Pin It I stumbled onto this idea at a gallery opening where the charcuterie board had gotten so elaborate that nobody was eating it—they were just admiring it. There was something mesmerizing about how the salami had been draped across the table in loose waves, and I thought: what if we made that the whole point? What if the presentation itself became the game? That's when The Infinity Loop was born, a playful figure-eight that invites people to follow the curve with their hands, plucking salami and dipping into nuts as they trace the shape.
I made this for a casual dinner party where someone had just gotten promoted, and instead of ordering catering, I wanted something that felt personal but still celebratory. When I set down the board with the figure-eight salami weaving between those two bowls of nuts, the whole table went quiet for a second—then everyone leaned in at once. They were drawn to it like it was a magnet. Watching people trace the infinity symbol with their fingers while picking at the salami felt like we'd accidentally created a tiny ritual around food and friendship.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami (24 thin slices, about 150 g): This is your star—choose a salami you'd actually want to eat on its own, whether that's spicy, fennel-forward, or peppered, because the quality will shine through more than you'd expect.
- Roasted mixed nuts (2 cups total, 240 g): Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans create a textural mix that keeps people reaching back for more, and roasting brings out oils that play beautifully against the salt and fat of the cured meat.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional but recommended): A few sprigs tucked into the loop add both visual richness and an unexpected aromatic layer when guests lean in close.
- Crackers or breadsticks (optional): Use these as anchors around the board if you want to give people an extra vehicle for the nuts, though the salami-and-nuts combo is perfect on its own.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Place two small bowls about twelve inches apart on your largest platter or board—this spacing is what makes the figure-eight actually flow rather than feeling cramped.
- Fill the bowls:
- Pour one cup of mixed nuts into each bowl, making sure they're full enough to feel generous but not so heaped that they spill when people reach in.
- Shape the infinity:
- Lay your salami slices down one at a time, overlapping them slightly as you weave between and around the bowls in one continuous figure-eight pattern—think of it like drawing with your hands, letting each slice follow the natural curve of the shape.
- Garnish with intention:
- Tuck a few herb sprigs into the curves of the salami where they'll catch the light and add that last touch of color.
- Bring it to the table:
- Present it immediately while the salami is still cool and the nuts are at their crispest, and watch as people instinctively start to trace the loop with their fingers.
Pin It What surprised me most was how this simple arrangement turned eating into something almost meditative. People would follow the curve with their eyes before they touched it, and there was something about that pause—that moment of appreciation before consumption—that made the whole experience feel more intentional than a regular appetizer spread. It reminded me that sometimes the smallest gestures in food can shift how we experience sharing a meal.
Playing with Variations
Once you've nailed the basic loop, you can remix it endlessly. I've done versions with different salami types layered together—spicy next to fennel—so the figure-eight has subtle color gradations that draw the eye. Another time I swapped the nuts for briny olives in one bowl and candied pecans in the other, which created this salty-sweet tension that felt more sophisticated than expected.
The Art of the Board
The board itself matters more than you'd think. A natural wood platter with some grain texture gives you something to work against, and the darker the wood, the more the salami's deep reds and the nuts' warm browns pop. If you don't have a charcuterie board, use whatever large platter you have—ceramic works, slate works—just make sure it's big enough that the figure-eight doesn't feel cramped and the bowls have breathing room around them.
Making It Your Own
This appetizer is begging to be personalized based on what's in your kitchen or what your guests love. You can lean into luxury with artisanal or imported salamis, or keep it simple and approachable. The beauty is that there's no wrong way to do this, as long as the salami flows and the nuts are good quality.
- Mix different salami varieties to create color blocks within the figure-eight—each type becomes its own visual moment.
- Add a small dish of whole grain mustard or fig jam near the loop as a dipping option if you want to layer in more flavor.
- Keep everything at room temperature but chill the board itself in the freezer for ten minutes before plating so everything stays fresh longer.
Pin It There's something deeply satisfying about creating something that's both beautiful and delicious, where the effort barely registers but the impact stays with people long after they've eaten the last slice. This is that recipe.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of salami is best for this dish?
Use high-quality, thinly sliced salami for easy arrangement and the best flavor. Artisanal or flavored varieties like spicy or fennel add interesting notes.
- → Can I substitute the mixed nuts with something else?
Yes, olives or dried fruits can replace nuts for variation while maintaining complementary textures and flavors.
- → How should the salami slices be arranged?
Overlap thin salami slices to form a continuous figure-eight loop weaving between two bowls filled with mixed nuts for an elegant presentation.
- → Are there any recommended garnishes?
Fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme can be tucked around the salami for added color and aroma.
- → What pairs well with this appetizer?
Dry white wine, light red wine, or sparkling wine complement the savory and nutty flavors perfectly.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free salami and avoid adding crackers or breadsticks, the dish is gluten-free.