Save I discovered the magic of the figure-eight while arranging charcuterie for a dinner party and realizing I'd bought far too much salami. Rather than crowd a single board, I grabbed two bowls of nuts and started weaving the slices between them—and suddenly the whole spread transformed into something that looked intentionally playful, almost architectural. My guests spent half the evening just admiring it before diving in. It became my favorite kind of appetizer: one that makes people smile before they even taste it.
I'll never forget when my sister saw this arrangement for the first time at a casual cocktail party. She called it "edible modern art" and kept circling the board, photographing it from different angles before finally accepting a piece of salami. That moment crystallized something I'd been sensing: food arranged with intention and a little whimsy doesn't just satisfy hunger—it creates a tiny moment of delight.
Ingredients
- High-quality salami slices (24 thin slices, about 150 g): This is where the whole dish lives—thin enough to drape elegantly but flavorful enough to shine on its own. I learned to slice them myself when possible for better control, though a good butcher counter will do it perfectly.
- Roasted mixed nuts (2 cups total, 240 g): The interplay between the two bowls of nuts anchors the figure-eight visually and gives your guests something to reach for alongside the salami. Choose nuts you actually enjoy eating, not just what's on sale.
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary or thyme, optional): A few sprigs tucked around the salami add color and a whisper of aroma that makes the whole board feel intentional rather than thrown together.
- Crackers or breadsticks (optional): These are your invitation for guests to build bites, though the salami and nuts are honestly complete on their own.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Place two small bowls about 12 inches apart on your largest platter or board. Fill each one generously with your roasted nuts—don't be shy here. The fuller bowls make the weaving feel more intentional.
- Create the figure-eight:
- Start laying your salami slices in a continuous loop, slightly overlapping each slice as you weave around and between the two bowls. The overlapping is key—it creates that seamless, flowing look rather than a disjointed pattern. Work slowly and step back occasionally to check your geometry.
- Add the flourish:
- Tuck a few fresh herb sprigs into the arrangement where they feel natural. This step takes 30 seconds but transforms the whole thing from "meat and nuts" to "thoughtfully composed appetizer."
- Final touches:
- If you're adding crackers or breadsticks, arrange them casually on empty space around the board. Serve immediately while the salami is cool and the arrangement is still sharp.
Save There was a moment at a birthday gathering when someone reached for a piece of salami mid-conversation, and the whole board shifted slightly—and instead of looking broken, it just looked more organic, more alive. That's when I realized this arrangement doesn't need to be perfect. Its charm is partly in the idea that it's meant to be disrupted, shared, and enjoyed.
Choosing Your Salami Thoughtfully
Not all salami is created equal, and this is the one ingredient where quality genuinely shows. I started buying whatever was cheapest and wondered why the board never felt special until I tried a proper Spanish chorizo alongside an Italian soppressata. The depth of flavor changed everything. If you're near a good butcher or specialty shop, this is worth the splurge—your guests will taste the difference immediately.
Playing with Variations
While the classic version is salami and nuts, I've experimented with swapping the nuts for briny green olives, dried apricots, or even candied pecans when I want to shift the flavor profile. For vegetarian guests, I've replaced the salami with thin slices of marinated grilled vegetables or creamy cheeses arranged in the same figure-eight pattern—it's the shape and intention that makes it special, not the specific ingredients.
Pairing and Presentation
This appetizer plays beautifully with almost any beverage. Dry white wines, light reds, and sparkling wine all work wonderfully. I've learned that the best boards aren't just about what's on them—they're about the conversation they spark and the ease they bring to entertaining.
- Prepare everything up to the final arrangement 30 minutes ahead, then assemble just before guests arrive so the salami stays cool and the board looks crisp.
- Use your largest, most beautiful platter or charcuterie board—presentation is half the magic here.
- Don't overthink the figure-eight; even if it's slightly wobbly, the playfulness is the whole point.
Save This is one of those appetizers that proves entertaining doesn't require complexity or hours in the kitchen. It's about bringing something to the table with intention and warmth, then letting your guests do the rest.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you create the figure-eight arrangement?
Lay the salami slices overlapping on a large platter, weaving them continuously between two bowls placed about 12 inches apart to form an infinity shape.
- → Can I substitute the mixed nuts with other ingredients?
Yes, olives or dried fruits can replace nuts for variation while maintaining contrasting textures and flavors.
- → What types of salami work best?
High-quality thinly sliced salami, including artisanal or mixed varieties like spicy or fennel, enhances the flavor and presentation.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Using gluten-free salami and omitting crackers ensures the dish remains gluten-free.
- → What beverages pair well with this arrangement?
Dry white, light red, or sparkling wines complement the savory and nutty flavors beautifully.
- → How long does preparation take?
This no-cook arrangement can be assembled in approximately 15 minutes for swift entertaining.