Save A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
I enjoy creating this fun platter for family picnics as it always brings smiles and encourages everyone 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 This platter is always a hit at our family picnics when everyone shares and enjoys the creative presentation together.
Notes
For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese and dips. Add other colorful vegetables like radishes, snap peas, or mini sweet peppers for more variety. Pairs well with a light rosé wine or sparkling lemonade for a family picnic.
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.
Save This charming ladybug picnic plank combines fun visuals with fresh flavors to brighten any outdoor meal.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What cheese works best for the ladybug body?
A soft round cheese such as Brie or Camembert provides the ideal creamy texture and shape for the central body.
- → How can I create the ladybug’s wings?
Slicing a red bell pepper in half and removing seeds produces curved wing shapes that lay beautifully atop the cheese.
- → What ingredients form the ladybug’s spots?
Halved black grapes or black olives placed on the red pepper wings mimic the ladybug’s characteristic spots.
- → Are the dips necessary to complement the platter?
Including creamy hummus and tzatziki adds flavor contrast and creamy elements that balance the fresh vegetables and cheese.
- → How can I adapt this platter for dietary restrictions?
Use plant-based cheeses and gluten-free bread alternatives to accommodate vegan or gluten-sensitive needs without losing charm.