Pin this I discovered this playful arrangement at a dinner party where the host had arranged cured meats in this mesmerizing figure-eight pattern, and I couldn't stop staring at it. There was something almost meditative about how the salami wove between two bowls like an endless ribbon, each slice slightly overlapping the next. My friend laughed when she caught me studying it instead of eating, and said the whole point was that it looked too good to disturb. But the moment someone grabbed the first slice, everyone loosened up and devoured it. Now whenever I need something that feels special but takes almost no effort, this is what I make.
I made this for my sister's book club one autumn evening, and everyone arrived expecting the usual cheese board. When they saw the infinity loop, the room got quiet for a moment—that good kind of quiet where people are genuinely impressed. One guest asked if it was difficult to execute, and I loved being able to say it wasn't, because then everyone felt like they could recreate it at home. By the end of the night, someone was photographing the board, and I realized this dish had crossed from just being food into being conversation.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami, 24 thin slices (about 150 g): The thinner you slice it, the more gracefully it drapes and weaves; ask the deli counter to slice it almost translucent for the best visual effect.
- Roasted mixed nuts, 2 cups total (120 g per bowl): Use a variety like almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans so there's textural contrast, and roast them yourself if you have time because the aroma makes the whole board feel more intentional.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional): These aren't just decoration—they add a whisper of aroma that makes people want to lean in closer to the board.
- Crackers or breadsticks (optional): Only include these if your crowd wants something to anchor the salami and nuts, otherwise they're unnecessary clutter.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Place two small bowls about 12 inches apart on your largest platter or board, then fill each with a cup of mixed nuts. This spacing is important—it gives you enough room to weave without feeling cramped.
- Weave the salami ribbon:
- Starting at one corner, arrange the salami slices in a continuous figure-eight pattern, letting each slice slightly overlap the last so it looks like an unbroken ribbon. Slightly overlap them for a seamless look, and don't worry about perfection—the organic quality is part of the charm.
- Add the herbs and final touches:
- Tuck fresh herb sprigs around the salami for flecks of color and aroma if you're using them. Step back and look at it—if it feels balanced, you're done.
- Serve with intention:
- Present it immediately while everything is still arranged, and encourage guests to pick at both the salami and nuts together rather than demolishing one element first.
Pin this This dish became the thing people request when I offer to bring something to gatherings, not because it's complicated but because it sparked something. It turned out that people don't just want to eat; they want moments that feel a little bit designed, a little bit unexpected. I realized later that the infinity loop itself became almost a symbol—a visual joke about abundance and continuity that somehow made a simple charcuterie board feel philosophical.
Elevating the Experience
The beauty of this arrangement is that it works just as well for a casual gathering as it does for something more formal. I've learned that how you present food matters almost as much as what the food tastes like. The infinity loop works because it looks effortless while also looking intentional—it's the kind of thing that makes people feel welcomed without feeling like you've stressed yourself out.
Playing with Variations
Once you understand the basic concept, you can swap things around based on what you have or what mood you're trying to create. I've done versions with different types of artisanal salami—spicy, fennel-spiked, peppered—and each one shifts the personality of the board. You can also substitute the nuts with olives for a briny contrast, or dried fruits if you want something sweeter and lighter. For vegetarian guests, marinated grilled vegetables weave just as beautifully and create the same visual magic.
Making It Your Own
The real secret is that this appetizer belongs to you the moment you arrange it—there's no single right way to do it. What matters is that the salami creates that continuous loop between the bowls, and that you present it with a little confidence. Don't overthink the arrangement; the slight imperfections are what make it look real rather than fussy.
- Use a large platter so the infinity loop has breathing room and doesn't look cramped.
- Serve this immediately after arranging it so the salami looks fresh and the whole thing maintains its visual impact.
- Pair it with dry white wine, light red wine, or sparkling wine to let the flavors breathe.
Pin this This is one of those recipes that taught me that sometimes the most memorable dishes aren't the ones that took hours to cook, but the ones that took a moment to arrange with care. It's become my go-to reminder that hospitality is really about making people feel noticed.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of salami works best for this dish?
High-quality thinly sliced salami variants such as spicy, fennel, or peppered add depth. Artisanal choices enhance the flavor and presentation.
- → Can the mixed nuts be substituted?
Yes, olives or dried fruits can replace nuts for alternative textures and flavors while maintaining the elegant look.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using gluten-free salami and avoiding crackers ensures this dish fits gluten-free requirements.
- → How to serve this appetizer for gatherings?
Arrange salami slices in a figure-eight around two small bowls of nuts on a large platter. Add optional herbs and crackers for variety.
- → What beverages complement this appetizer?
Dry white wine, light red wine, or sparkling wine pair well with the savory and nutty flavors of this dish.