Save 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 Notes
Pair with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with cucumber slices. Use gluten free crackers for a gluten free option.
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.
Save Recipe Questions
- → What fresh vegetables are included in the tray?
Baby carrots, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and radish slices create a colorful vegetable selection.
- → How is the tray arranged to resemble dragonflies?
Vegetables are placed in sweeping lines to mimic dragonfly wings, while clustered cheeses and meats form the body.
- → Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, simply omit cured meats and add marinated artichoke hearts or olives for a vegetarian-friendly tray.
- → What dips complement the tray?
Hummus, tzatziki, and fig jam offer a variety of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh basil leaves, edible flowers like nasturtium or pansy, and roasted pistachios provide visual elegance and added flavor.
- → Can this tray accommodate gluten-free preferences?
Yes, substitute crackers with gluten-free options and ensure breads are gluten-free to suit dietary needs.