Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives Recipe
A flavorful marinated cheese appetizer featuring cubes of mozzarella and feta combined with salami strips and green olives, all soaked in a zesty garlic, oregano, and lemon-infused olive oil. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish makes an excellent savory starter for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Meats
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
- 4 ounces salami, cut into strips
Marinade
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut the mozzarella and feta cheeses into uniform cubes to ensure they marinate evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the cubed cheeses along with the salami strips and halved green olives. Gently toss the mixture to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Make the Marinade: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Coat the Mixture: Pour the marinade over the cheese, salami, and olives mixture, ensuring everything is thoroughly coated with the flavored oil.
- Cover and Seal: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid to prepare for marinating.
- Marinate: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, though allowing it to marinate overnight will yield more developed flavors.
- Prepare to Serve: When ready to serve, remove the marinated mixture from the refrigerator and use a slotted spoon to transfer it onto a serving platter, draining excess oil.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add color and freshness.
- Serve: Present the marinated cheese appetizer with toothpicks or alongside crackers and bread for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- The marinade can be made a day ahead to enhance the melding of flavors.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- Use pitted green olives to avoid any biting into pits during serving.
- Serve chilled but allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.
Keywords: marinated cheese appetizer, feta and mozzarella appetizer, salami and cheese platter, Mediterranean appetizer, easy party appetizer
