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.
This appetizer tray has been a favorite at our gatherings for its beauty and variety, always impressing guests with its fresh flavors and colorful arrangement.
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 Sharing this tray always sparks lively conversation and appreciation from family and friends, creating memorable moments around the table.
Notes
For extra color include bell pepper strips or purple cauliflower. Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.
Required Tools
Large serving tray or platter, small bowls for dips, sharp knife, cutting board, serving tongs.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese), gluten (crackers and bread), and nuts (pistachios). Some dips may contain sesame (hummus) or dairy (tzatziki). Always verify ingredient labels for allergies.
Save This appetizer tray brings elegance and freshness to any party and is easily customized for dietary preferences.
Recipe Help
- → How can I make this tray vegetarian?
Simply omit the cured meats and add marinated artichoke hearts or olives to maintain variety and flavor.
- → What dips complement the tray best?
Hummus, tzatziki, and fig jam provide a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet elements that enhance the assortment.
- → How should I arrange the ingredients for best effect?
Arrange fresh vegetables in sweeping lines to mimic dragonfly wings, cluster cheeses and meats for the body, and place dips and crackers decoratively around the edges.
- → Can this tray be prepared in advance?
Ingredients can be prepped earlier, but it’s best to assemble and garnish just before serving to preserve freshness and visual appeal.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, replacing standard crackers and bread with gluten-free alternatives works well without compromising taste.