, I can format this as a printable recipe card or offer a low-carb/keto variation!
