Description
Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives is a no-cook, make-ahead crowd-pleaser that brings together creamy cheese, savory salami, and briny green olives in a tangy herb marinade. Perfect for parties, holiday spreads, or wine nights, it’s bold, easy, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup sliced salami or pepperoni
- 1 cup green olives (Castelvetrano or Spanish Manzanilla)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Cube the Cheese: Cut cheese into ½-inch cubes for even marinating.
- Slice the Salami: Cut into thin rounds or quarters for bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cheese cubes, sliced salami, and green olives.
- Whisk the Marinade: In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Marinate: Pour marinade over the mixture and toss gently to coat. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with herbs and enjoy with bread or crackers.
Notes
- Make ahead: Best when prepared 1 day ahead so the flavors fully develop.
- Cheese options: Try Havarti, cheddar, or feta for variation.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the salami and add sun-dried tomatoes or marinated artichokes.
- Storage: Keep in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serving tip: Use skewers or toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small plate
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Marinated Cheese Appetizer, Green Olive Appetizer, Cheese and Olive Platter, Salami Appetizer, No Cook Appetizer, Party Snack, Easy Appetizer Recipes, Holiday Appetizer, Mediterranean Appetizer, Olive Cheese Recipe