Marinated Sausage
Marinated sausage is a flavorful appetizer featuring slices of smoked sausage marinated in a tangy vinaigrette with fresh herbs and vegetables. Perfect for casual gatherings or as a party snack, it pairs well with crackers and offers a savory, aromatic taste with a hint of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix salad oil, white wine vinegar, chopped parsley, salt, basil, sugar, and pepper together in a measuring cup; set aside.
- Slice red onion very thin.
- Slice cooked smoked sausage at a bias cut.
- Slice tomatoes thin.
- Put sliced ingredients in a marinade container or bowl with an airtight lid and marinate for at least 8 hours.
- Allow to marinate overnight for best flavor.
- Serve with Ritz or other crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade. You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if necessary, but use less as dried herbs are stronger. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of sausages, such as Italian or chorizo, to match your flavor preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This marinated sausage pairs beautifully with Ritz or other crackers, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or sliced vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also enjoy it as part of a charcuterie board, complemented with cheeses and olives for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinated sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time. To reheat, you can gently warm the sausage slices in a skillet over low heat, ensuring they don’t dry out, or serve them cold as a refreshing appetizer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Sausage contains roughly 44 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1783mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw sausage instead of cooked for this recipe?
It's recommended to use cooked smoked sausage for this recipe, as it allows the flavors of the marinade to infuse without the need for additional cooking time. If you prefer raw sausage, ensure it is fully cooked before marinating, which may alter the texture.
How long can I marinate the sausage?
For best results, marinate the sausage for at least 8 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the marinade to penetrate the sausage fully, enhancing its flavor. However, if you're short on time, even a couple of hours can still yield tasty results.
What other ingredients can I add to the marinade?
You can customize the marinade by adding ingredients like minced garlic, red pepper flakes for heat, or even sliced bell peppers for extra crunch. These additions can enhance the overall flavor and texture, making the dish even more appealing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).