Save to Pinterest A vibrant, elegant appetizer tray inspired by nature&s colors and textures, perfect for entertaining. Features a delightful medley of fresh vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, dips, and crackers arranged artfully to evoke the grace of dragonflies.
Ingredients
- Fresh Vegetables: 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber slices, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup sugar snap peas, 1/2 cup radish slices
- Cheeses: 100 g goat cheese, cut into rounds, 100 g cheddar cheese, cubed, 100 g brie, cut into wedges
- Cured Meats (optional for vegetarian version omit): 100 g prosciutto, thinly sliced, 100 g salami, sliced
- Dips & Spreads: 1/2 cup hummus, 1/2 cup tzatziki, 1/4 cup fig jam
- Crackers & Breads: 1 cup assorted crackers, 1 cup baguette slices
- Garnishes & Decorative Elements: 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup edible flowers (such as nasturtium or pansy), 2 tbsp roasted pistachios, shelled
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and prepare all fresh vegetables pat dry.
- Step 2:
- Arrange vegetables in sweeping lines to resemble dragonfly wings, using contrasting colors for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Place cheese and cured meat slices in clusters, mimicking dragonfly bodies.
- Step 4:
- Spoon dips into small bowls and position them decoratively around the tray.
- Step 5:
- Fan out crackers and baguette slices along the edges.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with basil leaves, edible flowers, and pistachios for a nature-inspired finish.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest Required Tools
Large serving tray or platter, Small bowls for dips, Sharp knife, Cutting board, Serving tongs
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese), gluten (crackers/bread), and nuts (pistachios). Some dips may contain sesame (hummus) or dairy (tzatziki). Always verify ingredient labels for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 10 g
Save to Pinterest This appetizer tray combines beauty and flavor, perfect for any party or gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I arrange the ingredients for visual appeal?
Arrange vegetables in sweeping lines to mimic dragonfly wings, cluster cheeses and meats to form the body, and place dips and crackers around the edges for balance.
- → Can I make this tray vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, simply omit the cured meats and consider adding marinated artichoke hearts or olives to maintain variety and flavor.
- → What dips pair well with this appetizer tray?
Hummus, tzatziki, and fig jam add creamy, tangy, and sweet notes that complement the fresh vegetables and cheeses beautifully.
- → Are there suitable options for gluten-free guests?
Use gluten-free crackers or bread alternatives to accommodate guests with gluten sensitivities without compromising the tray's appeal.
- → How long can the appetizer tray be prepared in advance?
Assemble shortly before serving or cover and refrigerate until ready; fresh vegetables and garnishes are best enjoyed within a few hours.