Save I discovered the Infinity Loop at a small dinner party where the host had arranged cured meats in the most playful way—not in neat rows on a board, but flowing like a river between two bowls of nuts. It was whimsical, unexpected, and somehow made people linger longer at the appetizer table, picking nuts and salami in equal measure. There's something about breaking the pattern of traditional charcuterie that invites conversation and curiosity.
I made this for my sister's book club, and three people asked for the recipe before they'd even sat down. What struck me most was watching everyone try to follow the figure-eight with their eyes before reaching for their first piece—the presentation had made them pause and actually look.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami slices: Thin slices matter because they drape and fold naturally; thick ones fight against the arrangement and look clunky instead of graceful.
- Roasted mixed nuts: Use nuts that sit well in small bowls and won't scatter too easily—the bowls are anchors for your infinite loop, so sturdy ingredients matter here.
- Fresh herbs: A few sprigs tucked between the curves add color and release aroma when guests brush past them, making the platter feel alive.
- Crackers or breadsticks: Optional, but they're useful if your guests need something to lean the salami on—many people forget forks at appetizer tables.
Instructions
- Set the stage:
- Place your two small bowls about 12 inches apart on a large board or platter. Fill each with a cup of mixed nuts, mounding them slightly so they look abundant rather than sparse. Your bowls are the two loops of the infinity symbol—everything flows around them.
- Create the weave:
- Drape the salami slices in a continuous figure-eight between and around the bowls, slightly overlapping each slice so there are no gaps. Think of it as drawing with meat—overlap just enough to look intentional, not so much that you waste slices hiding under others.
- Garnish for grace:
- Tuck fresh herb sprigs into the spaces between salami curves. Rosemary sprigs add structure, while thyme sprigs feel more delicate—choose based on your mood and what you have on hand.
- Complete the picture:
- Add crackers or breadsticks to any open space on the platter if you're serving them. Step back and adjust any slices that feel loose or unbalanced before presenting.
- Serve with intention:
- Bring it out and encourage guests to pick a starting point, follow the curve, and alternate between salami and nuts. The journey is part of the enjoyment.
Save What made this appetizer memorable wasn't just how it looked, but how it changed the rhythm of eating. Instead of grabbing and retreating, people moved around the platter, following the curve, pausing to choose between salami varieties, discovering nuts they'd forgotten they loved. Food arranged with intention becomes an experience.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this arrangement is that it adapts to whatever you have on hand. I've made it with spicy salami mixed with mild, added black olives where nuts might feel heavy, and once used marinated artichoke hearts for vegetarian guests. The infinity symbol is flexible enough to hold whatever you want to serve, which means it never gets boring.
Wine and Pairing Wisdom
A crisp white wine or light sparkling option makes sense here—neither fights with the salt and richness of cured meat, and the bubbles feel celebratory. If your crowd leans red, something bright and cool works better than heavy. Let the wine choice breathe the same spirit as the platter: playful, flexible, and meant for lingering conversations.
Small Details That Matter
Fresh herbs release their aroma when brushed or when warm hands pass nearby—this happens naturally as guests eat, making the platter smell better as the evening goes on.
- If you're making this ahead, arrange everything except the herbs and salami, then finish 10 minutes before guests arrive.
- Keep your board in a cool spot to prevent oils from separating and making salami look dull.
- A few scattered nuts outside the bowls make the arrangement feel abundant rather than carefully portioned.
Save This appetizer proves that great entertaining isn't about complicated techniques—it's about seeing everyday ingredients fresh and arranging them with a little thoughtfulness. Your guests will taste the simplicity and feel the care in equal measure.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of salami works best for this dish?
Use high-quality thin slices of salami; artisanal varieties with spices like fennel or pepper enhance flavor.
- → Can I use nuts other than those listed?
Yes, roasted almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, or even substitutes like olives or dried fruits work well.
- → How to keep the salami slices from sliding?
Overlap slices slightly and arrange gently on a large flat surface to maintain the figure-eight shape.
- → Are there options for vegetarian guests?
Replace the salami with marinated grilled vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- → What drinks pair well with this presentation?
Dry white wine, light red wine, or sparkling wine complement the cured meats and nuts perfectly.