Olympic Rings Appetizer Platter

I still remember the moment I decided to create something that would make people stop and stare at a party. It was during the Olympics, watching athletes from around the world come together, and I thought: what if I could capture that same spirit of unity and celebration on a platter? That's when the Olympic Rings appetizer was born, a dish that's become my signature move at gatherings. It sounds complicated, but it's surprisingly simple, and the payoff is worth every minute spent arranging those beautiful, colorful circles.

The first time I made this for a dinner party, I was nervous about pulling it off. But as I arranged those interlocking rings and stepped back to look at it, something magical happened. My eight-year-old nephew walked by and said, 'Wow, that's like the Olympics on a plate!' That moment sealed it for me—this wasn't just food, it was art that brought joy before anyone even took a bite.

Ingredients

• Blueberries: These jewel-like berries form the foundation of your blue ring and bring a subtle tartness that balances the richness of the blue cheese perfectly
• Blue corn tortilla chips: They add a satisfying crunch and keep their vibrant color, which is key to making that blue ring pop on the platter
• Blue cheese, crumbled: A bold choice that brings umami depth—don't skip this, it's what makes people go back for more of the blue ring
• Toasted walnuts: Toasting them first brings out their flavor and creates little pockets of richness throughout the blue circle
• Yellow cherry tomatoes, halved: These bring sunshine to your platter and taste incredibly sweet, especially if you can find heirloom varieties
• Yellow bell pepper, diced: Fresh and crisp, this adds texture that keeps each bite interesting
• Pineapple chunks: The tropical sweetness here is what makes the yellow ring feel like a little vacation
• Toasted cashews: Their buttery quality makes the yellow ring feel almost dessert-like in a savory way
• Black olives, sliced: Use the good kind if you can—their briny depth anchors the black ring beautifully
• Black grapes, halved: They provide juicy sweetness that contrasts with the salty olives
• Black bean hummus: This is your binding ingredient, the creamy element that holds the black ring together visually
• Pumpernickel bread, cut into small rounds: Toasted lightly, these add a subtle earthiness and help define the ring's shape
• Cucumber slices: Fresh and cooling, they're the refreshing heart of the green ring
• Green grapes, halved: These add sweetness without overwhelming the delicate green palette
• Edamame, shelled and steamed: Slightly warm when you place them, they bring a nutty, satisfying element to the green ring
• Fresh basil leaves: This is your secret weapon—their aromatic quality makes the green ring feel sophisticated and garden-fresh
• Cherry tomatoes, halved: The true red ones are the star of the show, bursting with summer flavor
• Red bell pepper, diced: Sweet and crisp, these balance the acidity of the tomatoes
• Strawberries, halved: An unexpected addition that brings sweetness and a delicate pink hue to the red ring
• Roasted red pepper hummus: Creamy and slightly smoky, this ties the red ring together and adds a Mediterranean touch

Instructions

Set your stage:

Clear a large serving platter and give yourself plenty of space to work. If you're nervous about the layout, use parchment paper underneath to lightly sketch out five interlocking circles as a guide. Don't worry if it's not perfect—part of the charm is that it's handmade.

Build the blue ring:

Start with your leftmost circle. Begin placing blueberries in a circular pattern, then scatter the blue corn chips, blue cheese crumbles, and toasted walnuts between them. Step back frequently to make sure the colors are evenly distributed and the circle is taking shape.

Create the yellow ring:

Move to the right of the blue ring, making sure it overlaps slightly. Arrange your yellow cherry tomatoes as the base, then add yellow bell pepper pieces, pineapple chunks, and cashews. The yellow should feel bright and summery.

Layer the black ring:

Position this in the top right, overlapping both blue and yellow. Use the black olives and grapes as your main elements, then add dollops of black bean hummus and arrange the pumpernickel rounds. This ring is about contrast and depth.

Arrange the green ring:

Place this in the bottom left, overlapping blue and yellow. Cucumber slices are your starting point, then add green grapes, edamame, and scattered basil leaves. You'll notice the freshness of the greens literally lifts the entire platter.

Complete the red ring:

Finish in the bottom right, overlapping both black and green. Build with cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, strawberries, and roasted red pepper hummus. The red should feel warm and inviting.

Perfect the presentation:

Step back and look at your creation from different angles. Fill in any gaps, adjust colors where needed, and make sure each ring is clearly defined while still showing that beautiful Olympic interlocking pattern. This is where you make it yours.

Chill or serve:

You can serve immediately while everything is crisp and cold, or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two hours. The beauty of this is it actually gets better as flavors mingle slightly.

Save

Last year, I made this for my neighbor's birthday celebration, and watching her face light up when she saw it was everything. She kept saying, 'But how did you do this?' and I realized that the real magic wasn't in the technique—it was in the care taken to create something beautiful just for her. That's when I understood this recipe is about more than appetizers. It's about showing people they're worth the effort.

The Art of Color Theory on a Platter

What makes this platter work isn't just the flavors—it's the psychology of color. Each ring is designed to be visually distinct while harmonizing with its neighbors. The blue anchors you to calm and trust, yellow brings joy and energy, black adds sophistication and mystery, green feels fresh and vital, and red brings passion. When you arrange these together in the Olympic pattern, you're creating a visual story that makes people feel something before they even taste. This is why presentation matters as much as flavor.

Customize for Your Crowd

The beauty of this recipe is that it's infinitely flexible. If someone is allergic to nuts, swap cashews and walnuts for toasted sunflower seeds without losing any impact. For a vegan crowd, use plant-based cheese and hummus. If you're at a gluten-free gathering, skip the pumpernickel and use gluten-free crackers or simply add more vegetables. The structure stays the same, but you're honoring what your guests actually need.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

Here's what I've learned through trial and error: you can prep all your ingredients in separate small bowls the night before, and the actual assembly takes just 20 minutes on the day of your event. This means you're not stressed out trying to dice peppers while guests are arriving. The platter itself keeps well in the fridge for up to two hours, covered loosely. The only things that might soften are the chips and bread, so if you're making it very far ahead, add those last.

• Prep all cut ingredients in advance and store in airtight containers separately
• Assemble no more than two hours before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh
• If you need to transport it, use a large flat container and arrange it again at your destination

Save

Every time someone serves me the Olympic Rings platter, I smile because I know they're offering more than just food—they're offering a moment of beauty and joy. Make this, share this, and watch how something so simple becomes a memory.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I assemble the Olympic rings platter?

Lightly sketch five interlocking circles on your serving platter as a guide. Arrange themed ingredients within each ring, ensuring they overlap slightly to mimic the Olympic symbol's layout.

→ Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and arrange the platter up to two hours in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

→ Are there vegan options available?

Substitute blue cheese with plant-based alternatives and use vegan hummus to accommodate vegan guests while maintaining rich flavors.

→ What are good accompaniments for this platter?

Serve with assorted gluten-free crackers or toasted nuts, and pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a complete experience.

→ Can nuts be replaced for allergies?

Yes, nuts such as walnuts and cashews can be substituted with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to make the platter nut-free.

→ How do I ensure the platter stays fresh?

Keep the platter covered in the refrigerator and assemble close to serving time. Use fresh ingredients and avoid soggy components by draining excess moisture.