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
I love serving this appetizer tray at gatherings because it not only looks stunning but also offers something for everyone's taste buds
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 This tray always sparks joy at family events, reminding us how food brings everyone together in a beautiful and delicious way
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
Per serving with meats and cheese: Calories 260, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 18 g, Protein 10 g
Save This appetizer tray is a perfect combination of elegance and ease, making your entertaining effortless and impressive
Common Questions
- → How should the vegetables be prepared for this tray?
Wash thoroughly, pat dry, and slice into visually appealing shapes like rounds and halved pieces to create vibrant wing-like patterns.
- → Can this tray be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, omit cured meats and consider adding marinated artichoke hearts or olives for added flavor and texture.
- → What cheeses complement the fresh vegetables well?
Goat cheese rounds, cubed cheddar, and brie wedges provide varied textures and mild to rich flavors that balance the fresh vegetables.
- → Which dips pair best with the assorted ingredients?
Hummus, tzatziki, and fig jam add creamy, tangy, and sweet notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- → Are there any suggested garnishes to enhance presentation?
Fresh basil leaves, edible flowers, and roasted pistachios add natural color contrasts and a refined finish.
- → What tools make assembling the tray easier?
Use a large serving tray, small bowls for dips, a sharp knife for slicing, a cutting board, and serving tongs for neat arrangement.