Description
Italian Antipasto Pickled Bites combine cured meats, fresh mozzarella, olives, and vegetables in a tangy, herb-infused marinade, making a flavorful and colorful appetizer perfect for parties or charcuterie boards.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats & Cheese
- 8 oz hard salami, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz pepperoni, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
Vegetables & Olives
- 1 cup pitted black olives
- 1 cup green olives
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ red onion, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp whole black peppercorns
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Marinade
- 1 cup olive oil
- ¾ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the hard salami, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella pearls, black olives, green olives, pepperoncini peppers, red bell pepper pieces, red onion chunks, smashed garlic cloves, freshly chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Marinade: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, Italian dressing seasoning mix, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Marinate: Transfer the antipasto mixture into a large glass jar or an airtight container. Pour the prepared marinade over the mixture, ensuring every ingredient is thoroughly coated in the flavorful liquid.
- Refrigerate: Seal the jar or container tightly. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Gently shake or stir the jar once or twice during this time to redistribute the marinade and herbs.
- Serve: Serve chilled as an appetizer. Present with toothpicks for easy eating, alongside crackers, toasted baguette slices, or as part of a charcuterie board to delight your guests.
Notes
- Best flavor develops after 24–48 hours of marinating.
- Store refrigerated and consume within 5 days for optimal freshness.
- Stir before serving to evenly redistribute the marinade and herbs.
- Avoid freezing, as freezing changes the texture of the fresh mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian antipasto, pickled bites, appetizer, salami, mozzarella, olives, pepperoncini, marinated appetizer
