Save The first time I arranged food in a figure-eight, I wasn't even thinking about appetizers—I was just trying to use up some beautiful salami and nuts before guests arrived, and I wanted it to feel playful rather than predictable. I grabbed two bowls, positioned them on a board, and started laying down slices in that endless loop shape. Suddenly, what could have been a boring platter turned into something that made people smile before they even tasted it. That's when I realized the magic wasn't in fancy ingredients but in doing something unexpected with them.
I still remember one dinner party where my friend Tom walked in, saw the infinity loop on the board, and literally stopped mid-stride. He said it looked too perfect to eat, but then he grabbed a piece of salami and a handful of nuts, and suddenly everyone else did too. What I loved most wasn't that it looked fancy—it was watching people relax because the whole setup felt like an invitation to snack freely, not stress about following some rigid serving ritual.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami, 24 thin slices (about 150 g): This is where the magic lives—go for something with real flavor, whether that's fennel-infused, peppered, or spicy, because you're not cooking it, so the quality shines through immediately.
- Roasted mixed nuts, 2 cups total (240 g): Split between two bowls, these become the anchor points for your figure-eight and give guests something substantial to pair with the savory slices.
- Fresh herbs, optional but recommended: A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme tucked between the loops add color and fragrance without any fuss.
- Crackers or breadsticks, optional: Some folks like something to lean the salami against, though honestly, I've found most people eat them straight.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Position two small bowls about 12 inches apart on your board or platter—this is your anchoring point, so don't overthink the spacing. Fill each bowl with a cup of mixed nuts while you're at it.
- Build the loop:
- Now comes the fun part: lay down your first salami slice at an angle, slightly overlapping the next one as you gently curve toward the first bowl, then circle around it and head toward the second. The slightly overlapping creates that seamless, flowing look that makes the whole thing feel intentional.
- Perfect the infinity:
- When you've woven through both bowls and created that continuous figure-eight, you'll know it's right when you step back and the loop feels natural, not forced. The slices should shimmer a little and look like they're dancing around those bowls.
- Add personality:
- Tuck a few herb sprigs into the gaps of your salami loop—the greens pop beautifully against the deep reds and browns. If you're including crackers, nestle them around the outer edges so they're easy to grab.
- Present with confidence:
- Bring it straight to the table and let your guests do what comes naturally—snacking, experimenting, mixing flavors. The best part is watching people figure out their own rhythm with it.
Save There's something about an appetizer that doesn't require utensils or plates—it gives people permission to eat casually, to move around, to actually enjoy a party instead of balancing a small plate. That's what the infinity loop does for me: it transforms a simple appetizer into an experience.
Playing with the Design
Once you master the basic infinity loop, you can get playful with it. I've done versions where I'd alternate different salami types—peppered, fennel, spicy—so the figure-eight has color variation. Some people use the same type for visual unity, which is equally stunning. The rhythm of arranging those slices becomes almost meditative, and I find myself actually enjoying the 10 minutes it takes to set up.
Mixing and Matching Nuts
The mixed nuts are flexible in ways most appetizer components aren't. I've used everything from roasted almonds to candied pecans, and each version changes the vibe slightly. Salted almonds and roasted cashews give you a professional, clean energy. Throw in some candied hazelnuts and suddenly it feels more indulgent. The beauty is that people taste both the salumi and the nuts as a pairing, so even small shifts in the nut selection ripple through the whole experience.
Variations and Substitutions
If you ever need to adapt this, the structure is forgiving. I've swapped the salami for marinated grilled vegetables when cooking for vegetarian friends, and the infinity loop still works—it just becomes a different kind of beautiful. You can replace the nuts with olives, dried apricots, or even roasted chickpeas if you want something different. Fresh herbs are easy to change too: basil or parsley work just as well as rosemary, and sometimes the season or your fridge will dictate what makes sense.
- For luxury entertaining, mix two or three premium salami varieties and let the color variation become part of the design.
- Make it ahead and keep it covered in the fridge—the platter actually looks fresher when it's had time to chill.
- If your board is small, bringing the two bowls closer together still works and creates an almost heart-shaped figure-eight instead.
Save There's real joy in an appetizer that makes people slow down and notice the care you put in, even when it took barely any time. The infinity loop has earned its place at my table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of salami works best for this dish?
High-quality thinly sliced salami, such as spicy or fennel varieties, enhances flavor and presentation.
- → Can the mixed nuts be substituted?
Yes, you can replace nuts with olives or dried fruits for different tastes and textures.
- → Is this appetizer suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using gluten-free salami and omitting crackers ensures the dish remains gluten-free.
- → How should the salami slices be arranged?
Arrange the slices in a continuous figure-eight loop weaving around two bowls spaced about 12 inches apart.
- → What beverages pair well with this dish?
Dry white wine, light red wine, or sparkling wine complement the cured meats and nuts nicely.
- → Can this be made vegetarian?
Replace salami with marinated grilled vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly variation.