Pin It I'll never forget the moment I decided to create The Olympic Rings Interlock appetizer. I was hosting friends for a summer gathering, and I wanted something that would make everyone stop mid-conversation and simply admire the platter before diving in. Standing in my kitchen, inspired by the interlocking symbol of unity and strength, I realized that food could tell a story too. Each ring would represent not just a color, but a flavor journey, a celebration of coming together. That day, I learned that the most memorable dishes are the ones that spark joy before anyone takes the first bite.
I remember assembling this platter for the first time while my daughter watched from the kitchen counter, sketching her own design on paper. As I laid out each colorful ring, she gasped and said, 'Mom, it's like the Olympics are on our table.' In that moment, I realized this wasn't just about creating a pretty appetizer—it was about bringing people together and making them feel something special. Now, whenever I make it, that memory of her wonder reminds me why I cook.
Ingredients
- Blueberries: These are the jewels of the blue ring, and I've learned that fresh, plump ones stay that way when you don't prepare them until right before serving
- Blue corn tortilla chips: Breaking them into bite-sized pieces gives texture without overwhelming the delicate berries, and they add an earthy surprise
- Blue cheese: Crumbled generously, this adds a sophisticated tang that makes people pause and notice the complexity you've created
- Toasted walnuts: Toast them yourself if you can—the aroma will make your kitchen feel like a restaurant, and they'll taste infinitely better than pre-toasted
- Yellow cherry tomatoes: Look for ones that are truly yellow and firm; they should feel like little orbs of sunshine in your hand
- Yellow bell pepper: Dice it into small, consistent pieces so it catches the light and adds visual continuity to the ring
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh pineapple is non-negotiable here; it brings a brightness that canned simply cannot replicate
- Toasted cashews: These have a buttery sweetness that bridges the tropical and savory elements beautifully
- Black olives: Sliced rather than whole, they nestle into the platter without rolling away, and their brininess grounds the entire composition
- Black grapes: Halved to match the visual language of the other fruits, they add a subtle sweetness and beautiful shine
- Black bean hummus: This is your creamy anchor, the element that makes people realize this is more than just a pretty arrangement
- Pumpernickel bread: Cut into small rounds that won't overshadow the other elements—it's a supporting player, not the star
- Cucumber slices: Use a mandoline if you have one for uniform, elegant rounds that feel light and refreshing
- Green grapes: These should be crisp and cold; I chill them separately so they're at their most refreshing
- Edamame: Shelled and lightly steamed, these add protein and that satisfying pop when you bite into them
- Fresh basil leaves: Pick them just before assembling; their aroma will make the entire platter feel like it came from a Mediterranean garden
- Cherry tomatoes (red): The most classic element, but their sweetness balances the earthiness of the red pepper beautifully
- Red bell pepper: Diced small and bright, it's the visual anchor that makes the red ring feel complete
- Strawberries: Halved to reveal their beautiful interior, they add a whisper of sweetness to the red ring
- Roasted red pepper hummus: This brings a smoky warmth that ties the red ring together and makes it feel sophisticated
Instructions
- Set the Stage with Your Canvas:
- Start with a large, clean serving platter or board as your canvas. If you're nervous about placement, lightly sketch five interlocking circles using a pencil on parchment paper placed underneath, or just trust your eye—this is about celebrating creativity, not perfection. Think of it like painting, where the board is your palette.
- Master the Olympic Layout:
- Remember the Olympic ring arrangement: blue and yellow rings sit on the bottom left and right, black sits in the top center, red sits on the top right, and green sits on the bottom right. They should overlap slightly, like they're holding hands. This takes a moment to visualize, but once you see it, your hands will know what to do.
- Build the Blue Ring with Intention:
- Begin with blueberries as your base, arranging them in a circle. Scatter the blue cheese crumbles throughout so they peek through like little clouds. Add the broken tortilla chips for texture, and finish with toasted walnuts strategically placed. Step back and admire—this ring should look like a jeweled necklace.
- Layer in the Golden Yellow:
- Next comes the yellow ring, overlapping slightly with blue. Arrange the yellow cherry tomatoes in an arc, then add diced yellow bell pepper, pineapple chunks, and toasted cashews. Make sure the colors are distributed evenly so no single element dominates. This ring should feel bright and inviting, like captured sunshine.
- Ground It with the Sophisticated Black:
- Now for the black ring at the top, which will anchor your entire composition. Spread the black bean hummus in a thin, even layer as your base. Top with sliced black olives, halved black grapes, and small pumpernickel rounds. The hummus acts as both flavor and adhesive, making this ring feel substantial and important.
- Refresh with Verdant Green:
- The green ring comes next, bringing freshness to your arrangement. Layer cucumber slices in a gentle arc, then add halved green grapes, steamed edamame, and scattered fresh basil leaves. This ring should feel like a breath of fresh air, cool and clean against the richer elements around it.
- Conclude with Vibrant Red:
- Finally, complete your Olympic symbol with the red ring. Spread the roasted red pepper hummus as your base, then layer with halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and halved strawberries. The hummus should show through in places, creating a warm, inviting base.
- Perfect the Presentation:
- Step back and view your creation from above. Are the rings distinct yet connected? Do the colors flow naturally? Make small adjustments as needed, ensuring each ring is evenly filled and the overlaps feel intentional. You're creating edible art.
- Timing Your Service:
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crispness, or cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. If refrigerating, bring it out 10 minutes before serving so the flavors and textures reach their full potential. The cold should enhance, not mute.
Pin It I served this platter at my daughter's school fundraiser last spring, and I watched grown adults and children alike pause before eating, taking photos and marveling at the arrangement. An older gentleman told me it reminded him of watching the Olympics as a young man, and suddenly, food wasn't just sustenance anymore—it was a time machine. That's when I truly understood the power of feeding people with intention.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of The Olympic Rings is that it's endlessly customizable while still honoring the Olympic spirit. I've made versions using different cheeses, swapping in nuts for seeds for friends with allergies, and even creating a completely vegan interpretation with cashew-based spreads instead of hummus. The structure remains the same, but the personality is entirely yours. Don't be afraid to make substitutions based on what's in season or what your guests love—this is a framework for celebration, not a rigid formula.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
I've learned that serving this platter alongside something simple—like chilled white wine, sparkling water with fresh citrus, or even a light herbal tea—creates the perfect entertaining moment. The colors on the platter are so striking that you don't need elaborate accompaniments. Offer gluten-free crackers on the side for those who want them, and set out small plates and napkins so guests can assemble bites without chaos. The platter itself becomes the centerpiece of conversation, which is exactly what you want.
The Magic of Visual Storytelling
Every time I make this, I'm reminded that hospitality is about more than taste—it's about making people feel seen and celebrated. This platter says, 'I thought about you. I created something beautiful for you.' It's a love letter on a board, and the Olympics rings remind us all that we're stronger together.
- Prep all your ingredients the morning of your party so you only need 20 minutes for final assembly
- Keep a spray bottle of lemon water nearby to gently mist any cut surfaces if you're prepping early, keeping everything bright
- Remember that imperfection is beautiful—the slight irregularities in your ring arrangements are what make it feel handmade and genuine
Pin It This platter is proof that the most memorable moments around food aren't always about complicated recipes or rare ingredients. Sometimes, magic happens when you take something simple—fresh produce and a little creativity—and present it with love. Make this for your people, and watch their faces light up.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the interlocking rings?
Lightly sketch five overlapping circles on your serving surface as a guide. Arrange the themed ingredients in each circle, ensuring the rings overlap slightly to mimic the Olympic pattern.
- → Can I make this platter vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute blue cheese and hummus with plant-based alternatives and use seed substitutes for nuts if needed.
- → What are some suggested accompaniments?
Serve the platter with gluten-free crackers or assorted chips and pair it with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
- → How far in advance can I prepare this platter?
Assemble shortly before serving or refrigerate covered for up to 2 hours to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are there allergen considerations to keep in mind?
This dish contains dairy, nuts, and gluten if using pumpernickel bread. Adjust ingredients as needed for allergen sensitivities.