Pin It 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.
This appetizer tray has become my go-to for parties because it's both visually stunning and delicious, always impressing guests.
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.
Pin It My family loves gathering around this tray, sharing stories and savoring the fresh flavors together during every celebration.
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
Per serving with meats and cheese: Calories 260, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 10 g
Pin It This appetizer tray is perfect for effortless entertaining and brings a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the dragonfly wings effect?
Fresh baby carrots, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and radish slices are arranged in sweeping lines to mimic dragonfly wings with contrasting colors.
- → How can I adapt the tray for vegetarians?
Omit cured meats and add marinated artichoke hearts or olives to maintain the tray's variety and color while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
- → What dips complement the tray best?
Hummus, tzatziki, and fig jam provide diverse flavors that pair well with vegetables, cheeses, and crackers included on the tray.
- → Are there any recommended garnishes?
Fresh basil leaves, edible flowers like nasturtium or pansy, and roasted pistachios add a nature-inspired, colorful finish enhancing visual appeal.
- → What serving tools are suggested for this tray?
Use a large serving tray or platter, small bowls for dips, a sharp knife, cutting board, and serving tongs for easy arrangement and serving.