Description
This easy marinated cheese appetizer combines creamy Havarti cheese with savory salami, tangy cornichons, briny Castelvetrano olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, all enhanced by fresh basil and garlic vinaigrette. Perfectly marinated for at least an hour, this flavorful dish is a delightful and simple option for any gathering or a quick snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinated Cheese Mix
- 6 oz Havarti cheese, diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
- 1 cup salami, cubed
- ½ cup cornichons (small pickles), sliced
- ½ cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Marinade
- 1 cup garlic vinaigrette (or Italian-style vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced Havarti cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, cubed salami, sliced cornichons, Castelvetrano olives, and chopped fresh basil to create the base of the appetizer.
- Add Marinade: Pour the garlic vinaigrette evenly over the combined ingredients, ensuring all components are lightly coated without breaking the cheese or salami pieces.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours. For optimal flavor infusion, marinate overnight to allow the ingredients to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Once marinated, serve the mixture chilled alongside crackers, crusty bread, or as part of an elegant charcuterie board to impress guests with minimal effort.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavors for a more robust taste experience.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Castelvetrano olives provide a mild, buttery flavor that balances the tang of the pickles and the richness of the salami.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the salami and add extra olives or roasted red peppers.
