Olympic Rings Appetizer Platter

I'll never forget the moment I decided to recreate the Olympic rings on a platter for my best friend's watch party. She was training for the games, and I wanted to do something that felt as celebratory and meaningful as her dedication. That's when it hit me—why not make the five rings edible? What started as a Pinterest inspiration became this stunning appetizer that had everyone gathered around, amazed at how each color told its own delicious story. It became less about the competition and more about bringing people together, one beautiful ring at a time.

The real turning point came when my sister brought her family over and my five-year-old nephew asked if he could eat 'the Olympic logo.' Watching him carefully pick through each ring, learning colors while tasting new flavors, reminded me that food is how we teach love. That's when I knew this wasn't just a pretty platter—it was an experience.

Ingredients

• Blueberries (1 cup): These are your deep blue foundation for the first ring. Fresh and plump ones matter more than frozen here since you want that jewel-like appearance and natural sweetness
• Blue corn tortilla chips, broken (1/2 cup): The secret crunch that keeps everything interesting—they add texture and that earthy corn flavor that grounds the sweetness
• Blue cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup): This is your umami anchor, the salty-tangy moment that makes people pause and really taste. Don't skimp on quality here
• Toasted walnuts (2 tbsp): Toast them yourself if you can—that warm, nutty aroma filling your kitchen is part of the magic, plus they stay crunchier this way
• Yellow cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Pick the sweetest ones you can find. They're the sunshine of this platter and should taste like summer
• Yellow bell pepper, diced (1/2 cup): The bright, crisp counterpoint to the soft tomatoes—this is where color psychology meets actual flavor balance
• Pineapple chunks (1/2 cup): A tropical surprise that no one quite expects. Fresh pineapple brings this beautiful acidity that wakes up your palate
• Toasted cashews (1/4 cup): Buttery and slightly sweet, they bridge the gap between the savory peppers and fruity pineapple beautifully
• Black olives, sliced (1/2 cup): Go for Kalamata if you can—they have this sophisticated depth that cheaper olives just can't match
• Black grapes, halved (1 cup): The unexpected hero. Their subtle sweetness keeps the black ring from feeling too heavy or salty
• Black bean hummus (1/2 cup): A creamy, protein-rich spread that makes this feel substantial. Make it yourself for better flavor, or choose a good brand that doesn't taste like a can
• Pumpernickel bread, cut into rounds (1/2 cup): These little circles echo the Olympic rings concept and add that hearty, earthy German bread flavor
• Cucumber slices (1 cup): Thin, refreshing, the palette cleanser of the platter. Their natural coolness is essential for balance
• Green grapes, halved (1/2 cup): Crisp and clean-tasting, they remind you of spring even in the middle of winter
• Edamame, shelled and steamed (1/2 cup): Warm or room temperature—they add protein and that slightly nutty green flavor that feels whole-food and real
• Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup): Tear them gently by hand just before assembling, not with a knife—it keeps them from bruising and tastes so much fresher
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): The classic red—juicy, familiar, and the ingredient everyone reaches for first
• Red bell pepper, diced (1/2 cup): Sweet and crisp, it's the vegetable that tastes a little bit like candy to kids but feels fancy to adults
• Strawberries, halved (1/2 cup): A gentle sweetness that keeps the red ring from being too tomato-heavy. They add that delicate fruit note
• Roasted red pepper hummus (1/4 cup): Slightly smoky and sweet, it ties the red ring together with its warm, roasted complexity

Instructions

Map Your Rings:

Grab your large platter—I like using a white or natural wood one so the colors pop like they're meant to. Using a pencil gently sketch five circles directly on the platter or lay down parchment paper first as a guide. The Olympic ring pattern goes blue on the left, then black and red on top, with yellow and green interlocking below. Don't stress about perfect circles—nature isn't perfect, and neither should your rings be. This is about celebration, not geometry class.

Assemble the Blue Ring:

Start with your first circle. Layer the blueberries first to form the ring shape, then scatter the blue cheese crumbles through them like little sapphires. Add the broken tortilla chips here and there for crunch, finishing with the walnuts placed intentionally so they catch the light. Step back and look at it—does it feel balanced? Can you see all the different textures? That's what you're going for.

Build the Yellow Ring:

This one should feel like sunshine. Arrange the yellow tomato halves in a circle, then weave in the diced bell pepper pieces. Add pineapple chunks scattered throughout—they should peek out like little golden treasures. Finish with cashews placed where you see gaps. This ring will be the one people notice first because it's so bright.

Create the Black Ring:

The sophistication ring. Lay down the black olive slices in arcs, then place halved black grapes in between them. The contrast of black against the platter really matters here. Dollop the black bean hummus at a few points around the ring—it anchors everything. Arrange pumpernickel rounds like small platforms for dipping. This ring is about depth and richness.

Prepare the Green Ring:

Freshness and vitality. Layer cucumber slices so they overlap slightly, creating a flowing pattern. Scatter green grapes throughout, then distribute the edamame between them. Just before serving, tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over top—basil bruises if it sits too long, so this is the last-minute touch. Everything about this ring should feel alive and bright.

Finish with the Red Ring:

The passionate finale. Halved cherry tomatoes form the main circle, with red bell pepper dices nestled between them. Add strawberry halves for that unexpected sweetness—let them peek out like little secrets. Dollop roasted red pepper hummus at intervals. This ring draws the eye and makes people want to dive in immediately.

Check Your Interlocks:

Step back and look at all five rings together. They should overlap slightly, just like the real Olympic rings. If you can, take a photo now—this is your masterpiece before anyone disturbs it. Make sure you can see all five colors distinctly. Every ring should feel equally important and equally delicious.

Timing is Everything:

Serve within 30 minutes if possible—this is when everything is at its freshest and crunchiest. If you're preparing ahead, you can build the rings and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours. Just add the basil and any soft ingredients right before bringing it to the table. The cold actually helps everything taste even fresher.

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There was this moment during the watch party when everyone went quiet, just staring at the platter before grabbing their phones to take pictures. My friend squeezed my hand and said, 'This is art.' I realized then that sometimes the most meaningful dishes aren't about complicated techniques—they're about showing up with intention and making something beautiful for the people you love.

How to Make This Crowd-Pleasing

The beauty of this platter is that it's genuinely flexible. If your guests are nut-free, swap the walnuts and cashews for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds—they'll get the same toasted crunch without the concern. If gluten is an issue, replace the pumpernickel with thin apple slices or more vegetables. For vegans, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and quality hummus. I've made this dozens of ways, and it's never disappointed because the core concept is sound—you're celebrating color, flavor, and unity on one plate.

Wine and Pairing Magic

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc really does float above this platter like it was written in the stars. The acidity cuts through the richness of the blue cheese and hummus, while the herbaceous notes echo the basil and fresh vegetables. But honestly, I've served this with sparkling water and fresh mint, with a light Pinot Grigio, even with a pale rosé on a summer evening. Whatever feels celebratory to you is the right choice. The food is generous enough to play well with almost anything.

Scaling This Up or Down

For smaller gatherings, make just three rings instead of five—blue, yellow, and red is a beautiful statement. For larger crowds, double everything and use a bigger platter or even a table as your canvas. I've done this for wedding showers on an actual buffet table, and it was absolutely show-stopping. The ingredients scale beautifully, and the prep time stays roughly the same because you're just doing more of the same meditative arranging.

• If making ahead, store cut ingredients in separate containers and assemble on the platter just 30 minutes before serving for maximum freshness
• Use the pencil guide even if you think you don't need it—those ghost circles are your safety net and keep everything balanced
• Remember that this is forgiving—if a ring isn't perfectly circular or symmetrical, it's still Olympic rings, it's still beautiful, and it's still delicious

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Every time I make this, I'm reminded that food is the language of togetherness. The Olympic rings aren't just about competition—they're about unity, and that's exactly what this platter celebrates. Make it, share it, watch people smile.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I assemble the rings accurately?

Lightly sketch five interlocking circles on parchment paper as a guide, then arrange each ring’s ingredients carefully to overlap slightly, mimicking the Olympic symbol.

→ Can I make this platter vegan?

Yes, substitute blue cheese and hummus with plant-based alternatives and use nuts and fresh vegetables for a fully vegan version.

→ What are suitable serving suggestions?

Serve the platter chilled within two hours, alongside gluten-free crackers or crisp breads and pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

→ Are there allergen considerations?

The platter contains dairy, nuts, and gluten; suitable substitutions include seed swaps and gluten-free breads to accommodate sensitivities.

→ Can I prepare it in advance?

It’s best served fresh but can be covered and refrigerated for up to two hours prior to serving without losing its vibrant presentation.