Save I discovered this dish while hosting a dinner party and realizing I'd forgotten to prep anything ambitious. Standing in my kitchen with high-quality salami, a handful of bowls, and nuts scattered across the counter, I suddenly saw it: an infinity symbol waiting to be drawn. What started as a last-minute solution turned into the kind of appetizer people still ask me about, partly because it tastes wonderful and partly because it looks like edible art.
The first time I served this to my sister's book club, I watched their faces light up when they realized the salami actually formed a continuous loop. Someone asked if it was meant to represent infinity, and honestly, I hadn't thought that deeply about it—but yes, it did. By the end of the evening, the bowls were empty and the salami strand had been picked apart into a beautiful chaos of cured meat. That moment made me realize good food doesn't need to be complicated to feel memorable.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami, thinly sliced (24 slices, about 150 g): This is where you let the salami shine—buy something with real flavor and texture, not the pre-packaged stuff. The thinness matters because thin slices drape elegantly and stay flexible enough to weave without cracking.
- Roasted mixed nuts, divided (2 cups total, 240 g): Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans work beautifully together, but buy them roasted and unsalted so they pair with the salty salami without competing for attention.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional): A small sprig tucked into the design adds color and releases subtle fragrance when guests reach for the salami.
- Crackers or breadsticks (optional): I usually skip these since nuts provide enough textural contrast, but they're there if you want them.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Place two small bowls about 12 inches apart on your largest platter or charcuterie board, then fill each with a generous handful of mixed nuts. Leave plenty of board space between and around the bowls—you'll need it for the salami ribbon.
- Draw the infinity symbol:
- Lay your first salami slice on the board and let it curve gently toward the first bowl. Slightly overlap each new slice so they flow together like a ribbon, creating that continuous figure-eight that loops around both bowls. Take your time with this part because the overlapping is what makes it feel seamless rather than scattered.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Tuck a few herb sprigs strategically along the salami path for visual pop and aroma. Step back and look at it from your guests' perspective—does it feel inviting and visually balanced?
- Serve with confidence:
- Present it immediately while the salami is still draped gracefully and everything looks fresh. Encourage people to grab both salami and nuts together—that's where the magic of the combination lives.
Save What I love most is watching people pick up that first piece of salami and realize it's all connected—there's something almost meditative about following the loop with your hand. It transforms a simple appetizer into a moment of discovery and play.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this dish is how easily it bends to your tastes and what's in your pantry. Swap the salami for prosciutto if you want something more delicate, or layer two different types of cured meat to create color contrast. I've experimented with spicy salami and fennel-forward varieties, and they each bring their own personality to the board. The nuts are equally flexible—hazelnuts and cashews tend to be my anchors, but I've stretched the concept to include olives, dried apricots, or roasted chickpeas depending on what the rest of the meal needed.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
This appetizer feels at home at almost any gathering because it's approachable and conversation-friendly. A crisp white wine or light sparkling wine brings out the salami's subtle spice, while the nuts ground everything in earthiness. I've served it before dinner parties, alongside cheese boards, and even at casual cocktail hours where people graze throughout the evening. The visual element keeps drawing people back, even after they've already enjoyed it once.
Small Details That Matter
Temperature matters more than you'd think—serve it at room temperature so the salami's flavor comes through cleanly, not muted by cold. Make sure your serving board has enough height and presence that the salami arranges without sliding around, and always lay it out on a clean, dry surface. The infinity symbol works best when you're moving deliberately and thoughtfully, so give yourself five extra minutes and enjoy the process of creating it.
- If salami slices stick to each other, separate them gently by hand as you go—don't fight them with tongs.
- Have herb sprigs prepped and ready so the final assembly feels smooth and confident.
- Step back periodically to see if the overall shape reads as intentional rather than accidental.
Save This dish reminds me that some of the most memorable moments at the table come from simplicity and a little playfulness. It's food that invites people to pause and appreciate both the care and the whimsy.
Your Questions Answered
- → How do you create the figure-eight salami arrangement?
Arrange thin salami slices on a platter, overlapping slightly to form an endless figure-eight shape weaving between two bowls of mixed nuts.
- → What types of nuts work best in this dish?
Roasted almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans offer a balanced mix of textures and flavors, complementing the cured meats.
- → Can this dish accommodate dietary preferences?
Substitute salami with marinated grilled vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version while maintaining the presentation style.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor and appearance?
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs add aromatic notes and visual contrast around the salami loop.
- → Which drinks pair well with this arrangement?
Light white wines, delicate red wines, and sparkling varieties complement the cured meats and nuts elegantly.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This dish contains tree nuts and meat; check salami labels for additional allergens like mustard or milk, and be cautious if adding crackers with gluten.