Pin It 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.
Kids can help assemble the ladybugs for a fun activity and I always enjoy how vibrant this platter looks on my party table.
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
- Step 1:
- Slice the cucumbers into ½-inch thick rounds and arrange them on a large serving platter to form the garden base.
- Step 2:
- Place baby spinach leaves and broccoli florets around the cucumber slices for a lush, green effect.
- Step 3:
- Cut each cherry tomato in half. Place one half, cut side down, on a cucumber slice to form the ladybugs body.
- Step 4:
- Slice black olives in half; attach one half to each tomato using a toothpick to form the ladybugs head.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- Place a mozzarella ball beside some of the ladybugs for contrast, and add strips of yellow bell pepper as garden paths.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle fresh chives over the platter for a grassy effect.
- Step 8:
- Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.
Pin It This platter always brings smiles at our family picnics where children enjoy spotting their own ladybugs before eating.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, Cutting board, Toothpicks, Large serving platter, Small spoon or toothpick for balsamic glaze
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 105 calories, 5 g total fat, 9 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crackers or pita chips for added crunch and an extra touch to your appetizer spread.
Pin It A perfect fresh and fun appetizer that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you create the ladybug effect on the platter?
Halve cherry tomatoes for the ladybug bodies, top with halved black olives as heads, and use balsamic glaze or black sesame seeds to add spots.
- → What vegetables are used in this colorful arrangement?
Slices of cucumber, baby spinach leaves, broccoli florets, yellow bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and black olives form the vibrant garden scene.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it is vegetarian and gluten-free. Vegan cheese can replace mozzarella for a fully plant-based option.
- → What garnishes enhance the visual and flavor appeal?
Freshly chopped chives, black sesame seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze provide both color contrast and flavor accents.
- → Are there tips for serving and assembling this platter?
Use toothpicks carefully to hold components together, remove them before serving, and encourage kids to help assemble for an interactive experience.