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 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
Save Recipe Questions
- → How can I make this tray vegetarian-friendly?
Simply omit the cured meats and add marinated artichoke hearts or olives to maintain variety and flavor.
- → What is the best way to arrange the vegetables?
Arrange the vegetables in sweeping lines to resemble dragonfly wings, using contrasting colors for visual appeal.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
Yes, prepare and assemble the tray, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep ingredients fresh.
- → What garnishes enhance the tray’s presentation?
Fresh basil leaves, edible flowers like nasturtium or pansy, and roasted pistachios add natural elegance.
- → Are there gluten-free options for crackers and bread?
Yes, use gluten-free crackers and breads to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.