Pin it I discovered this ridiculous little creation at a friend's dinner party where someone had arranged cured meats in playful loops between bowls of nuts, and I couldn't stop talking about it. There's something about the pure silliness of making a figure-eight from thin salami slices that makes people smile the moment they see it. It's the kind of appetizer that gets guests leaning in to figure out what they're looking at before they even reach for a piece. Simple to build, impossible to forget, and honestly, it's become my secret weapon for looking thoughtful without spending hours in the kitchen.
My colleague brought this to a potluck once and watched it vanish in under ten minutes, while the elaborate salad sat untouched. That's when I realized people aren't just hungry—they want to be surprised by what's put in front of them. The figure-eight somehow gives permission to play with your food, and there's real joy in that.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami slices (24 thin slices, about 150 g): This is where you don't skimp—good salami has flavor that carries the whole plate, and thin slices make the weaving elegant rather than clunky.
- Roasted mixed nuts (2 cups total, 120 g per bowl): Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, or pecans work beautifully; the roasting adds warmth and makes them smell incredible.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs: These aren't just garnish—they add color and fragrance that guests will notice before they taste anything.
- Crackers or breadsticks (optional): Add these if you want texture contrast and a vehicle for the nuts and salami together.
Instructions
- Set up your stage:
- Place two small bowls about a foot apart on your largest serving board—think of them as anchors for what's coming. Fill each with mixed nuts, making sure they look generous and inviting.
- Weave the infinity loop:
- Start arranging your salami slices to form a figure-eight that flows between and around both bowls, slightly overlapping each slice so it reads as one continuous ribbon rather than scattered pieces. Take your time here—the overlaps matter and make the difference between whimsical and haphazard.
- Tuck in the details:
- Scatter fresh herb sprigs around the salami to add pops of green and release their aroma when people lean in. If you're including crackers, nestle them naturally around the board.
- Present with style:
- Bring it out when people are gathered and watch their faces light up before they dive in.
Pin it A few years ago, my niece spent more time admiring this appetizer than eating it, taking photos and asking why I hadn't become a food artist. That moment of wonder reminded me that sometimes the presentation is as nourishing as the food itself.
Building Your Board Like You Mean It
The magic of this appetizer lives in restraint and thoughtfulness—you're not cramming a board with everything you own. Two bowls, one weaving pattern, and a few herbs create rhythm and visual calm instead of chaos. I learned this by over-complicating mine at first with too many elements, until a friend asked me to "let the salami do the talking." She was right.
Flavor Pairing That Works
The real trick is understanding that salami and nuts aren't competing—they're having a conversation. The salt and cured depth of the meat plays against the earthy richness of roasted nuts, and neither steals the show. When you taste them together instead of separately, you understand why this pairing has worked in European kitchens for generations.
Making It Your Own
Once you've nailed the basic loop, you can play. Mix different types of salami for variety in flavor and color—spicy, fennel-forward, peppered—and swap nuts based on what you have or what feels seasonal. Some people swap olives or dried fruits into the bowls, and that works just as well.
- Use artisanal or small-batch salami if you want to elevate the whole thing without adding any effort.
- If anyone at your table is vegetarian, grilled marinated vegetables weave beautifully and taste just as good.
- Serve this with dry white wine, light red, or sparkling—the acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.
Pin it This appetizer taught me that sometimes the most memorable things you serve are the ones that make people pause and smile before they eat. That's worth every minute of thoughtful arrangement.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of salami works best for this dish?
Choose high-quality thinly sliced salami, such as artisanal, spicy, fennel, or peppered varieties, to enhance flavor and presentation.
- → Can I substitute the mixed nuts?
Yes, olives or dried fruits make excellent alternatives for variation while maintaining complementary textures.
- → How should the salami be arranged?
Arrange the slices overlapping to form a continuous figure-eight loop weaving around two bowls filled with nuts for a seamless look.
- → Are any garnishes recommended?
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add color and aroma, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor.
- → What beverages pair well with this dish?
Dry white wine, light red wine, or sparkling wine complement the savory and nutty flavors nicely.