If you are searching for something bold, flavorful, and utterly satisfying to serve at your next gathering, this Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Green Olives Recipe is an absolute winner. Each bite is a delightful dance of creamy mozzarella and tangy feta, perfectly balanced by savory salami and briny green olives, all soaked in a zesty, garlicky marinade that sings with freshness. It’s a simple dish that never fails to impress, inviting your guests to nibble their way through layers of rich, vibrant tastes that feel both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Green Olives Recipe right is all about using fresh, quality ingredients that bring texture, flavor, and color to the party. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — from the creamy cheeses to the punchy olives and the fragrant marinade.
- Mozzarella cheese, 8 ounces, cubed: Choose fresh mozzarella for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and mild creaminess.
- Feta cheese, 8 ounces, cubed: Adds a tangy, salty contrast that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
- Salami, 4 ounces, cut into strips: Provides a rich, savory depth and a meaty bite.
- Green olives, 1 cup, pitted and halved: Bring a briny, slightly tangy flavor that brightens every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1 cup: Acts as the marinade base, soaking up all the herbs and spices for a luscious finish.
- Garlic, 4 cloves, minced: Delivers a punch of warmth and fragrance.
- Dried oregano, 1 tablespoon: Adds a herbal earthiness synonymous with Mediterranean flair.
- Red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon (optional): A little heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
- Lemon zest of 1 lemon: Brings a bright citrus aroma that refreshes the dish.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds acidity that balances the richness of the cheeses and salami.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Introduces a pop of green and a fresh herbal note at the end.
How to Make Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Green Olives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Start by cutting the mozzarella and feta cheeses into uniform cubes. This consistency not only helps the cheeses marinate evenly but also makes the appetizer easy to eat. The contrasting textures of the creamy mozzarella and crumbly feta create a perfect harmony once marinated.
Step 2: Combine Cheese, Salami, and Olives
In a mixing bowl, gently toss together the cubed mozzarella, feta, salami strips, and halved green olives. Handle the ingredients delicately to preserve their shape and texture while ensuring they mix well—this combination is the hearty heart of your appetizer.
Step 3: Whisk the Marinade
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. This vibrant marinade infuses every morsel with layers of citrus, herb, and spice.
Step 4: Marinade the Mixture
Pour the marinade over the cheese, salami, and olives. Toss gently but thoroughly until all pieces are coated in the flavorful oil. This step is where the magic truly happens, as the ingredients soak up those amazing flavors.
Step 5: Cover and Refrigerate
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the entire mix into a sealed glass jar to marinate. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, although leaving it overnight is ideal. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making every bite more delicious.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy the Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Green Olives Recipe, remove it from the fridge. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mixture to your serving platter, letting any excess marinade drip off to avoid sogginess.
Step 7: Garnish and Present
Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and a refreshing herbal note that brightens the overall presentation and flavor.
Step 8: Serve with Compliments
Accompany the appetizer with toothpicks for easy nibbling or place it alongside a selection of your favorite crackers or crusty bread. This helps balance the richness of the cheese and salami with a satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Green Olives Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to lift the dish’s appearance and aroma. A little lemon zest on top can also add a lovely citrusy sparkle right before serving.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with crusty baguette slices, garlic bread, or even pita chips. For a more filling spread, include fresh sliced vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers, which provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich marinated ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Green Olives Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl or a beautiful ceramic dish to enhance that Mediterranean vibe. For parties, consider layering the mixture on a platter lined with lettuce leaves or serve in individual small bowls for personal portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, but consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and freshness. Keep the cheese mixture covered in its marinade to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This appetizer is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cheeses and the quality of the olives can be compromised after thawing, resulting in a less appealing dish.
Reheating
Since this is a cold appetizer, reheating is not necessary. Simply take it out from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to bring out the full flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella and feta?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and feta work wonderfully together, you can experiment with mild cheeses like havarti or sharper ones like aged cheddar. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape in the marinade.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice and zest?
Fresh lemon juice and zest really brighten the marinade and add a natural citrus freshness that bottled lemon juice can’t replicate. It is worth the extra effort for the authentic zing.
How long should I marinate the appetizer for the best flavor?
Although 2 hours allows the flavors to start blending, marinating overnight yields the best results, letting the marinade fully penetrate the cheese, salami, and olives.
Can I prepare this appetizer vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and possibly add more olives or marinated vegetables like artichoke hearts. For a vegan twist, substitute cheese with firm tofu or plant-based cheeses and skip the meat altogether.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve it on a beautiful platter with an assortment of crackers, crusty breads, and small toothpicks for easy grabbing. This encourages casual, social dining and makes the dish more inviting.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Green Olives Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it ideal for any occasion, whether a casual get-together or a holiday spread. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again—so go ahead, bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami and Green Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 2h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives is a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish perfect for entertaining or as a savory snack. Cubes of mozzarella and feta cheese are combined with savory salami strips and tangy green olives, then marinated in a zesty mixture of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, and juice. The flavors meld together beautifully after refrigeration, creating a delicious appetizer that pairs wonderfully with crackers or bread.
Ingredients
Cheeses and Meats
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
- 4 ounces salami, cut into strips
Marinade and Add-ins
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese: Cut the mozzarella and feta cheese into uniform cubes to ensure even marinating and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Combine main ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the cubed mozzarella and feta with salami strips and halved green olives until they are evenly mixed together.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined and aromatic.
- Coat the mixture: Pour the prepared marinade over the cheese, salami, and olives mixture, making sure all pieces are thoroughly coated with the flavorful oil blend.
- Cover and seal: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep the flavors sealed during marination.
- Marinate: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prepare to serve: When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator and use a slotted spoon to transfer the marinated cheese, salami, and olives onto a serving platter, allowing excess oil to drain.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous aroma.
- Enjoy: Serve with toothpicks or alongside your favorite crackers and bread for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of crushed chili flakes.
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor infusion, but at least 2 hours is required.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Can be prepared a day in advance, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Optional: Add some cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for additional flavors and color.
