Save to Pinterest A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
This platter always brings smiles to our family picnics and is a delightful way to include everyone in the fun of assembling the ladybug.
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 Enjoying this platter brings the family together, sharing laughs as we assemble and eat the delightful ladybug.
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 platter is perfect for sunny days and sure to impress guests with its charming look and delicious flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cheese works best for the ladybug body?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert are ideal as they provide a smooth texture and firm shape suitable for assembling the platter.
- → How are the ladybug wings created?
Halved red bell peppers are sliced into curved pieces and arranged around the cheese to mimic the wings.
- → What toppings create the ladybug's spots?
Black grapes or olives are halved and placed on the bell pepper wings to represent the spots.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, by selecting plant-based cheeses and gluten-free breads and crackers, it suits vegan and gluten-free diets.
- → How should the platter be served?
Arrange the cheese centerpiece with decorated vegetables on a large board, place dips in bowls, and scatter bread and crackers around for dipping.
- → What garnish adds final touches?
Fresh chives and edible flowers add brightness and color to enhance the visual appeal.