Save I discovered this little trick at a dinner party where I'd run out of time to arrange a proper charcuterie board but still wanted to impress. A friend casually mentioned the infinity symbol while eyeing my scattered salami, and suddenly it clicked—what if I turned the presentation itself into the conversation starter? The figure-eight pattern emerged organically that night, weaving between two simple bowls of nuts, and guests couldn't stop talking about it. It's become my go-to move for entertaining without the fuss.
There's something magical about watching people pause mid-conversation to admire the salami loop for the first time. At a summer gathering, my neighbor actually pulled out her phone to photograph it before touching anything—that's when I realized this wasn't just food, it was a moment. The beauty of it is that nobody feels awkward picking at it because the design invites you to follow the path.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami slices (24 thin slices, about 150 g): The thinner you slice them, the more elegantly they'll drape and weave; ask your butcher to slice them paper-thin so they stay pliable enough to overlap without breaking.
- Roasted mixed nuts (2 cups total, divided between two bowls): A blend of almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans gives you variety in texture and flavor; roasting them beforehand makes their natural oils shine and adds warmth to every bite.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional): A few sprigs tucked around the salami add pops of color and subtle aroma that make the whole platter feel more intentional.
- Crackers or breadsticks (optional): These give guests another texture to play with, though the salami and nuts are complete on their own.
Instructions
- Set the stage with your bowls:
- Place two small serving bowls about 12 inches apart on a large platter or board—this spacing is your guide for the figure-eight path. Fill each bowl generously with your mixed nuts, letting them mound slightly so they catch the light.
- Form the infinity loop:
- Starting from one end of your platter, arrange the salami slices in a continuous figure-eight pattern that weaves elegantly between and around both bowls. Overlap each slice slightly so they flow together like a ribbon, and adjust as you go to keep the path smooth and visually satisfying.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Tuck a few fresh herb sprigs around the salami wherever there's space, and scatter crackers or breadsticks around the outer edge if you're including them. Step back and let the pattern breathe before serving.
Save I once made this for a friend who was nervous about entertaining for the first time, and watching her confidence bloom as guests crowded around her platter reminded me that food is as much about how you present it as what's on it. She's made the Infinity Loop three times since, each time with a different selection of salami, and it's become her signature move.
Playing with Variations
The beauty of this recipe is how readily it adapts to what you have on hand or what your guests prefer. I've swapped the nuts for marinated olives when someone mentioned they were allergic, and the loop looked just as stunning with their briny gleam. Different salami varieties—spicy, fennel-studded, peppered—completely change the flavor story without changing the visual impact.
Wine and Pairing Wisdom
This platter is a natural companion to drinks because the salty salami and nutty richness cut through almost anything. Light reds, crisp whites, and sparkling wines all work beautifully, but I've found that the salami actually tastes better when you're sipping something cold—there's a pleasant contrast that keeps your palate interested.
The Vegetarian and Allergen-Friendly Path
Not everyone eats salami, and that's okay—I've created stunning versions using grilled zucchini ribbons, marinated artichoke hearts, or even thinly sliced roasted beets. The infinity pattern works with any ingredient that's flexible enough to overlap and visually appealing enough to stand on its own. The core idea stays the same: create movement and intrigue on the platter.
- For a vegetarian loop, try marinated eggplant slices or thinly shaved aged cheese like manchego.
- Check all ingredient labels if you're serving someone with nut or gluten allergies, and have alternatives ready.
- Build the platter no more than 30 minutes before serving so everything looks fresh and the textures stay crisp.
Save This recipe taught me that sometimes the best entertaining isn't about complexity or hours in the kitchen—it's about seeing possibility in simple ingredients and arranging them with intention. Every time I make the Infinity Loop, I remember why I fell in love with cooking for people in the first place.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of salami works best for this dish?
Use high-quality thin salami slices; artisanal, spicy, fennel, or peppered varieties add extra flair.
- → Can I substitute the nuts with other ingredients?
Yes, olives or dried fruits can replace nuts to vary flavors and textures.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
When served without crackers, using gluten-free salami ensures the dish remains gluten-free.
- → How should this appetizer be presented?
Arrange the salami in an infinity loop weaving around two bowls of nuts on a large platter for visual impact.
- → What drinks pair well with this preparation?
Dry white wines, light reds, or sparkling wines complement the savory and nutty flavors elegantly.