Save A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
This is always a hit at our family picnics bringing joy with its playful design and fresh flavors.
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 brings smiles at every family gathering especially with kids fascinated by the ladybug design.
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 delightful platter will be the star of your picnic with both taste and looks guaranteed to impress.
Kitchen Q&A
- → What cheese works best for the ladybug body?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert hold the shape well and provide a creamy base for decoration.
- → Can the platter be made vegan-friendly?
Yes, by substituting plant-based cheese and dips, this platter can suit vegan preferences.
- → How are the ladybug spots created?
Black grapes or olives cut in halves are placed on the bell pepper wings to mimic spots.
- → What vegetables add decorative appeal to the platter?
Cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and fresh chives help resemble grass, flowers, and antennae.
- → What accompaniments pair well with this platter?
Sliced baguette and whole-grain crackers provide a perfect base for dips and vegetables.
- → Are there allergen concerns with this platter?
Contains dairy and wheat; gluten-free alternatives can be used if needed. Always check ingredient labels.