Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives: A Simple, Flavor-Packed Holiday Starter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives is the kind of effortless yet elegant dish that belongs on every holiday table. With just a handful of ingredients, you get layers of texture and bold flavor—creamy cheese, zesty marinade, savory salami, and briny olives. It’s a no-cook option that feels festive enough for Christmas parties yet simple enough for last-minute entertaining. I once swapped in a smoked cheddar, and it added a subtle richness that worked beautifully with the marinade. The beauty of this appetizer is how adaptable it is: you can serve it on toothpicks, as part of a charcuterie board, or layered neatly in a dish with herbs and oil. The marinade infuses the cheese, giving each bite a burst of bright, savory flavor that keeps guests returning for more. It’s an entertainer’s dream—easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese
Firm cheeses work best here because they hold their shape while absorbing the marinade, offering a perfect balance of creaminess and structure.

Salami slices
Salami provides savory richness that pairs beautifully with the marinated cheese, balancing the acidity and herbs in the dish.

Green olives
Briny green olives add sharpness and depth, enhancing each bite and complementing the cheese and salami.

Olive oil
Olive oil forms the base of the marinade and helps distribute herbs and spices evenly across the cheese.

Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
Vinegar brightens the marinade, cutting through the richness of the cheese and salami.

Garlic
Garlic provides aromatic depth and warmth that elevates the entire appetizer.

Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme)
Herbs add fragrance and a festive visual touch while enhancing the savory flavors.

Crushed red pepper flakes
These add subtle heat that lifts the richness of the cheese and salami.

Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings that help round out the marinade and enhance each element.

Directions

Cut your cheese block into bite-sized cubes and place them in a shallow dish or bowl. Slice the salami into small pieces or fold each slice into quarters for serving. Add the olives to the bowl with the cheese.

In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the acidity or seasoning as desired.

Pour the marinade evenly over the cheese, salami, and olives. Gently toss to coat without breaking the cheese cubes. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to absorb the marinade.

Before serving, give everything a gentle stir. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl, or thread onto toothpicks for an easy finger-food presentation. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or alongside a holiday charcuterie spread.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and marinating requires at least 2 hours. Total estimated time: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cheese will continue absorbing the marinade and may soften slightly over time. Reheating is not necessary, as this appetizer is served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture of cheese and salami changes when frozen.

Variations and Customizations

Italian Herb Marinated Cheese
Add oregano, basil, and a dash of lemon zest for a brighter Mediterranean touch.

Spicy Salami & Pepperoncini Mix
Add sliced pepperoncini for tang and extra heat.

Smoked Cheese Version
Use smoked gouda or smoked cheddar for deeper flavor.

Rosemary Citrus Marinade
Stir in orange or lemon zest with fresh rosemary for a festive aroma.

Antipasto-Style Board
Add marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a full antipasto platter.

Honey-Herb Marinated Cheese
Blend a touch of honey into the marinade for a sweet-savory balance.

Greek-Inspired Version
Use feta cubes, kalamata olives, and fresh dill.

Nutty Addition
Add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for texture.

Balsamic Twist
Swap the vinegar for balsamic glaze to create a sweeter, deeper marinade.

Low-Carb Option
Serve without crackers and offer cucumber slices or bell pepper strips instead.

FAQs

Can I make this appetizer the day before?

Yes—just keep it refrigerated and give it a stir before serving.

Will the cheese get too soft in the marinade?

It softens slightly but still holds its shape if using firm cheeses like cheddar or Colby.

Can I use mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella softens too much; use low-moisture mozzarella if you prefer that flavor.

Do I need to drain the olives?

Yes—draining prevents the marinade from becoming diluted.

Can I use flavored salami?

Absolutely—peppercorn or garlic salami adds extra dimension.

How long can it marinate?

Up to 24 hours; the flavors intensify over time.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—omit the salami and add roasted peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Does the marinade need heat?

No heating required; it’s a simple whisk-and-pour mixture.

What should I serve with this?

Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or a charcuterie assortment.

Can I add fresh mozzarella pearls?

Only if added right before serving, as they soften quickly in the marinade.

Conclusion

This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives is the perfect blend of simplicity and bold flavor. With minimal prep and a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a beautiful, festive appetizer that feels right at home during holiday celebrations or casual gatherings. The marinade adds brightness, the cheese absorbs rich, tangy flavor, and the salami and olives bring savory depth. Serve it chilled, pair it with your favorite crackers, and enjoy an appetizer that’s both easy to love and effortless to prepare.

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