Save I discovered this dish almost by accident at a dinner party where I was scrambling to arrange appetizers on a board. With limited time and some beautiful salami slices at hand, I started laying them out between two bowls of nuts, and suddenly the pattern clicked—an infinity loop, elegant and playful at once. My guests were captivated not just by the taste but by the conversation starter sitting right in front of them. It's become my go-to move whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
I remember bringing this to a casual wine night at a friend's apartment, and watching everyone stop mid-conversation to photograph it before eating. That moment when people pause to appreciate the presentation before diving in—that's when you know you've nailed it. It sparked a fun debate about whether the infinity symbol was intentional or just happy accident, which made the whole thing feel more memorable than any ordinary cheese board.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami slices (24 thin slices, about 150 g): This is where quality matters most since there's nowhere to hide—choose artisanal varieties if you can, and consider mixing different types like spicy, fennel-infused, or peppered for depth and visual contrast.
- Roasted mixed nuts (2 cups total, 240 g): Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans work beautifully together, and roasting brings out their natural richness that complements the cured meat perfectly.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional): These aren't just garnish—they add a whisper of aroma that draws people in before they even taste anything.
- Crackers or breadsticks (optional): Adds textural variety and gives guests another vehicle for the flavors, though they're entirely optional if you're keeping things gluten-free.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Place two small bowls about 12 inches apart on your largest platter or charcuterie board—this spacing is your anchor for the infinity loop. Fill each bowl generously with mixed nuts, leaving enough board space around them for your salami to weave through.
- Create the loop:
- Starting from one bowl, arrange the salami slices in a continuous figure-eight pattern (∞) that flows between and around both bowls, slightly overlapping each slice so they nestle together seamlessly. This is where you can play—let your hands guide the rhythm and the pattern will emerge naturally.
- Layer in life with herbs:
- Tuck fresh herb sprigs strategically around the salami curves, tucking them between folds so they peek out and add color without overwhelming the board.
- Optional finishing touches:
- Arrange crackers or breadsticks around the edges if you're serving them, creating little pockets for guests to build bites however they like.
- Serve with intention:
- Present immediately and encourage people to enjoy the salami and nuts together—that combination is where the magic happens.
Save There's something almost meditative about arranging this dish, watching something so simple transform into visual poetry. A friend once told me it reminded them of a Möbius strip they'd made in art class—continuous, surprising, a little bit magical. That's when I realized the real appeal: it's not just food, it's conversation.
Elevating Your Board with Selections
The beauty of this appetizer lies in your ability to curate. If you're feeling adventurous, visit a specialty charcuterie shop and ask for their house recommendations—a spicy 'nduja mixed with fennel-forward soppressata creates layers of flavor that surprise the palate. For the nuts, consider toasting them yourself if time allows; the roasted aroma filling your kitchen before guests arrive sets the mood before they even walk through the door. You could also substitute olives, dried apricots, or toasted seeds if you want to keep things lighter or accommodate preferences.
Pairing and Serving Wisdom
This board is inherently social—it practically begs to be shared while sipping something cold and crisp. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the salami beautifully, while sparkling wine adds a celebratory note that matches the playful spirit of the dish. Even a light red wine works if that's what you're pouring; the acidity helps refresh the palate between bites. The key is to serve it immediately after arranging so the salami is at its best, and let guests graze naturally rather than hovering over the board.
Moments Worth Remembering
I've learned that the simplest preparations often create the longest-lasting memories because they leave room for people to connect with each other instead of just the food. This dish does exactly that—it's pretty enough to impress, easy enough that you're not stressed, and delicious enough that people genuinely enjoy it. There's power in that balance.
- Keep your salami in the fridge until the last moment so it holds its shape and color beautifully on the board.
- If you're making this ahead, arrange everything but add the salami just 30 minutes before serving to keep it looking fresh.
- Trust that your guests will love it—the care you put into the presentation speaks louder than any fancy technique ever could.
Save This appetizer reminds me why cooking for people matters—it's rarely about technical perfection, and everything about creating moments worth sharing. Make this when you want something beautiful, delicious, and genuinely easy.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I create the figure-eight shape with salami?
Arrange the salami slices overlapping slightly to form a continuous loop that weaves around two bowls placed about 12 inches apart, creating an infinity symbol.
- → Can I substitute the nuts with other ingredients?
Yes, you can replace the mixed nuts with olives or dried fruits to add different flavors and textures to the presentation.
- → What wines pair well with this appetizer?
Dry white wine, light red wine, or sparkling wine complement the cured meats and nuts, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
- → Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the salami with marinated grilled vegetables to maintain visual appeal and flavor variety.
- → Are there any allergen concerns to keep in mind?
The dish contains tree nuts and meat. Some salamis may also include mustard or milk allergens. Check labels carefully if allergies are a concern.