Save to Pinterest A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
I love making this platter for family picnics; it always brings smiles and encourages everyone to try fresh veggies.
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 to Pinterest This platter always brings my family together outdoors, making picnic moments truly special.
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 per serving
Save to Pinterest This ladybug picnic platter is easy to assemble yet impressive to serve, making it a perfect choice for casual gatherings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cheeses work best for the ladybug body?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert are ideal due to their round shape and creamy texture that serve as a perfect centerpiece.
- → Can I substitute the dips with vegan options?
Yes, plant-based cheese and dips such as vegan hummus or cucumber yogurt alternatives work well for a vegan-friendly platter.
- → How do I create the ladybug wings?
Sliced red bell pepper halves are used to mimic wings, placed over the round cheese with a slight gap for a natural look.
- → What vegetables are used for decoration?
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, chives, black grapes or olives create spots and the face details, enhancing the playful design.
- → How should I serve the platter?
Arrange the platter on a large board with dips in small bowls alongside sliced baguette and crackers, allowing easy sharing and dipping.
- → Is this platter suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free bread and crackers and verifying dip ingredients, you can keep the platter gluten-free.