Pin it I'll never forget the moment I decided to bring the Olympics into my kitchen. It was late one night, scrolling through party inspiration, when I realized that the five interlocking rings weren't just a symbol—they were a blueprint for the most beautiful, conversation-starting appetizer platter I'd ever seen. The next morning, I gathered my ingredients like an artist preparing their palette, determined to create something that would make people gasp the moment they walked in. The Olympic Rings Interlock became my love letter to color, flavor, and the magic that happens when you arrange simple foods with intention.
The first time I made this for my sister's birthday party, I watched her face light up when she walked into the kitchen. She actually gasped. It wasn't just an appetizer—it was a centerpiece, a conversation starter, a reminder that food is as much about beauty and unity as it is about nourishment. That's when I knew this recipe was something special.
Ingredients
- Blueberries (1 cup for the blue ring): These little gems are nature's most perfect blue—sweet, slightly tart, and they hold their color beautifully. I learned to buy them a day or two early and let them come to room temperature; cold blueberries tend to look a bit dull compared to their warmer cousins.
- Blue corn tortilla chips (1/2 cup, broken into bite-sized pieces): These add crunch and earthiness to the blue ring. The texture contrast is what makes this ring memorable—it's not just visuals, it's that satisfying crunch.
- Blue cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): A bold, salty choice that anchors the blue ring with sophistication. Use a good quality cheese; it makes all the difference in how this ring tastes.
- Toasted walnuts (2 tbsp): The richness here balances the tanginess of the blue cheese. Toasting them yourself (even just 3 minutes in a dry skillet) releases their oils and deepens their flavor exponentially.
- Yellow cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved for the yellow ring): Sunshine in fruit form. These are sweeter than their red cousins and bring genuine cheerfulness to the platter.
- Yellow bell pepper (1/2 cup, diced): Sweet and crisp, this pepper adds brightness and crunch. Dice it evenly so each piece feels intentional.
- Pineapple chunks (1/2 cup): Fresh pineapple brings tropical joy and a gentle sweetness that ties the yellow ring together. Skip the canned version—fresh makes all the difference here.
- Toasted cashews (1/4 cup): Buttery and smooth, cashews feel luxurious. Toast them just until fragrant—about 2 minutes.
- Black olives (1/2 cup, sliced for the black ring): Briny and bold, they're the soul of the black ring. Their saltiness plays beautifully against the sweetness of the black grapes.
- Black grapes (1 cup, halved): Deep and sweet, these grapes add visual drama and gentle flavor. Halving them helps them nestle into the arrangement.
- Black bean hummus (1/2 cup): This is your creamy anchor for the black ring. It also happens to make this platter naturally vegan-friendly if that matters to your guests.
- Pumpernickel bread (1/2 cup, cut into small rounds): Small rounds work best—they're easier to arrange and feel more intentional. Toast them lightly if you want extra crunch.
- Cucumber slices (1 cup for the green ring): Cool, crisp, and refreshing. These are your palate cleansers within the platter. Slice them just before serving so they stay crisp.
- Green grapes (1/2 cup, halved): Tart and bright, they balance the earthiness of the edamame. Their tartness is what makes the green ring sing.
- Edamame (1/2 cup, shelled and steamed): Protein-packed and slightly nutty, steamed edamame adds substance to this ring. Steam them until just tender, then cool slightly.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup): Tear or leave whole just before serving so they stay vibrant and fragrant. Basil oxidizes quickly, so timing matters.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved for the red ring): The classic choice for the red ring—sweet, juicy, and absolutely essential. Choose the ripest ones you can find.
- Red bell pepper (1/2 cup, diced): Sweet and crisp, it's the textural partner to the soft tomatoes. Dice evenly for visual consistency.
- Strawberries (1/2 cup, halved): A surprising touch that adds fresh sweetness. They bridge the gap between fruit and vegetable beautifully.
- Roasted red pepper hummus (1/4 cup): Smoky and creamy, this hummus grounds the red ring with depth and makes it feel complete.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Canvas:
- Find a large, clean serving platter—this is your stage. If you want to be precise, lightly sketch five interlocking circles using a pencil on parchment paper placed underneath, or simply use the natural spacing of your platter as your guide. The beauty here is that it doesn't have to be perfect; the overlapping circles are what make it feel Olympic and unified.
- Prep All Your Ingredients:
- Before you start arranging, have everything chopped, toasted, and ready to go in small bowls beside your platter. This is your mise en place moment—it makes the actual arranging feel smooth and joyful rather than rushed.
- Begin with the Blue Ring:
- Start with your largest or most confident ring. Arrange the blueberries, blue cheese, corn chips, and walnuts in a circular pattern, allowing them to overlap and nestle together naturally. Think of it like creating a wreath—loose, organic, beautiful. The blue ring sets the tone for what comes next.
- Add the Yellow Ring:
- Slightly overlapping the blue ring, arrange your yellow tomatoes, bell pepper, pineapple, and cashews in their own circle. The overlapping is crucial—that's where the Olympic magic happens, where unity becomes visible.
- Layer in the Black Ring:
- Continue with olives, black grapes, black bean hummus (place this slightly away from the edge so it's dippable), and pumpernickel rounds. This ring sits at the top right, overlapping both blue and yellow.
- Create the Green Ring:
- Arrange cucumber slices, green grapes, edamame, and basil leaves in the lower left, overlapping green's designated neighbors. The basil stays freshest if you add it in the last few minutes before serving.
- Complete the Red Ring:
- Finish with the red ring in the lower right. Arrange cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, strawberries, and place your roasted red pepper hummus as a creamy focal point. This final ring brings the whole composition home.
- Take a Step Back and Adjust:
- Look at your platter from above. Rearrange anything that feels off-balance or where colors aren't quite singing. This is your moment to be an artist—trust your eye and your instincts.
- Serve or Chill:
- This platter can go straight to the table, or you can cover it loosely and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. If you chill it, add any fresh basil just before serving so it stays vibrant and aromatic.
Pin it What I love most about this platter is that it transforms a simple gathering into something ceremonial. There's something about the Olympic rings that speaks to unity and celebration—and when people see this on the table, they immediately feel like they're part of something special. It's food as communication, as art, as invitation.
Why This Platter Works as a Centerpiece
Most appetizer platters are functional—they sit on a table and get eaten. But this one does something different. It's beautiful enough to photograph, meaningful enough to remember, and delicious enough that people keep coming back for more. The Olympic rings speak a universal language of unity and excellence, which makes this platter feel like more than just an appetizer. It becomes a moment, a memory, a reason to celebrate together.
Customization and Adaptations
The magic of this platter is its flexibility. Can't find blue corn chips? Use regular tortillas tinted with beet juice, or simply substitute with more blue cheese and walnuts. Prefer seeds to nuts for a nut-free version? Swap in toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds—they'll add the same crunch and richness. For a vegan version, replace the blue cheese with more hummus or cashew cheese, and use seed-based spreads instead of dairy-based ones. The structure remains the same; only the details change.
The Perfect Serving Strategy
When you present this platter, give your guests a moment to simply look at it before they dive in. Place small plates nearby and encourage people to taste each ring as its own experience before mixing flavors. Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling wine—the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. You might also set out some good quality gluten-free crackers on the side for those who want to scoop the hummuses. This isn't just an appetizer service; it's a guided experience.
- Serve the platter at room temperature so all flavors are at their brightest and most pronounced
- Have small cocktail plates and napkins easily accessible so guests can enjoy without feeling like they're standing at a buffet
- Consider creating little cards with the Olympic ring colors and their flavor profiles—it adds a playful, intentional touch that guests will remember
Pin it This platter reminds us that food is never just about sustenance—it's about bringing people together under a shared symbol of excellence and unity. Serve it with pride and joy.
Recipe Q&A
- → How should the rings be arranged on the platter?
Use a sketch or parchment as a guide to draw five interlocking circles mimicking the Olympic rings layout, placing blue, black, and red on top, with yellow and green below.
- → What are good ingredient substitutions for allergies?
Replace nuts with seeds for nut-free options, and swap cheese and hummus with plant-based versions to accommodate vegan diets.
- → How long can the platter be prepared in advance?
Assemble and cover the platter, then refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Can this be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using gluten-free crackers or bread alternatives in the black ring and ensuring all packaged items are gluten-free.
- → What beverages pair well with this appetizer?
A light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh and vibrant flavors of the platter nicely.