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.
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 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
Pin it This appetizer tray is a feast for the eyes and the palate a perfect way to impress guests with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make this tray vegetarian?
Simply omit the cured meats and add marinated artichoke hearts or olives to maintain flavor and variety.
- → What are some suitable pairing beverages?
Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with cucumber slices complement the fresh and savory flavors nicely.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this tray?
Use gluten-free crackers to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste and texture.
- → How to arrange the tray to resemble dragonflies?
Arrange vegetables in sweeping lines to mimic wings, cluster cheeses and meats for the body, and use garnishes to enhance the natural design.
- → What garnish adds a nature-inspired touch?
Fresh basil leaves, edible flowers like nasturtium or pansy, and roasted pistachios provide vibrant and natural finishing touches.