Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles
There are some appetizers that look like you spent hours preparing them, when really they come together in just a few minutes. This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is exactly that kind of recipe.
I first tried something similar for a relaxed weekend gathering with my family. I had some cheese, salami, and pickles in the refrigerator and wanted to put together something everyone could snack on while we talked. I tossed everything with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a little vinegar—and it was an instant hit.
The combination is so good: creamy cheese, salty salami, crunchy tangy pickles, and that garlicky herb marinade tying everything together. My family kept going back for “just one more bite,” and somehow the bowl was nearly empty before dinner was even served!
Now I make this whenever friends or family are coming over. It’s also perfect for game nights, holidays, or those evenings when you want something savory to nibble on without cooking. Similar marinated cheese recipes are commonly made ahead and chilled for a few hours so the flavors have time to develop.
Why You’ll Love This Appetizer
No cooking required
Takes just minutes to prepare
Make-ahead friendly
Salty, tangy, garlicky, and herby
Perfect for parties and gatherings
Great addition to a charcuterie board
Naturally low in carbohydrates
Ingredients
Cheese, Salami & Pickles
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
8 oz mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, cut into cubes
4 oz salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup mini dill pickles or gherkins, drained and sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup Kalamata olives, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Garlic Herb Marinade
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Pinch of salt
The basic combination of cheese, salami, pickles, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs is consistent with several versions of this no-cook appetizer.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the cheese into bite-sized cubes.
Slice the salami into quarters or small pieces and drain the pickles well.
Add the cheese, salami, pickles, cherry tomatoes, olives, and parsley to a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Garlic
Oregano
Italian seasoning
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the marinade over the cheese mixture.
Gently toss everything together until the cheese, salami, and pickles are evenly coated.
Step 4: Marinate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours.
For deeper flavor, you can let it marinate overnight. Several versions of this appetizer recommend at least two hours of chilling.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before serving.
Give everything a gentle toss.
Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve with toothpicks or small skewers for easy grabbing.
My Tips for the Best Marinated Cheese
Use block cheese.
It holds its shape better than pre-shredded cheese.
Drain the pickles well.
Extra pickle liquid can dilute the marinade.
Don’t skip the marinating time.
The cheese and other ingredients become much more flavorful after chilling.
Let it come closer to room temperature before serving.
The olive oil becomes more fluid and the cheese tastes creamier.
Add fresh herbs right before serving.
They give the appetizer a fresh, colorful finish.
Diabetes-Inspired Version
This appetizer is naturally relatively low in carbohydrates, but portions still matter because cheese and salami are calorie-dense and can be high in saturated fat and sodium.
For a more diabetes-conscious approach:
Choose unsweetened dill pickles instead of sweet pickles.
Avoid honey or sugar in the marinade.
Add extra cucumber, tomatoes, olives, or bell peppers.
Use a moderate portion of cheese and salami.
Serve with fresh vegetables instead of crackers.
Choose lower-sodium cheese and salami when available.
For a more balanced appetizer plate, pair a small serving with plenty of non-starchy vegetables.
Mediterranean-Inspired Twist
This appetizer is already easy to take in a Mediterranean direction.
Add:
Kalamata olives
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil
Fresh oregano
Roasted red peppers
Cucumber
Artichoke hearts
Extra virgin olive oil
A little lemon zest
You can also replace some of the cheddar with feta or fresh mozzarella for an even more Mediterranean feel.
What to Serve With It
Serve this marinated cheese appetizer alongside:
Cucumber slices
Bell pepper strips
Cherry tomatoes
Olives
Celery
Whole-grain crackers
Small pieces of crusty bread
Fresh fruit
It also makes a beautiful addition to a larger Mediterranean-style grazing board.
Storage
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate.
For the best quality, enjoy within 3 days, especially if using fresh vegetables and pickles. One established version recommends refrigeration for up to three days.
Give it a gentle toss before serving.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Marinating Time
1–2 hours
Cook Time
None
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes–2 hours 10 minutes
Servings
6–8
Nutrition Facts
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 280
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Nutrition is approximate and will vary depending on the cheese, salami, pickles, and marinade used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this the night before?
Yes. In fact, preparing it ahead gives the marinade more time to flavor the cheese and other ingredients.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Havarti, provolone, or a combination can work well.
Can I leave out the salami?
Absolutely. Add extra olives, vegetables, or cheese for a vegetarian version.
Can I use sweet pickles?
You can, but dill pickles are a better choice if you want a more savory and diabetes-conscious appetizer.
Can I serve this as part of a charcuterie board?
Definitely. Add olives, nuts, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of whole-grain crackers for a beautiful grazing board.
Is this good for a diabetes-conscious diet?
It can fit into a diabetes-conscious eating pattern because it’s relatively low in carbohydrates and contains protein and fat. However, cheese and salami can be high in calories and sodium, so moderate portions and plenty of fresh vegetables make the overall appetizer more balanced.