Enjoyed in sandwiches, on pizzas, and on charcuterie boards, salami is one of the most popular dried and cured sausages. Apart from being made with pork, what else gives salami its delicious flavor?

In this post, we’ll look at different types of salami, the seasonings used to prepare it, and ideas on how to serve this delicious cured sausage.

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What Is Salami?

The word salami is a generic term used to describe any kind of encased meat. Salami can be prepared in different ways, and contain a variety of spices and flavorings.

The Different Types of Salami

In the U.S., when you hear the word salami, you’re probably referring to the meat that’s served on pizzas and in sandwiches. However, there are many different types of salami and various flavor profiles. Here are some of the most popular types of salami:

Cacciatore

Meaning hunter style in Italian, this sausage is smaller than other types of salami. It is easy to grab and go, and would be great as a snack.

Lardo

Made from the fatty back part of the pig, this salami is cured with rosemary.

Napoletano

Named after the region where it’s from, this salami from Naples, is seasoned with salt, garlic, and sometimes white wine, and is heavily spiced with red and black pepper.

Pancetta

Traditionally made from the belly of the pig , this salami is cured with salt and seasoned with spices and herbs.

Prosciutto

This salami is made from cured pork ham that is usually seasoned before it is cooked.

Capocollo/Capicola

Made with the head or neck parts of the pig, this salami is usually smoked and seasoned with spices, herbs, and sometimes wine. It has a tender texture and is delicious in sandwiches.

Genoa salami

Traditionally made with both pork and veal, this salami is typically seasoned with garlic, pepper, and red wine.

Soppressata

Typically made with pressed pork meat parts such as the belly, stomach, and tongue, this salami is seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, and is often spicier in flavor.

What Is Salami Made Of?

The vast majority of salami is made with pork although there are some varieties that are made with a mixture of pork and veal, veal, beef, or chicken.

The meat is seasoned with salt, mace, fennel, garlic, black pepper, and even wine and cinnamon, and is then encased into the sausage shapes. It is then left to age in cool and dark cellars.

Does Salami Need to Be Cooked?

Dry-cured salami, which is what you see hanging on hooks in butcher shops, can be eaten with no preparation. The same can be said for the sliced salami purchased at the deli counter of supermarkets to use in sandwiches.

How Do You Serve Salami?

Salami is very versatile and can be enjoyed in sandwiches, on pizza, in salads, in pasta dishes, and on charcuterie boards. Grab a slice and enjoy it with some cheese for a delicious protein-rich snack!

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What is Salami Made of (+Salami Sandwich Recipe)

Enjoyed in sandwiches, on pizzas, and on charcuterie boards, salami is one of the most popular dried and cured sausages. Apart from being made with pork, what else gives salami its delicious flavor?

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Servings:

Author: Izzy

Ingredients

Instructions

Halve the bread horizontally. Toast them in the toaster.
Spread Caponata on top of half of the bread.
Add arugula, tomato slice, cheese, salami and basil. Slice, and serve.