Save A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
This platter has become a favorite at family picnics and always brings smiles to the table.
Ingredients
- Base & Dips: 1 large round wheel of soft cheese (Brie or Camembert about 250 g), 100 g hummus, 100 g tzatziki
- Vegetables & Decoration: 1 large red bell pepper, 1 handful cherry tomatoes, 1 small cucumber, 1 black olive (pitted), 1 small bunch of fresh chives, 1 carrot, 1 handful black grapes or olives (for spots)
- Accompaniments: 1 baguette sliced, 100 g whole-grain crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ladybug Body:
- Place the round cheese wheel in the center of a large board as the ladybugs body.
- Create the Ladybug Wings:
- Slice the red bell pepper in half remove seeds and cut into two large curved pieces. Position them on top of the cheese to mimic wings slightly parted.
- Make the Head:
- Slice a thick round from the cucumber and place at the top of the cheese wheel. Add a black olive on top as the nose.
- Add Spots:
- Use black grapes or olives cut into halves and place them on the bell pepper wings to create spots.
- Assemble the Face:
- Use small pieces of olive for eyes and chive stems for antennae inserting them into the cucumber slice.
- Decorate with Vegetables:
- Arrange cherry tomatoes carrot sticks and cucumber slices around the cheese to resemble grass and flowers.
- Serve with Dips:
- Place bowls of hummus and tzatziki on the board.
- Add Bread and Crackers:
- Arrange sliced baguette and crackers at the edges of the board for dipping and spreading.
- Optional:
- Sprinkle fresh chives and edible flowers for color and garnish.
Save This dish brings joyful moments to our family gatherings and always sparks creative serving ideas.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for dips, sharp knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese), wheat (baguette crackers), sesame (hummus). May contain gluten—use gluten-free bread and crackers if necessary. Double-check all dips and breads for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 230, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 22 g, Protein 9 g per serving
Save Serve immediately to enjoy freshness or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the ladybug shape created on the platter?
The base is a round wheel of soft cheese placed in the center. Red bell pepper halves form the wings, a cucumber slice makes the head topped with a black olive, and black grapes or olives create the spots.
- → What dips accompany the vegetable platter?
Hummus and tzatziki are served in small bowls alongside the platter, providing creamy textures and flavors that complement the fresh vegetables and cheese.
- → Can this platter be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting the soft cheese and dips with plant-based alternatives, the platter remains flavorful and suitable for vegan diets.
- → What other vegetables can be added for variety?
Radishes, snap peas, mini sweet peppers, or additional seasonal vegetables can be arranged around the platter to enhance colors and flavors.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
To accommodate gluten-free needs, use gluten-free bread and crackers, and verify that dips are free from gluten-containing ingredients.
- → What tools are needed to assemble the platter?
A large serving board, sharp knife, cutting board, and small bowls for dips are all required for preparing and presenting the platter.