Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives

Here’s a quick and crowd-pleasing Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives — perfect for parties, picnics, or a no-fuss snack board. It’s bold, tangy, herby, and comes together in minutes with simple ingredients. 🧀🥓🫒

🧀 Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives

🧾 Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) cheese, cut into cubes (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack work well)

• 4 oz (115g) salami, sliced into bite-sized pieces or folded into quarters

• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted (whole or sliced)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, finely minced)

• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a kick

• Optional: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

   • Cube the cheese, cut or fold the salami, and drain the olives.

2. Mix the marinade:

   • In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

3. Combine and marinate:

   • Toss the cheese cubes, salami, and olives in the marinade.

   • Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the fridge, covered.

4. Serve:

   • Bring to room temperature before serving.

   • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

   • Serve with toothpicks, crackers, or on a small appetizer platter.

🧊 Storage:

• Keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

• Marinating longer = stronger flavor!

🔁 Variations:

• Add cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair.

• Swap salami for pepperoni, prosciutto, or keep it vegetarian.

• Use feta or marinated mozzarella balls for a different cheese texture.