This antipasto-style salad is a quick, striking way to serve a starter without turning on the stove. Juicy green olives, fragrant salami, tangy pickles and neat cubes of cheese come together in a dish with layered flavor and a pleasing bite. Ideal for aperitivo, a buffet spread, or a quick snack when you want something vivid and full of character.
Ingredients
- Green olives — 1 cup, pitted
- Salami or dry-cured sausage — 100-150g (3.5-5 oz), cut into cubes
- Pickled cucumbers (cornichons) — 5-6, sliced into rounds
- Pickled hot peppers (pepperoncini/chili) — 1/2 cup, sliced
- Hard cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) — 100-150g (3.5-5 oz), cubed
- Olive oil — 2-3 tbsp
- Salt, black pepper and chili flakes — to taste
Step-by-step recipe
- Build the base: place the green olives and salami cubes in a large salad bowl.
- Add the vegetables: scatter in the cornichon rounds and sliced pickled hot peppers.
- Fold in the cheese: add the cubes of hard cheese.
- Dress the salad: drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes to taste.
- Toss gently and serve at once. Enjoy.
Nutritional value
| Calories | ≈ 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | ≈ 15 g |
| Fat | ≈ 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | ≈ 5 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 1 g |
| Sodium | ≈ 1200 mg |
📹 Watch video recipe in our Telegram channel
Tips and variations
- Control the heat: if your peppers are very hot, reduce the chili flakes.
- Other additions: artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled sweet peppers and red onion slices all work well.
- Cheese: use mozzarella for a milder taste, or cheddar or provolone for a fuller, more savory finish.
- Dressing: instead of oil alone, try olive oil mixed with 1 tsp wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
- Serving: excellent with ciabatta, breadsticks, crackers or a crusty baguette.
Serving and storage
- Serve chilled, immediately after tossing, so the textures stay distinct.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day in a sealed container. Before serving, let the salad stand for 10 minutes at room temperature and refresh it with a little olive oil.
FAQ
What can I use instead of salami if I want a leaner version?
Try turkey or chicken ham, bresaola, roast beef or lightly salted chicken breast. The flavor will stay bold, while the calorie count will be lower.
Can I use a mix of green and black olives?
Yes, a mix of olives adds depth of flavor and a more varied texture. Be sure to use pitted olives and drain off the brine before assembling.
How do I make the salad less spicy?
Leave out the hot peppers and chili flakes, and add grilled sweet peppers or cherry tomatoes instead. Use just a pinch of black pepper, or replace it with dried oregano.