This Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Pickles is a no-cook, make-ahead party favorite that combines tangy marinated cheddar and pepper jack with salty salami and crisp pickles. It comes together in minutes, looks impressive on a platter, and is perfect for holidays, game days, and casual gatherings when you need something simple but full of flavor.
Why you’ll love this appetizer
This recipe transforms basic cheese cubes into something special by bathing them in a zesty olive oil and vinegar marinade infused with Italian herbs and garlic. Adding salami and pickles turns it into a mini antipasto situation, giving you creamy, tangy, salty, and savory notes in every bite without ever turning on the stove. It’s also easy to scale up, customize with pantry add-ins, and assemble ahead of time, which makes it ideal for entertaining.