If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s incredibly easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is exactly what you need. It’s a no-bake, make-ahead recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort—perfect for entertaining, holidays, game days, or casual gatherings.
This appetizer combines creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese cubes with savory salami and tangy pickles, all soaked in a bold, zesty marinade. The result is a snack that’s salty, tangy, herby, and irresistibly satisfying. It tastes like something you’d find on a gourmet charcuterie board, but it’s simple enough for anyone to make at home.
Best of all, the longer it marinates, the better it gets—making it ideal for prepping ahead of time.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This marinated cheese appetizer checks all the boxes:
No cooking required
Ready in minutes
Perfect make-ahead dish
Great for charcuterie boards
Customizable flavors
Crowd-pleasing and budget-friendly
The combination of cheese, cured meat, and pickles creates the perfect balance of richness, saltiness, acidity, and texture. It’s bold without being overpowering and pairs beautifully with crackers, bread, or even straight from a toothpick.
🥒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
8 oz block cheddar cheese, cut into bite-size cubes
8 oz block mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size cubes
4 oz sliced salami, cut into quarters
½ cup pickles (sliced or whole, drained well)
For the Marinade:
½ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the cheddar and mozzarella into uniform cubes—about ¾-inch works well. This helps everything marinate evenly. Quarter the salami slices and drain the pickles thoroughly to avoid watering down the marinade.
2. Make the Marinade
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until fully emulsified and well combined.
3. Assemble the Appetizer
In a large bowl or sealable container, gently combine the cheese cubes, salami pieces, and pickles. Pour the marinade over the top and toss carefully to coat everything evenly without breaking up the cheese.
4. Marinate
Cover the bowl or seal the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring once halfway through. For best flavor, let it marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
5. Serve
Remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to allow the olive oil to loosen. Serve chilled or at room temperature with toothpicks, crackers, sliced baguette, or pretzel crisps.
⭐ Tips for the Best Marinated Cheese
Use block cheese, not pre-cubed: Pre-cut cheese is often coated to prevent sticking and won’t absorb the marinade as well
Drain pickles well: Excess liquid can dilute the marinade
Let it rest: Overnight marinating gives the best flavor
Stir gently: Cheese cubes can break if mixed too roughly
🔄 Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try adding:
Pepperoncini or banana peppers for extra tang
Kalamata or green olives for a Mediterranean twist
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme
Smoked provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella
Mini mozzarella balls for convenience
You can also adjust the acidity or spice level by adding more vinegar, mustard, or red pepper flakes.
🧀 Serving Ideas
Add it to a charcuterie board with nuts, fruit, and crackers
Serve as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks
Spoon it over toasted bread or crostini
Pair with wine, beer, or cocktails
Serve alongside grilled meats or sandwiches
This dish is especially popular at potlucks because it travels well and doesn’t require reheating.
❤️ Why This Appetizer Always Wins
This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. It’s bold, tangy, savory, and rich—everything you want in a party snack. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just stocking your fridge with something delicious, this recipe delivers every time.
Make it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.