Save 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 it encourages fresh vegetable eating.
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.
Save Kids helping to assemble made our family gathering extra special this year.
Required Tools
Sharp knife Cutting board Toothpicks Large serving platter Small spoon or toothpick for balsamic glaze
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (mozzarella balls) Olives may be processed in facilities with nuts check labels if allergies are a concern Always verify cheese ingredients for vegetarians
Nutritional Information
Calories 105 Total Fat 5 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 5 g
Save This delightful platter adds fun and nutrition to any occasion and appeals to all ages.
Recipe Questions
- → What vegetables are used to create the garden base?
The base is made of sliced cucumbers, baby spinach leaves, and broccoli florets to provide a fresh, green foundation.
- → How are the ladybugs formed on the platter?
Cherry tomatoes halved form the ladybug bodies, with black olive halves attached to represent the heads.
- → What adds the spots on the ladybugs?
Spots are made by dotting cherry tomato backs with balsamic glaze or sprinkling black sesame seeds.
- → Can the cheese be substituted for dietary preferences?
Yes, mini mozzarella balls can be replaced with vegan cheese for a plant-based version.
- → What garnishes enhance the garden effect?
Fresh chives are sprinkled over the platter and yellow bell pepper strips are used as garden paths for added color and texture.
- → Is this platter suitable for kids to help assemble?
Absolutely, assembling the ladybugs can be a fun, simple activity for children to participate in.