Salami is often misunderstood as a one-trick pony, only suitable for pizzas. But the truth is, this cured sausage is a flavor powerhouse that can elevate any dish. When you combine sweet, salty, spicy, and savory notes, you create a culinary experience like no other. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or an impressive appetizer, salami has got you covered. It’s also an excellent addition to sandwiches, pasta dishes, salads, and more.
In this collection of 17 recipes, we’re celebrating the versatility and deliciousness of salami. Get ready to take your meals from ordinary to extraordinary with these mouthwatering creations.
Italian Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, an quintessential American comfort food, belies its Italian heritage. Yet, this Italian-inspired mac & cheese recipe is a revelation, marrying bold flavors with rich textures. The combination of salami, pepperoni, basil, olives, cream cheese, and a blend of Italian cheeses yields a dish that transcends expectations. To elevate it further, a crunchy breadcrumb topping adds satisfying crunch to the creamy, velvety core, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience.
Salami Cream Cheese Sandwich
Indulge in the harmonious union of salami and herbed cream cheese, which elevates the humble sandwich to new heights. The symphony of salty, creamy, and earthy flavors creates a truly exceptional culinary experience. Moreover, the simplicity of preparation is a significant contributor to its appeal. With just five minutes of effort, you can create a sandwich that rivals those from your favorite deli – without sacrificing an ounce of quality or flavor.
Salami Cream Cheese Roll
Hosting a party this weekend? Why not impress your guests with an unexpected yet delectable appetizer – salami cream cheese rolls! The combination of salami, cream cheese, capers, and parsley creates a delightful flavor profile. To add a touch of whimsy to the dish, slice them into pinwheel rounds that are almost too cute to eat. Almost. Keep in mind that these savory bites do have a rather salty undertone, so it’s wise to serve them alongside crackers or biscuits to balance out their boldness.
Salami Crisps
Indulge in these irresistible salami crisps, a treat that transcends dietary boundaries. Their satisfying crunch and savory flavor make them hard to resist, especially when paired with your go-to dip. As an added bonus, the carb-free nature of salami makes this snack a guilt-free pleasure for keto enthusiasts. Yet, their appeal is broad enough to delight anyone who savors the perfect blend of flavors.
Christmas Appetiser: Italian Cheese Loaf
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of this show-stopping Christmas loaf. A symphony of savory delights, including salami, olives, peppers, green onions, and Italian seasonings, comes together to create an unforgettable taste experience. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary sprigs not only elevates the flavor profile but also adds a festive touch that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas.
To take it to the next level, serve this delectable loaf with crackers, biscuits, and crudités for a delightful party appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Pesto and Salami Pizza
While pepperoni may be the most popular pizza topping, salami is often overlooked despite being a perfect match for a delicious pie. This recipe showcases the versatility of salami as a pizza topping, paired with fresh basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese. The result is a flavorful combination that might just become your go-to order.
Pesto and Salami Pull-Apart Bread
This show-stopping bread recipe takes a humble loaf to new heights by infusing it with an exciting medley of flavors and textures. The combination of creamy pesto, nutty Asiago cheese, and savory fennel salami in every bite is nothing short of perfection. As you take your first bite, the soft, fluffy interior gives way to a satisfying crunch from the crispy crust on the outside.
It’s not just the harmonious blend of flavors that makes this bread stand out, but also the delightful contrast between textures that will leave you wanting more.
Italian Tortellini Salad
This pasta salad is a vibrant medley of cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, caramelized onions, briny olives, fragrant basil, spicy pepperoncini, and savory salami. The real showstopper, however, is the rich Italian dressing that harmoniously unites all these flavors and textures. As you gaze upon its kaleidoscope of colors, it’s hard not to be drawn in by its irresistible charm.
What’s more, this salad boasts an impressive array of vegetables and essential nutrients, rendering it a guilt-free indulgence that’s both heavenly and healthy.
Italian Pinwheels
Indulge in these delectable Italian pinwheels, bite-sized morsels that will leave you craving more. A harmonious blend of rolled-up tortillas, pepperoni, salami, crisp lettuce, and melted Provolone cheese creates an appetizer that’s as visually appealing as it is mouthwateringly delicious. Despite their complex appearance, these pinwheels are surprisingly easy to prepare. The only challenge lies in resisting the urge to devour more than one – a testament to their irresistible flavor.
Best Italian Chopped Salad with Salami
While some salads can be a letdown in terms of flavor and satisfaction, this particular recipe bucks the trend with its vibrant mix of ingredients. The combination of salami, chickpeas, olives, mozzarella, red onion, tomatoes, mushrooms, and more creates a hearty and fulfilling salad that’s sure to please.
But what truly elevates this dish is the tangy dressing, which masterfully blends olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, sugar, garlic, and spices to create a perfect balance of salty, sour, spicy, and sweet flavors.
Antipasto Salad
For me, a great salad is all about balance and variety. This antipasto-inspired salad excels in both departments, boasting a medley of meats, cheeses, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together. The base of chopped lettuce provides a solid foundation for the colorful array of ingredients, including green and black olives, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, mozzarella balls, Provolone, pepperoni, and salami.
With such an abundance of flavors and textures, you don’t need a heavy-handed dressing to impress; instead, a light drizzle of lemon and olive oil will bring out the best in each component, allowing the salad’s natural beauty to shine through.
Muffuletta Pasta Salad
If you’re a fan of muffuletta sandwiches, you’ll find this pasta salad to be a delightful culinary echo. The iconic New Orleans creation, filled with olive spread, meats, and cheeses, is renowned for its addictive flavor profile. Inspired by that same magic, this pasta salad brings together fusilli, cured ham, salami, an assortment of cheeses, green olives, pimientos, pepperoncini, and a zesty olive oil vinaigrette.
The resulting fusion of flavors and textures mirrors the beloved sandwich, transporting your taste buds to the vibrant city of New Orleans with every bite.
Skillet Goats Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells
While pasta is undoubtedly a culinary delight, stuffed pasta shells elevate the experience to new heights. The thrill of discovering a hidden surprise within each tender, al dente shell is unmatched. And what’s not to love about shells smothered in rich marinara sauce, filled with creamy goat cheese and savory salami, and finished with crispy fried breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese? It’s a veritable explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Salami, Mozzarella, and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich
Envision a harmonious union of salami, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers, elegantly assembled into an Italian-inspired masterpiece. The vibrant colors of this culinary creation are matched only by its allure, making it impossible to resist. While simplicity may be the hallmark of this sandwich, the burst of authentic Italian flavors makes it an absolute must-try.
Puerto Rican Sopa de Salchichon (Salami Soup)
While many people associate salami with sandwiches or antipasto platters, it can also be a star player in soups. Take, for example, this rich and satisfying Puerto Rican-inspired recipe. This hearty soup is loaded with tender noodles, diced potatoes, slices of savory salami, pungent olives, and a vibrant tomato-based broth infused with the depth of garlic. It’s a comforting and warming culinary treat that’s perfect for chilly days when you need a little pick-me-up.
Italian Sub Sandwich
Tired of settling for a mediocre sandwich at Subway? Take matters into your own hands and create an authentic Italian sub that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. To start, you’ll need some crusty French bread, which serves as the perfect base for a generous helping of salami, deli ham, Provolone cheese, fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a tangy tomato sauce. When all these ingredients come together, the result is a sub that’s truly as good as it gets.
Antipasto Squares
While often regarded as appetizers, I have no qualms about indulging in these scrumptious squares as my main course. The combination of flaky pastry, Provolone, ham, cheese, pepperoni, and salami creates a mouthwatering medley of Italian meats that’s sure to satisfy any craving. The pastry, with its delicate texture and tender layers, provides the perfect foundation for the rich flavors within.
A true delight, these antipasto squares are an excellent representation of the Italian spirit – hearty, flavorful, and full of life.
