Starters & appetizers
Charcuterie Dip with Cheese and Salami, No Baking
Make chopped charcuterie dip with cheese, salami and fresh vegetables. A no-bake appetizer with balsamic dressing and step-by-step photos.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Preparation
- 20 min
- Rest / waiting
- 10 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cuisine
- International
Ingredients
Quantities adjust to your servings. Times, temperatures and “to taste” stay the same.
Check off the ingredients you already have above.
Method
Follow the recipe one step at a time.
Wash and dry the vegetables
Rinse the tomatoes and cucumber under running water. Dry thoroughly so the dressing stays flavorful rather than watery. Use a clean, roomy bowl.
Chop the vegetables
Cut the tomatoes and cucumber into roughly 6 mm pieces. Remove a watery cucumber seed core and weigh the prepared cucumber amount listed.
Dice the cheese and salami
Cut the cheddar, mozzarella and salami into small pieces. Even chopping lets each spoonful carry a little of every ingredient.
Mix the dressing
Drain and chop the olives. Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and black pepper together in a small bowl.
Combine the base
Put the vegetables, cheeses, salami and olives in the bowl. Add the dressing and fold gently from the bottom without crushing the tomatoes.
Add the basil
Slice the basil thinly and fold it through. Taste before adding salt: the cheeses, salami and olives already provide plenty.
Chill briefly
Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes at 4 °C / 40 °F or below. For later serving, keep vegetables and dressing separate until needed.
Serve to share
Stir once and serve cold with a spoon. Crackers or toasted bread are optional accompaniments, excluded from the ingredient list and nutrition estimate.
The step photos are illustrative.
Notes
Tips and storage
Use low-moisture mozzarella; fresh mozzarella needs thorough draining and changes the texture. For a meat-free variation, replace salami with drained cooked chickpeas; flavor and nutrition change. Keep covered at 4 °C / 40 °F or below and preferably eat within 24 hours for texture. Limit time out of refrigeration to 2 hours, or 1 hour above 32 °C / 90 °F. Contains milk; check salami and accompaniment allergen labels.
Sources
Nutrition facts
1 of 8 appetizer servings, about 94 g
- Protein
- 8.8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 3 g
- Fat
- 15 g
Estimated per serving; products and yield can change these values.
Reference source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy; ten ingredient profiles retrieved 2026-11-04
For general information only; it does not replace advice from a qualified health or nutrition professional.
About this recipe
The flavors of a cheese board, chopped small enough to scoop onto a cracker. Cheddar, mozzarella, salami and fresh vegetables get a light dressing without mayonnaise. Makes 8 appetizer servings with 20 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of chilling.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a creamy dip?
No. It is a chopped, dressed mixture, like a charcuterie board served in a bowl.
Can I make it a day ahead?
Keep the dry prepared vegetables and dressing separate, then combine and add basil shortly before serving.
Does it need added salt?
Taste first. The cheeses, olives and salami usually supply enough; this recipe has no added salt.
