Save A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
This playful platter has been a hit at every family picnic we've hosted, sparking smiles and conversations.
Ingredients
- Base & Dips: 1 large round wheel of soft cheese (Brie or Camembert, about 250 g), 100 g hummus, 100 g tzatziki
- Vegetables & Decoration: 1 large red bell pepper, 1 handful cherry tomatoes, 1 small cucumber, 1 black olive (pitted), 1 small bunch of fresh chives, 1 carrot, 1 handful black grapes or olives (for spots)
- Accompaniments: 1 baguette sliced, 100 g whole-grain crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ladybug Body:
- Place the round cheese wheel in the center of a large board as the ladybugs body.
- Create the Ladybug Wings:
- Slice the red bell pepper in half, remove seeds, and cut into two large curved pieces. Position them on top of the cheese to mimic wings, slightly parted.
- Make the Head:
- Slice a thick round from the cucumber and place at the top of the cheese wheel. Add a black olive on top as the nose.
- Add Spots:
- Use black grapes or olives, cut into halves, and place them on the bell pepper wings to create spots.
- Assemble the Face:
- Use small pieces of olive for eyes, and chive stems for antennae, inserting them into the cucumber slice.
- Decorate with Vegetables:
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices around the cheese to resemble grass and flowers.
- Serve with Dips:
- Place bowls of hummus and tzatziki on the board.
- Add Bread and Crackers:
- Arrange sliced baguette and crackers at the edges of the board for dipping and spreading.
- Optional:
- Sprinkle fresh chives and edible flowers for color and garnish.
Save This recipe brings the family together on sunny days, creating joyful memories around the picnic board.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for dips, sharp knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese), wheat (baguette crackers), sesame (hummus). May contain gluten—use gluten-free bread and crackers if necessary. Double-check all dips and breads for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230 Total Fat: 11 g Carbohydrates: 22 g Protein: 9 g
Save This fun picnic platter turns ordinary snacks into a delightful experience everyone will cherish.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheese works best for the platters body?
Soft round cheeses like Brie or Camembert provide a creamy, smooth base ideal for shaping the ladybug's body.
- → How can I create the ladybug wings?
Slice a red bell pepper in half, remove seeds, and place the curved pieces on the cheese to resemble wings.
- → What ingredients make the ladybug's spots?
Halved black grapes or pitted black olives are used to create distinct spots on the red bell pepper wings.
- → How do I make the ladybug’s head and antennae?
A thick cucumber slice topped with a black olive forms the head, while fresh chive stems inserted serve as antennae.
- → What are good accompaniments for this platter?
Sliced baguette and whole-grain crackers complement the creamy dips and fresh vegetables perfectly for spreading and dipping.
- → Can this platter be made vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute plant-based cheese and dips to accommodate vegan preferences without compromising flavor.