Save 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 during our family picnics and is fun to assemble with kids.
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 has created many joyful family picnic moments filled with laughter and creativity.
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 This whimsical platter makes any picnic special and encourages healthy eating in a fun way.
Cooking Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for the ladybug body?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert hold shape well and provide a creamy base for decoration.
- → Can the dips be substituted?
Yes, hummus and tzatziki can be replaced with plant-based alternatives or other creamy dips to suit preferences.
- → How to create the ladybug spots?
Use halved black grapes or pitted black olives arranged on the bell pepper wings to mimic spots.
- → What breads pair well with this platter?
Sliced baguette and whole-grain crackers add crunch and are ideal for spreading dips.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using gluten-free bread and crackers makes the platter accessible to gluten-sensitive individuals.