Save to Pinterest A whimsical and colorful appetizer platter featuring fresh vegetables and cheese, creatively arranged to resemble ladybugs in a garden—perfect for parties, picnics, or kids gatherings.
This platter was a hit at our last family picnic, sparking joy with its playful presentation and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 18 cherry tomatoes, 18 black olives (pitted), 2 medium cucumbers, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 cup baby spinach leaves, 1 cup broccoli florets
- Cheese: 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Garnishes: 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers:
- Slice the cucumbers into ½-inch thick rounds and arrange them on a large serving platter to form the garden base.
- Add greens:
- Place baby spinach leaves and broccoli florets around the cucumber slices for a lush, green effect.
- Prepare ladybug bodies:
- Cut each cherry tomato in half. Place one half, cut side down, on a cucumber slice to form the ladybugs body.
- Attach ladybug heads:
- Slice black olives in half; attach one half to each tomato using a toothpick to form the ladybugs head.
- Add spots:
- Use a toothpick dipped in balsamic glaze to dot the cherry tomato backs or sprinkle a few black sesame seeds onto each for the spots.
- Arrange cheese and pepper:
- Place a mozzarella ball beside some of the ladybugs for contrast and add strips of yellow bell pepper as garden paths.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle fresh chives over the platter for a grassy effect.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.
Save to Pinterest Our kids absolutely loved helping make this platter, turning prepping into a fun family activity.
Preparation Time
25 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crackers or pita chips for added crunch and variety.
Storage Tips
Drizzle with olive oil or lemon-herb vinaigrette before serving for extra flavor. Use vegan cheese to make it fully plant-based.
Save to Pinterest This playful platter not only pleases the palate but also delights the eyes, making it an unforgettable appetizer.
Recipe FAQs
- → What vegetables create the garden base?
Sliced cucumbers are arranged as the base, surrounded by baby spinach and broccoli florets for a lush, green effect.
- → How are the ladybugs formed on the platter?
Cherry tomatoes halved form the ladybug bodies, with halved black olives as heads attached by toothpicks.
- → What adds the ladybug's characteristic spots?
Balsamic glaze dots or black sesame seeds are used on cherry tomatoes to mimic ladybug spots.
- → How can the platter be adapted for vegan diets?
Substitute mini mozzarella balls with a plant-based cheese alternative to make the platter vegan-friendly.
- → What garnishes enhance the garden effect?
Fresh finely chopped chives and yellow bell pepper strips add texture and color resembling garden elements.
- → Are toothpicks required for assembly?
Yes, toothpicks help secure olives to tomatoes but should be removed carefully before serving.