Double Helix Appetizer (Print Version)

Twisting lines of olives, tomatoes, and cheese create a visually stunning appetizer for any gathering.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base Lines

01 - 3.5 oz black olives, pitted and sliced
02 - 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 3.5 oz cucumber, cut into thin half-moons
04 - 3.5 oz roasted red peppers, sliced
05 - 3.5 oz smoked salmon or marinated tofu strips (optional)

→ Cheese Rungs

06 - 5.3 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into thin strips or small cubes
07 - 3.5 oz cheddar cheese, cut into thin strips or small cubes

→ Accompaniments

08 - 1.8 oz fresh basil leaves
09 - 1.8 oz crackers or gluten-free crackers (optional)
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - On a large serving board, create two long, parallel, gently twisting lines using alternating ingredients such as black olives on one line and cherry tomatoes on the other.
02 - Extend the parallel lines with cucumber, roasted red peppers, or smoked salmon/marinated tofu to enhance color contrast and fill the strands.
03 - Place mozzarella and cheddar cheese strips perpendicularly between the two lines at regular intervals, mimicking the base pairs of a DNA helix.
04 - Tuck fresh basil leaves along the lines to add color and aroma.
05 - Drizzle olive oil lightly over the assembly and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 - Present with crackers or gluten-free crackers on the side, if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It's completely no-cook, meaning you can assemble it minutes before guests arrive without any stress or kitchen heat
  • The visual impact is genuinely stunning—people photograph it, talk about it, and remember it long after the party ends
  • You can customize every element based on what you have on hand or what your guests prefer to eat
  • It works for any dietary preference, from vegetarian to vegan to gluten-free, without needing separate versions
02 -
  • Pat all your vegetables completely dry before assembling—any moisture will cause your board to become slippery and your helix to shift. I learned this the hard way when my beautiful creation slid across the board at a party.
  • Assemble no more than 30 minutes before serving. Fresh vegetables start to release liquid, and cheese softens in ways that look less intentional. Timing is everything here.
  • Use a sharp knife for everything. Clean, even cuts on your vegetables and cheese make the entire presentation look professional and deliberate, like you meant for every piece to be there.
03 -
  • Invest in a good sharp knife and take your time with uniform cuts. Everything on this board is competing for attention, so consistency matters—it signals intentionality and care.
  • Chill your serving board in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembling. A cool surface keeps everything fresher longer and prevents the cheese from softening too quickly.
  • Consider the height of your board as you're arranging. A shallow platter shows off the DNA pattern more clearly than a deep bowl, which hides the design in shadows.
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