Name: Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-488072H6M18S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, cubed; 6 oz sliced salami or pepperoni, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup mini dill pickles, sliced or whole if small; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp red or white wine vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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This marinated cheese appetizer with salami and pickles is one of my favorite party starters. It’s rich, tangy, savory, and incredibly easy to put together. The flavors blend beautifully after marinating, making each bite a satisfying burst of bold, zesty taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless this recipe is while still being a total showstopper on the table. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy salami, and crisp pickles marinated in a flavorful dressing makes it irresistible. It’s a no-cook, make-ahead appetizer that I can prep the night before, letting the flavors develop even more. Whether it’s for game night, holidays, or casual entertaining, this dish always disappears fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cubed cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Sliced salami or pepperoni
Mini dill pickles, sliced or whole if small
Olive oil
White or red wine vinegar
Garlic, minced
Crushed red pepper flakes
Dried oregano
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper

Directions

I start by preparing all the ingredients—cubing the cheese, slicing the salami if needed, and cutting the pickles.
In a large bowl or jar, I combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. I give it a good stir to mix the marinade.
I gently toss the cheese cubes, salami, and pickles in the marinade until everything is coated evenly.
I cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, but I prefer to let it marinate overnight to really let the flavors soak in.
Before serving, I give it a light toss and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. I like serving it with toothpicks or small skewers for easy grabbing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings, perfect for a small gathering. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and needs at least 4 hours of marinating time in the fridge—though I often leave it overnight for the best results.

Variations

I sometimes switch the cheese to mozzarella balls or a smoked gouda for extra depth. If I want it spicier, I use hot soppressata instead of salami. I’ve also tried adding marinated artichokes or roasted red peppers for an extra tangy twist. The marinade itself is super adaptable, so I play with the herbs and spices depending on the occasion.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since it’s a cold appetizer, there’s no reheating needed. I just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the marinade.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this appetizer?

I like to make it the night before. It holds up well and actually tastes better after marinating overnight.

Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Absolutely. I’ve used everything from pepper jack to gouda, and they all work great.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I usually serve it with toothpicks or small skewers on a platter, but it’s also great alongside crackers or crusty bread.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be slightly spicy due to the red pepper flakes, but I adjust that based on who I’m serving. It’s easy to make it milder or hotter.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I just leave out the salami and bulk it up with extra cheese and veggies like olives or roasted peppers.

Conclusion

This marinated cheese appetizer with salami and pickles is one of those go-to recipes I keep coming back to. It’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit with guests. I love how versatile it is and how easy it is to prep ahead of time. Perfect for any occasion where I want to impress without the stress.