Hey there! If you’re looking for a quick and delightful snack that’s sure to impress, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! This easy marinated cheese appetizer with salami pickles is a crowd-pleaser that I absolutely love to whip up when I have friends over. Not only is it simple to make, but the combination of flavors is just out of this world! Imagine creamy cheese mingling with savory salami and crunchy pickles, all drizzled with a zesty marinade. It’s the perfect little bite to serve as an appetizer or even as a light lunch. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—it’s that good! So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on creating this tasty treat together!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of cheese (cubed): I like to use a nice, creamy cheese like mozzarella or provolone, but feel free to choose your favorite!
- 4 ounces of salami (sliced): Go for a flavorful salami that you enjoy; it adds a delicious savory touch to the mix.
- 1 cup of pickles (sliced): Crunchy dill pickles work wonders here, giving a nice tangy contrast to the cheese and salami.
- 1/4 cup of olive oil: This is the base for our marinade, so pick a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar: This adds a lovely acidity that brightens up the entire dish. You could also use white wine vinegar if that’s what you have on hand!
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: A must-have for that herby flavor! If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme works, too.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper will enhance all those amazing flavors.
How to Prepare the Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami Pickles
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to gather all our ingredients. Trust me, having everything ready to go makes the whole process smoother and way more enjoyable! You’ll want to have your cheese, salami, pickles, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper within arm’s reach. This way, you can just focus on mixing and making this delicious appetizer without any interruptions. Ready? Let’s do this!
Mix the Cheese, Salami, and Pickles
Now, grab a big mixing bowl and toss in those cubed cheese, sliced salami, and your crunchy pickles. It’s all about that perfect blend of flavors! Use a spatula or your hands to give everything a gentle mix. You want to combine them well, but don’t squish the cheese too much—let it keep its lovely shape! This is where the magic starts to happen!
Prepare the Marinade
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The olive oil brings richness, while the vinegar adds that delightful zing! The Italian seasoning? That’s the special touch that ties everything together. Make sure to whisk until it’s nice and smooth—this is the flavorful bath your cheese and salami will soak in!
Combine and Toss
Pour that delicious marinade over the cheese mixture, and now it’s time to toss everything together! I like to use a spatula for this, gently folding the cheese, salami, and pickles until they’re all coated in that flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, so everything stays nice and fresh while it’s marinating.
Marinate
Pop the bowl in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial! The longer it sits, the more those flavors meld together and get even tastier. If you can, let it marinate for a couple of hours or even overnight. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you! When you’re ready to serve, just pull it out of the fridge, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your easy marinated cheese appetizer with salami pickles!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, gouda, or even feta can work beautifully. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may add unique flavors and textures.
How long can I marinate the cheese?
While 30 minutes is great, letting it marinate for a few hours or even overnight really enhances the flavors! Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
What can I serve this appetizer with?
This marinated cheese appetizer pairs wonderfully with toothpicks for easy serving, but you can also offer some crusty bread, crackers, or even fresh veggies on the side for a lovely platter.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This appetizer is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and let those flavors develop. It’ll be ready to impress your guests when you are!
Is this appetizer suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Yes! This easy marinated cheese appetizer with salami pickles is relatively low in calories, especially if you choose lighter cheeses and control the amount of salami you use. It’s a flavorful yet guilt-free option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Flavorful combination of creamy cheese, savory salami, and tangy pickles.
- Low-calorie option that satisfies your snack cravings without the guilt.
- Versatile—great as an appetizer or a light lunch.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to deepen.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your easy marinated cheese appetizer with salami pickles turns out perfectly every time!
- Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to try different cheese varieties! Mixing in something like feta or a sharp cheddar can add a fun twist to your flavor profile.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in taste. Opt for a good olive oil and fresh salami for the best results.
- Marination Time: If you can, let your mixture marinate for a few hours or even overnight. The flavors deepen and blend beautifully over time. Just remember to keep it covered!
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the marinade before pouring it over the cheese mixture. Feel free to add a little more seasoning or vinegar if you like it zestier!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this appetizer with a selection of crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette for a lovely touch. It’ll make serving so much easier and more appealing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy marinated cheese appetizer with salami pickles is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but honestly, it’s usually gone way before then!
When it comes to serving, you can enjoy this appetizer cold right out of the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps bring out the flavors even more! Just remember, there’s no need to reheat it—serving it chilled or at room temp is the way to go. Trust me, your taste buds will be happy whether it’s straight from the fridge or slightly warmed up. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the nutritional values of this easy marinated cheese appetizer with salami pickles, it’s important to note that they can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Keep in mind that these values can change based on your ingredient choices, so feel free to adjust as needed! Enjoy this delicious appetizer knowing it’s not only tasty but also a relatively low-calorie option to satisfy your cravings!
For more delicious appetizer ideas, check out this creamy salsa dip recipe or this crockpot chicken and rice recipe for a comforting meal!
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Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami Pickles You’ll Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious marinated cheese appetizer with salami and pickles.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of cheese (cubed)
- 4 ounces of salami (sliced)
- 1 cup of pickles (sliced)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients.
- In a bowl, combine the cheese, salami, and pickles.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the cheese mixture.
- Toss everything gently to coat.
- Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use your favorite cheese for a personal touch.
- Letting it marinate longer can enhance flavors.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy marinated cheese appetizer with salami pickles
