Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer is the perfect starter for any gathering—simple to assemble yet bursting with flavor. In just a few minutes, you can create a vibrant mix of Havarti cheese, salami, cornichons, olives, sun‑dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and zesty Italian vinaigrette. This no‑cook, make‑ahead appetizer is both crowd‑pleasing and convenient: ideal for casual get‑togethers and impressive enough for more formal affairs. The combination of creamy, salty, tangy, and herbaceous elements makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re hosting or just want a quick flavorful snack, this recipe delivers at-home gourmet tastes with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer
- Ready in minutes – no cooking required; just mix and chill.
- Flavor-packed – creamy Havarti, savory salami, tangy cornichons and olives, with sun‑dried tomato sweetness and fresh basil brightness.
- Perfect as a standalone bite on toothpicks, part of a charcuterie spread, or served with crusty bread and crackers.
- Make‑ahead friendly – marinate up to a week for deeper flavor and easy prep before gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 oz Havarti cheese, diced into small cubes (Roth Original Havarti is a great option)
- ½ cup sun‑dried tomatoes, chopped or roughly torn
- 1 cup salami, diced into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup cornichons (tiny French pickles), sliced or halved
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and halved
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Italian‑style vinaigrette (such as Garlic Expressions)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer
- In a medium bowl, mix together the Havarti cubes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced salami, cornichons, Castelvetrano olives, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle the Italian‑style vinaigrette evenly over the ingredients.
- Gently toss the ingredients to ensure they’re evenly coated in the vinaigrette.
- Transfer the mixture into a mason jar or an airtight container; seal or cover with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate and let it marinate. You can serve it immediately or allow it to rest and absorb more flavor for up to a week.
- When ready to serve, simply open and enjoy—great on its own, with bread, or as part of a charcuterie spread.
Helpful Tips
- Even coating: Stir gently yet thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-dressed without breaking the cubes.
- Marinating time: If you’re serving right away, 30 minutes adds nice melding; for richer flavor, let it sit overnight.
- Cheese choice: Havarti has a mild creaminess, but you can substitute with young Manchego, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for variation.
- To prevent sogginess, pat your olives and cornichons dry before adding them to the mix.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cheese alternatives: Try using young Manchego, Gouda, or Monterey Jack as tasty alternatives to Havarti.
- Meat swaps: Try chopped pepperoni, chorizo, or prosciutto if you prefer.
- Olives & pickles: Use Kalamata olives or sliced dill pickles instead of Castelvetrano or cornichons.
- Herbs: Substitute or add oregano, thyme, or parsley for different herb profiles.
- Dressings: Replace Italian vinaigrette with balsamic, lemon‑olive oil, or a honey‑mustard vinaigrette for a twist.
- Boost richness and texture by adding more cheese or tossing in some nuts like pine nuts or almonds.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the marinated mixture in an airtight container or mason jar for up to one week.
- Seal tight: Make sure it’s well-sealed to maintain freshness and texture.
- Stir before serving: Give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been sitting—flavors may settle or separate slightly.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per ½‑cup serving)
| Nutrient | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–220 kcal |
| Fat | 15 g (mostly from cheese & salami) |
| Protein | 7–9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3–5 g |
| Sodium | Moderate to High (from salami, cheese, olives, pickles) |
| Fiber | <1 g |
Note: Specific values may vary depending on brands and precise measurements.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer it as a spread on a charcuterie board with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette.
- Serve in small appetizer bowls with toothpicks for easy nibbling at parties.
- Provide alongside fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes.
- Pair with crusty bread and extra vinaigrette for those who like dipping.
- Complement with wine—a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Beaujolais matches nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer
Q: How long can the appetizer marinate before it becomes too soft?
A: The mixture is best within one week in the fridge. The cheese and salami stay firm, but the brined olives and cornichons may soften over time. For texture balance, enjoy within 5–7 days.
Q: Can I make this without meat?
A: Yes! Simply omit the salami and replace it with diced grilled vegetables (like zucchini or peppers) or marinated artichoke hearts. You can add extra cheese or nuts like pine nuts or almonds for richness and crunch.
Q: Is Havarti necessary?
A: Havarti’s creamy texture works beautifully, but feel free to use Gouda, Monterey Jack, or young Manchego. Just choose semi‑firm cheeses that hold their shape when cubed.
Q: How should leftovers be served?
A: Store in the fridge sealed; stir before serving. Return it to room temperature for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to bloom.
Q: Can I double the batch?
A: Absolutely! This recipe scales easily; just use a larger bowl or container and adjust ingredient proportions accordingly. It’s perfect for feeding larger crowds.
Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer – Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying out this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles! I absolutely love how effortless and packed with flavor it is—perfect for last-minute gatherings or casual snacking. The creamy cheese, savory salami, tangy pickles, and bursts of basil and tomato make every bite exciting and delicious. I truly hope you find as much joy in making and tasting this recipe as I do. It’s quick to put together, pleasing to everyone, and always a hit. Wishing you joyful moments in the kitchen and at the table. Thanks for being part of this food‑loving community—happy cooking!
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Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer Recipe with Salami & Pickles
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Quick, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining, this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer blends creamy cheese, savory salami, zesty pickles, and herbs in a tangy vinaigrette. Make ahead and serve chilled—ideal for parties, charcuterie boards, or snacking.
Ingredients
6 oz Havarti cheese, cubed
1 cup diced salami
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
½ cup cornichons, halved
½ cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted & halved
2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 cup Italian-style vinaigrette (e.g., Garlic Expressions)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the Havarti cubes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced salami, cornichons, Castelvetrano olives, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle the Italian‑style vinaigrette evenly over the ingredients.
- Gently toss the ingredients to ensure they’re evenly coated in the vinaigrette.
- Transfer the mixture into a mason jar or an airtight container; seal or cover with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate and let it marinate. You can serve it immediately or allow it to rest and absorb more flavor for up to a week.
- When ready to serve, simply open and enjoy—great on its own, with bread, or as part of a charcuterie spread.
Notes
Pat pickles and olives dry to avoid excess moisture.
Try Gouda or Monterey Jack if Havarti isn’t available.
Add pine nuts or extra cheese for more richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 8g