Pin A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
I first created this playful platter to make picnics more exciting for my children, and it has since become a family favorite for outdoor gatherings.
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.
Pin This platter is always a hit at family picnics, bringing smiles and encouraging healthy eating among kids and adults.
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)
Pin This charming platter comes together quickly and adds a delightful touch to any picnic or party.
Recipe Q&A
- → What cheese works best for the ladybug body?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert hold shape well and provide a creamy base for the ladybug design.
- → How can I make this platter vegan-friendly?
Replace the cheese and dips with plant-based alternatives to accommodate vegan diets without sacrificing flavor.
- → What vegetables are ideal for the decorative spots and wings?
Red bell pepper halves form the wings, while black grapes or olives create the signature ladybug spots.
- → How should I prepare the dips for serving?
Place hummus and tzatziki in small bowls on the board for easy dipping alongside bread and crackers.
- → Can this platter be made gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free bread and crackers and verifying all dips contain no gluten ingredients.