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 preparing this platter for family picnics because it brings smiles and encourages kids to eat more 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 Sharing this platter has become a beloved family ritual during our outdoor gatherings.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 9 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This fun and nutritious platter is sure to brighten any picnic and impress your guests.
Common Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for the ladybug body?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert work perfectly as they hold shape yet are creamy and mild in flavor.
- → How can I make this platter vegan-friendly?
Substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan versions of hummus and tzatziki for the dips.
- → Can I prepare the platter in advance?
Yes, you can assemble most components shortly before serving to maintain freshness, especially the vegetables and herbs.
- → What are good alternatives for the spots on the ladybug?
Black grapes halved or pitted black olives create natural-looking spots that add visual interest.
- → What accompaniments pair well with the platter?
Sliced baguette and whole-grain crackers work well for spreading dips, and light rosé wine or sparkling lemonade complement the flavors.