Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful and vibrant dish to wow your guests or simply treat yourself, the Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe is an absolute must-try. This appetizer brings together a perfect harmony of creamy mozzarella and tangy feta, combined with the savory depth of salami and the briny kick of green olives, all soaked in a luscious, garlicky, lemon-infused olive oil marinade. It’s effortless to make yet bursting with flavor, making it the perfect starter or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients create the magic in this recipe. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a salty punch, or aromatic notes that elevate the overall taste and visual appeal of your dish.

• Mozzarella cheese, 8 ounces, cubed: Use fresh mozzarella for that soft, mild creaminess that balances the sharper feta.
• Feta cheese, 8 ounces, cubed: Crumbly and tangy, feta adds a distinctive Mediterranean flair and texture.
• Salami, 4 ounces, cut into strips: This brings savory, spiced richness and a delightful chewiness.
• Green olives, 1 cup, pitted and halved: Their briny bite perfectly cuts through the richness.
• Extra virgin olive oil, 1 cup: The marinade’s foundation, adding silkiness and depth while preserving freshness.
• Garlic, 4 cloves, minced: Infuses the oil with bright, pungent flavor that harmonizes with all ingredients.
• Dried oregano, 1 tablespoon: Offers an earthy herbaceous lift that is classic in Mediterranean dishes.
• Red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon (optional): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
• Lemon zest of 1 lemon: Provides a citrusy aroma and lively notes that brighten the marinade.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Brings acidity and freshness to balance the richness of cheese and oil.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a burst of color and a clean, herbal finish when serving.

How to Make Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

Start by cutting both the mozzarella and feta into uniform cubes. This consistency in size ensures every piece absorbs the marinade evenly, creating a balanced bite every time. Cubing the cheeses also invites guests to savor the contrasting textures seamlessly.

Step 2: Combine Cheese, Salami, and Olives

Gently toss the cubed mozzarella and feta with the salami strips and halved green olives in a mixing bowl. This step blends the boldness of the salami and the salty tang of olives with the mellow cheeses, setting the stage for the flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Whisk the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This marinade is the essence of the dish, marrying zesty, herbal, and slightly spicy elements into a luscious coating for the ingredients.

Step 4: Coat the Mixture

Pour the marinade over the cheese, salami, and olives mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold everything together, ensuring each cube and slice is lovingly enveloped in the aromatic oil. This step transforms the dish from simple ingredients into a celebration of flavor.

Step 5: Seal and Refrigerate

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into a glass jar with a secure lid. This keeps the ingredients fresh while they soak up all the wonderful marinade flavors.

Step 6: Allow Time to Marinate

Place the bowl or jar in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though overnight marinating will deepen the flavor even more. This is when the magic happens—every bite becomes infused with garlicky tang, citrus brightness, and herby warmth.

Step 7: Serve with Style

When ready to enjoy, remove the marinated cheese appetizer from the fridge. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mixture onto a beautiful serving platter, allowing any excess oil to drip back into the bowl to prevent sogginess on your presentation.

Step 8: Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant touch and a refreshing contrast to the rich ingredients. This simple garnish elevates the dish’s appearance, making it even more inviting.

Step 9: Ready to Delight

Serve with toothpicks, or alongside your favorite crackers, baguette slices, or crisp vegetables for wonderful textural variety. The Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe is sure to be a hit, whether at casual gatherings or elegant soirées.

How to Serve Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond fresh parsley, try topping your appetizer with thinly sliced fresh basil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. Each garnish adds its own layer of aroma and a delicate crunch, enhancing both the flavor and the eye appeal.

Side Dishes

This marinade-packed appetizer shines alongside a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or a platter of fresh fruit like grapes and figs. These sides complement the salty, creamy elements beautifully and offer refreshing palate cleansers between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the marinated cheese, salami, and olives on a wooden charcuterie board surrounded by small bowls of nuts, dried fruits, and honey. Alternatively, serve in small individual glasses or jars for a fun and elegant single-serve option that’s perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover marinated cheese appetizer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead party treat or snack anytime.

Freezing

Freezing this marinated cheese appetizer is not recommended as the texture of both the cheese and olives will change upon thawing, becoming watery or crumbly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This appetizer is meant to be served cold or at room temperature to best showcase the marinade’s fresh and vibrant flavors. Avoid reheating, as it can alter the texture and taste of the cheese and salami.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and feta are the stars in this Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for different textures and flavors.

How long should I marinate for the best flavor?

For a quick appetizer, 2 hours is sufficient; however, letting it marinate overnight will allow the flavors to meld even more deeply, enhancing every bite.

Is it possible to make this appetizer vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the salami and consider adding additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or roasted peppers to maintain flavor and texture contrasts.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! This appetizer is perfect for make-ahead prep. Assemble and marinate it the day before to save time on the day of your event.

What can I serve alongside this appetizer?

Compliment the marinated cheese appetizer with crusty bread, assorted crackers, fresh fruit, or even a crisp salad for a well-rounded appetizer spread.

Final Thoughts

The Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe is a joyful concoction of bold flavors, textures, and colors that’s surprisingly easy to make yet impressively sophisticated. Whether you’re treating friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this vibrant dish is guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the plate faster than you expected!

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