Description
This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for parties or casual snacking. Featuring a delightful mix of diced Havarti cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, cubed salami, tangy cornichons, and Castelvetrano olives, all marinated in a zesty garlic vinaigrette with fresh basil. Ready in just minutes and enhanced by a chilled marinade, this appetizer brings a delicious Mediterranean flair to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Meats
- 6 oz Havarti cheese, diced
- 1 cup salami, cubed
Vegetables and Pickles
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
- ½ cup cornichons (small pickles)
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives
Herbs and Dressing
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup garlic vinaigrette (or Italian-style vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the diced Havarti cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, cubed salami, cornichons, Castelvetrano olives, and chopped fresh basil. Mix gently to combine all the components evenly.
- Add Vinaigrette: Pour the garlic vinaigrette over the mixture. Using a gentle folding motion, stir to coat all the ingredients well without breaking up the cheese or salami.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors marry. For best results, marinate overnight to deepen the taste.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled. This appetizer pairs beautifully with crackers, crusty bread, or as part of a charcuterie board for entertaining.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for optimal flavor and texture.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor, but 1-2 hours is sufficient if short on time.
- Substitute salami with another cured meat like pepperoni or prosciutto if preferred.
- This dish can be customized with different olives or pickles based on availability.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness and prevent the cheese from softening too much.
