Top Mediterranean Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives Recipe

Mediterranean flavors dance through this marinated cheese appetizer that promises pure culinary delight.

Salty salami mingles with briny olives, creating a spectacular taste experience.

Cheese lovers will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Fragrant herbs and olive oil elevate each delectable bite to new heights.

Small gatherings absolutely need this crowd-pleasing starter that comes together quickly.

Crisp crackers or crusty bread make perfect companions for scooping up these vibrant morsels.

You can’t resist diving into this irresistible Mediterranean-inspired nibble that screams summer celebration.

Marinated Cheese With Salami And Olives That’s Ready For Hosting

• Stress-Free Preparation: Whip up this marinated cheese mix in just minutes with simple mixing and no cooking required, perfect for busy home cooks seeking quick appetizer solutions.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Refrigerating the mixture allows ingredients to meld together, intensifying taste profiles with minimal effort and creating a gourmet-style dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Versatile Serving Style: Enjoy as an elegant party appetizer, casual snack, or picnic-friendly treat that can be prepared ahead of time and stored easily in the refrigerator for up to a week, making meal planning a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust proportions to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe flexible for different dietary needs and flavor combinations without compromising the overall delicious concept.

What’s Combined in Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives

Main Ingredients:

• Havarti Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that absorbs marinade flavors beautifully. Best when freshly diced and at room temperature.
• Salami: Rich, savory meat that adds depth and protein to the dish. Opt for high-quality Italian-style salami for best results.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor with tangy sweetness. Choose oil-packed for extra richness.
• Green Olives: Briny and salty element that complements the cheese. Select pitted olives for easier eating.
• Cornichons: Small, tangy pickles that provide sharp contrast. French-style cornichons work best.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds freshness. Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Italian-Style Vinaigrette: Zesty dressing that marinates and binds all ingredients. Homemade or store-bought work equally well.

Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives – How to Assemble

Step 1: Chop Cheese and Companions

Dice the Havarti cheese into small, bite-sized cubes.

Slice the salami into thin strips.

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Green olives
• Cornichons
• Fresh basil

Select ingredients that are vibrant and fresh for maximum flavor impact.

Step 2: Create Flavor Fusion

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the chopped ingredients.

The colorful mix will create a tantalizing visual feast.

Step 3: Dress with Vinaigrette

Pour Italian-style vinaigrette over the cheese and accompaniments.

Gently toss everything to ensure each morsel gets perfectly coated with the zesty dressing.

Step 4: Seal and Chill

Transfer the marinated mixture into a mason jar or airtight container.

Seal carefully to lock in the flavors.

Step 5: Develop Intense Flavor

Refrigerate the marinated cheese for at least 30 minutes.

For a more robust taste, let it sit up to a week in the refrigerator.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

• Scoop directly from the jar
• Arrange on a stylish serving platter
• Use toothpicks for easy grabbing

Enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer that bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Cheese Marinade Tips With Salami Twist

• Let the cheese and ingredients sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, but don't exceed a week to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Choose high-quality Havarti cheese, fresh basil, and artisanal Italian-style vinaigrette to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta, and swap salami for prosciutto or chorizo to create unique flavor combinations.
• Accompany the marinated cheese mix with crusty bread, crackers, or as a topping for bruschetta to enhance the appetizer experience.
• Keep the marinated mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator, consuming within a week for the best taste and food safety.

Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives That Keeps Just Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or original jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, keeping the flavors fresh and ingredients crisp.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess liquid and maintain the texture of cheese and salami.
• Freeze for up to 2 weeks, understanding that texture might slightly change upon thawing. Consume within 2-3 days after defrosting.
• Bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore optimal flavor and prevent cheese from becoming too hard or rubbery.

Savory Matches For Marinated Cheese

• Savor Wine Harmony: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio that complements the tangy vinaigrette and cuts through the rich salami's fatty texture.
• Craft Bread Pairing: Toast crusty Italian ciabatta or rustic sourdough slices to provide a perfect crunchy base for scooping the marinated cheese mixture.
• Enhance Appetizer Placement: Create a Mediterranean-style charcuterie board featuring additional accompaniments like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and fresh rosemary sprigs to elevate the overall tasting experience.
• Elevate Serving Style: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and drizzle a light olive oil to add brightness and enhance the visual appeal of the marinated cheese blend.

Marinated Cheese & Salami Combos

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace salami with roasted red peppers or grilled artichoke hearts for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap Havarti cheese with firm tofu cubes or cashew-based cheese alternative, keeping the marinade and other ingredients consistent.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use full-fat mozzarella or aged cheddar cheese, increase olive quantity, and ensure vinaigrette contains zero added sugars.
• Mediterranean Inspired Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and add dried oregano for an authentic Greek-style marinated cheese experience.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Havarti is ideal due to its creamy texture and mild flavor that absorbs marinades beautifully. It cubes nicely and pairs well with the other ingredients in this appetizer.

• Can I modify the ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

Absolutely! You can substitute similar ingredients like replacing green olives with kalamata olives, or swapping cornichons with regular pickles. The key is maintaining a balance of tangy and savory flavors.

• How long can I keep this marinated cheese mixture?

The recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavors become, making it perfect for advance party preparation or quick snacking.

• Is this recipe considered a healthy appetizer?

While delicious, this appetizer is more indulgent due to the cheese and salami. It’s high in protein and provides a good mix of flavors, but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean charm meets culinary artistry in this Marinated Cheese with Salami & Olives, blending rich flavors from Italy’s sun-drenched landscapes. Creamy cheese, zesty salami, and briny olives create a perfect appetizer that whisks you to coastal elegance with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) Havarti cheese, diced into bite-sized cubes
• 1 cup salami, diced into bite-sized cubes

Complementary Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained if necessary)
• 1/2 cup green olives (pitted)
• 1/2 cup cornichons (small French pickles), sliced if desired

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 1 cup Garlic Expressions or your favorite Italian-style vinaigrette

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Instructions

1. Gather and dice Havarti cheese into uniform cubes, ensuring precision for consistent marination.
2. Finely chop sun-dried tomatoes, salami, green olives, and cornichons to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
3. Select fresh basil leaves and chop them delicately to release their aromatic essence.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the diced cheese, chopped ingredients, and torn basil leaves.
5. Drizzle Italian-style vinaigrette over the mixture, gently folding to ensure each component is thoroughly coated.
6. Select a clean mason jar or airtight container with a secure lid for optimal preservation.
7. Carefully transfer the marinated mixture into the chosen container, pressing gently to minimize air pockets.
8. Seal the container and place in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a minimum of 30 minutes.
9. For maximum flavor development, let the marinated cheese rest for up to a week in the refrigerator.
10. When ready to serve, remove from refrigeration and arrange artfully on a serving platter, inserting decorative toothpicks for easy individual sampling.
11. Offer chilled for a refreshing appetizer that showcases the vibrant medley of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Notes

• Customize the vinaigrette by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
• Opt for low-sodium salami and olives if watching salt intake, creating a lighter version of the appetizer.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or feta to discover unique flavor combinations.
• Prep this dish ahead of time for stress-free entertaining, as the flavors intensify beautifully when left to marinate longer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg