Pin It I'll never forget the moment I decided to create something that would make my guests actually pause mid-conversation and reach for their phones. It was during the Tokyo Olympics coverage, and as I watched those five interlocking rings unfold on screen, something clicked in my kitchen. Why not turn that iconic symbol into something edible, something that celebrated unity through color and flavor? That evening, I sketched out the first version on a piece of parchment, and what started as a playful idea became the appetizer that people still talk about months later.
The first time I made this for my sister's book club, I was nervous about the presentation matching my vision. But when they walked in and stopped dead in their tracks, their eyes widening at that platter of interlocking rings, I understood why this dish works. It's not just about being Instagram-worthy; it's about creating a moment where people feel like you've gone to great lengths to celebrate them.
Ingredients
- Blueberries: The deep indigo creates the most striking visual, but more importantly, they provide that first burst of tart sweetness that makes people come back for another bite
- Blue corn tortilla chips: These add that essential crunch and keep things from feeling too precious or salad-like
- Blue cheese: Crumbled generously, it's the bold flavor that anchors the blue ring and reminds you this is a sophisticated appetizer, not a kids' party platter
- Toasted walnuts: The nuttiness bridges blue cheese and fruit in a way that feels intentional
- Yellow cherry tomatoes: Look for the ones that are truly golden; regular yellow tomatoes won't give you that jewel-like quality
- Yellow bell pepper: Diced small so it looks almost confetti-like scattered across the ring
- Pineapple chunks: This is where the yellow ring gets its tropical note; keep them slightly firm, not mushy
- Toasted cashews: Buttery and sweet, they balance the savory and acidic elements
- Black olives: Sliced thin so they're elegant, not chunky
- Black grapes: Halved to show their jewel interior; they add a subtle sweetness to what could otherwise be a heavy ring
- Black bean hummus: This is the creamy element that anchors each ring; make sure it's thick enough to hold its shape
- Pumpernickel bread: Cut into small rounds with a cookie cutter for that intentional, thoughtful look
- Cucumber slices: The green ring's light refresher; I slice them just before assembly so they stay crisp
- Green grapes: These provide visual pop and a clean sweetness
- Edamame: Already cooked takes the pressure off, and their firm texture is essential
- Fresh basil leaves: The basil is what makes people pause and say, oh, they really thought this through
- Cherry tomatoes: The heart of the red ring; look for ones that are deeply colored
- Red bell pepper: Bright and crisp, it's the ring's visual anchor
- Strawberries: Halved just before serving so they don't weep and turn the platter soggy
- Roasted red pepper hummus: Slightly sweeter than the black bean, it creates a nice contrast within the red ring
Instructions
- Start with your canvas:
- Clear off your largest platter or board, and if you're nervous about placement, lightly sketch five interlocking circles with a pencil on a piece of parchment paper underneath. This is your moment to breathe and plan, so take your time. Think of it like drawing the rings slightly overlapping, like they're holding hands.
- Begin with blue on the left:
- This is the Olympic layout, and following it feels right. Arrange your blueberries, broken blue corn chips, crumbled blue cheese, and walnuts in a circular pattern. As you work, layer the softer elements (berries, cheese) with the crunchier ones (chips, nuts) so no single component dominates visually. You're building a ring, not a pile.
- Move through yellow and black:
- The yellow ring is the brightest moment on the platter, so let those cherry tomatoes shine. Scatter the bell pepper, pineapple, and cashews around them deliberately. For the black ring (which sits in the upper middle position), use the olives and grapes as your anchors, spreading the hummus as a creamy base. The pumpernickel rounds are your jewels here.
- Frame with green and red:
- The green ring should feel fresh and light. Cucumber slices arranged like flower petals, grapes nestled between, edamame scattered, and basil leaves placed last so they don't wilt. The red ring is your finale, bursting with color. Those cherry tomatoes are your anchor again, with bell pepper, strawberries, and hummus completing the statement.
- Check your overlap:
- Step back and look at your work. Each ring should slightly overlap its neighbors, creating that interlocking effect. If there are gaps, add more of that ring's elements. This is where it transforms from ingredients into art.
- Serve with intention:
- If you're serving right away, your platter is ready for its moment. If you're holding it, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two hours. The cold actually makes the vegetables crisper and the colors more vivid.
Pin It There was one particular dinner party where someone brought their elderly mother who had seen the actual Olympic games in person. When she saw this platter, her eyes filled with tears. She told me it brought back memories of that moment when the world felt united, when we all gathered around something bigger than ourselves. That's when I knew this dish was more than just a pretty appetizer.
Why This Works for Every Occasion
This platter has a way of making people feel celebrated before they've even taken a bite. At formal dinner parties, it reads as thoughtful and sophisticated. At casual gatherings, it's the conversation piece everyone gravitates toward. The beauty of the five-ring structure is that it works for any group size—people naturally portion themselves and share, which creates this lovely communal moment. I've made it for corporate events, birthday celebrations, and even as a centerpiece for a casual family dinner, and every time, it transforms the meal into something memorable.
Customizing Your Rings
Once you understand the framework, you can play with the ingredients while keeping the visual impact. In summer, I swap pineapple for peaches in the yellow ring. In winter, I've used pomegranate seeds in the red ring when they're at their peak. The hummus bases are flexible too—try roasted garlic instead of red pepper, or cilantro lime if you're feeling adventurous. What matters is maintaining the color integrity of each ring and keeping the balance of soft, crunchy, and creamy elements within each one.
Making It Dietary-Friendly
I've hosted enough dinners to know that accommodating guests with different dietary needs doesn't mean sacrificing the vision. For a nut-free version, substitute the walnuts and cashews with seeds—sunflower, pumpkin, or hemp all work beautifully and give you that same crunch. For vegan guests, use cashew cheese or a commercial plant-based alternative instead of blue cheese, and opt for either hummus style throughout all five rings. For gluten-free, swap the pumpernickel for gluten-free crackers or roasted chickpeas. The platter remains stunning, and everyone feels included.
- Keep a small separate note about allergens, especially if nuts or seeds appear
- Prep ingredient substitutes in advance so you're not scrambling if someone mentions restrictions
- Remember that edamame, hummus, and fresh vegetables are naturally inclusive options
Pin It Every time I make this, I'm reminded that the best dishes aren't just about feeding people—they're about creating a moment where everyone feels like they're part of something special. This platter does exactly that.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the interlocking rings?
Sketch five overlapping circles on your serving surface as a guide. Arrange each color-themed ingredient within the circles to mimic the Olympic layout, overlapping rings slightly.
- → Can I prepare the platter in advance?
You can assemble the platter up to 2 hours before serving. Cover and refrigerate to maintain freshness and visual appeal.
- → What are good substitutions for nuts in this platter?
To make it nut-free, substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, keeping texture and crunch.
- → How can I make this platter vegan?
Use plant-based blue cheese alternatives and vegan hummus to replace dairy products and maintain flavor.
- → What pairings complement this appetizer?
A light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh and vibrant flavors of this platter well.