Save to Pinterest I discovered The Infinity Loop at a gallery opening, of all places, where a caterer had arranged salami in this mesmerizing figure-eight around two bowls of nuts. The simplicity of it stuck with me—no cooking required, just an idea that transformed ordinary charcuterie into something that made people pause and smile before eating. I went home that night determined to recreate it, and now it's become my favorite way to entertain without spending hours in the kitchen.
The first time I made this for friends, someone asked if I'd taken a plating class, which made me laugh so hard I nearly knocked over a bowl of nuts. That moment of confusion—where effort and simplicity collide—is exactly why this appetizer works so well. It feels like you know something secret about presentation that most home cooks don't.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami slices: This is where you'll notice the biggest difference; thin slices from a good deli counter drape beautifully and taste incomparably better than pre-packaged. Buy them sliced fresh if possible, as they'll have more character and won't dry out as quickly.
- Roasted mixed nuts: The contrast between soft, silky salami and the textured crunch of nuts is essential—use almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans if you can find them roasted, as this adds richness. Two cups total, divided between your two bowls, gives guests enough to graze through the whole appetizer without running out.
- Fresh herbs for garnish: Rosemary or thyme sprigs add color and release their aroma when guests brush past them, creating a multi-sensory moment. This is optional but transforms the platter from impressive to memorable.
- Crackers or breadsticks: A subtle addition that gives guests who want them an option, but the real magic happens when people eat the salami and nuts together.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Position two small bowls about twelve inches apart on your largest serving board or platter, like two anchors for your design. Fill each bowl generously with mixed nuts—you want them overflowing slightly, which looks abundant and inviting.
- Weave your infinity:
- This is the meditative part: take your salami slices and start arranging them in a continuous figure-eight (∞) that flows between and around both bowls, slightly overlapping each slice so they feel connected. Work slowly; there's no rush, and the slightly imperfect weave actually looks more organic and beautiful than perfectly geometric.
- Add finishing touches:
- Tuck fresh herb sprigs into the gaps between salami slices and around the bowls, creating pockets of green and releasing their fragrance. If you're including crackers or breadsticks, lean them casually against the platter rather than crowding it.
- Present with confidence:
- Step back, admire your work, and bring it to the table immediately. The beauty of this appetizer is that it's meant to be eaten fresh, so timing is everything.
Save to Pinterest There was a moment at a dinner party when a quiet guest who'd been sitting alone suddenly started arranging the remaining salami slices into patterns while talking to someone next to them, completely at ease. I realized then that this appetizer does something beyond feeding people—it gives them permission to play with their food, to engage with it, to make it their own.
Elevating Your Presentation
The infinity symbol itself carries meaning—endless, flowing, cyclical—which makes this more than just an arrangement of ingredients. I've found that guests are drawn to food that tells a story or has intentional design, even when the ingredients are simple. The visual hook here does half the work for you, letting the quality ingredients shine without needing complex techniques or lengthy preparation.
Variations and Substitutions
One night I ran out of salami and used paper-thin slices of prosciutto instead, which created an even more delicate, ethereal effect—the figure-eight almost seemed to float. You can absolutely swap in different types of salami (spicy, fennel-infused, peppered varieties), or go vegetarian with marinated grilled vegetables, thin sliced cheese, or roasted vegetables in place of the meat. Nuts can be swapped for olives, dried apricots, or dates if you want to shift the flavor profile toward something more Mediterranean.
Pairing and Serving Wisdom
This appetizer was born to be paired with wine—I always reach for a crisp dry white, a light red like Pinot Noir, or something sparkling that cuts through the richness of the salami and nuts. The beauty of this dish is that it demands no heating, no last-minute stress, no standing over a stove while your guests arrive. You can arrange it in the morning, cover it gently with plastic wrap, and then simply remove the wrap when people arrive, making it perfect for those moments when you want to look put-together without sacrificing time with the people you're feeding.
- Serve this at room temperature for maximum flavor, as chilled salami loses its silky texture and subtle taste.
- If making ahead, assemble the salami figure-eight just before guests arrive so the slices don't dry out.
- Encourage guests to eat the salami and nuts together—that combination is where the magic really happens.
Save to Pinterest This is the kind of appetizer that reminds you that entertaining doesn't require complexity, just intentionality and good ingredients. Serve it, watch your guests smile, and enjoy the fact that the best meals are often the simplest ones.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of salami works best?
High-quality thin slices, such as artisanal or spiced varieties, enhance flavor and texture.
- → Can the nuts be substituted?
Yes, olives or dried fruits can replace nuts for varied taste and presentation.
- → How do I create the figure-eight arrangement?
Overlap salami slices slightly forming a continuous loop weaving around two nut-filled bowls spaced about 12 inches apart.
- → Is this appetizer suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using gluten-free salami and omitting crackers or breadsticks keeps it gluten-free.
- → What drinks pair well with this dish?
Dry white wine, light red wine, or sparkling wine complement the savory and nutty flavors excellently.