Description
This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is a flavorful and quick-to-prepare dish perfect for entertaining or as a savory snack. Featuring bite-sized Havarti cheese cubes combined with sun-dried tomatoes, salami, cornichons, Castelvetrano olives, fresh basil, and a zesty garlic vinaigrette, this appetizer bursts with a delicious blend of tangy, salty, and herbaceous flavors. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple refrigeration to meld the flavors, it’s an effortless yet impressive addition to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Meats
- 6 oz Havarti Cheese, diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup salami, cut into cubes
Vegetables and Pickles
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped if large
- ½ cup cornichons, diced
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and chopped
Herbs and Dressing
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 cup garlic vinaigrette (such as Garlic Expressions or any Italian-style vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the diced Havarti cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cubed salami, diced cornichons, and chopped Castelvetrano olives. Gently toss these ingredients together to evenly distribute all components.
- Add Fresh Basil: Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl, which will enhance both the flavor profile and visual appeal of the mixture.
- Pour in the Vinaigrette: Add the garlic vinaigrette to the bowl and mix gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing, imparting a zesty and garlicky punch.
- Mix and Transfer: Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is well combined. Then transfer the appetizer into a mason jar or any airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate and Marinate: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The marinated appetizer can be stored in the airtight container for up to a week, making it convenient for make-ahead entertaining.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate overnight to allow all ingredients to fully absorb the vinaigrette.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate slightly in warm water.
- Castelvetrano olives provide a milder, buttery olive taste; substitute with green olives if unavailable.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a flavorful appetizer with crackers or crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
