High Protein ReciperecRecipe

Marinated Cheese & Salami Jar

Updated on 4 min read

These Marinated Cheese & Salami Jars take everything you love about a charcuterie board — sharp cheese, savory cured sausage, crisp pickles, herbs, and a tangy marinade — and pack it into a portable, flavor-packed jar.
Perfect for meal prep, road trips, snacking, picnics, and high-protein grazing. Each bite delivers a balance of richness, acidity, and freshness.

The best part: the longer it marinates, the deeper and better the flavor becomes.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 2–3 jars (depending on jar size)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: Minimum 4 hours (best after 12–24 hours)
Total Time: About 4 hours, 15 minutes

Ingredients

Cheese & Meat

  • 1 ½ cups cheese cubes (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, or a mix)
  • 1–1 ½ cups cured salami, sliced into thick rounds
  • ½ cup dill pickles, sliced or cubed

Herbs & Add-Ins

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns (optional)

Marinade

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup white vinegar or pickle brine
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional for balance)
  • 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt to taste (usually very little due to salami)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mason jars with lids
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

How to Make Marinated Cheese & Salami Jars

1. Prep the Cheese and Salami

Cut cheese into small, even cubes (½–¾ inch).
Slice salami into thick bite-sized rounds.
Slice pickles and set aside.

For best texture:
Use firm cheeses — they hold up beautifully in marinade.

2. Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • olive oil
  • vinegar or pickle brine
  • Dijon mustard
  • honey (optional)
  • garlic
  • oregano
  • basil
  • black pepper

Taste and adjust — the flavor should be tangy, herbaceous, and bold.

3. Layer the Jars

Into each jar, alternate layers of:

  • cheese cubes
  • salami
  • pickles
  • fresh herbs

Press lightly so ingredients sit snugly but not crushed.

4. Pour the Marinade

Slowly pour marinade into each jar until ingredients are mostly submerged.
Tap gently to release air pockets.

Close tightly with a lid.

5. Chill & Marinate

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing flavors to infuse.
For best results, chill 12–24 hours.

The oil may thicken in the fridge — this is normal.
Let the jar sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Cheese Options

  • Pepper Jack (spicy)
  • Gouda (creamy)
  • Extra sharp cheddar (bold)
  • Smoked cheese (deep flavor)

Meat Variations

  • Spicy salami
  • Summer sausage
  • Mini pepperoni
  • Smoked sausage slices

Veggie Options

  • Roasted red peppers
  • Pearl onions
  • Olives
  • Banana pepper rings

Marinade Variations

  • Swap olive oil for avocado oil
  • Use lemon juice for brightness
  • Add balsamic for sweetness
  • Add dill for a “pickle-heavy” flavor

Serving Suggestions

  • High-protein snack
  • Lunchbox side
  • Road trip jar
  • Charcuterie add-on
  • Low-carb appetizer
  • Picnic or outdoor food

Pair with crackers, crusty bread, or sliced cucumbers.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use firm cheese to prevent crumbling
  • Keep jars cold until serving
  • Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor
  • Let jars sit out briefly before eating to loosen the oil
  • Always store chilled

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Good for 5–7 days in airtight jars.

Freezer:
Not recommended — cheese texture will change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the cheese get mushy?

Not if you use firm cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or Colby.

Q: Can I use pickle brine instead of vinegar?

Yes — it adds extra flavor and works perfectly.

Q: Do I have to use salami?

Any cured meat works, including pepperoni or sausage slices.

Q: Is this safe for meal prep?

Yes — everything is cured, firm, and refrigerator-stable for several days.

Conclusion

These Marinated Cheese & Salami Jars are a portable, flavor-packed twist on classic charcuterie — rich cheese, savory salami, punchy pickles, and a herb-infused marinade that gets better every hour it chills.
Whether you enjoy them as a snack or serve them at gatherings, they’re simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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