Pin It A whimsical and colorful appetizer platter featuring fresh vegetables and cheese creatively arranged to resemble ladybugs in a garden perfect for parties picnics or kids gatherings
This platter makes entertaining enjoyable and gets kids excited about eating vegetables
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 18 cherry tomatoes 18 black olives (pitted) 2 medium cucumbers 1 yellow bell pepper 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1 cup broccoli florets
- Cheese: 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Garnishes: 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Slice the cucumbers into ½-inch thick rounds and arrange them on a large serving platter to form the garden base.
- Step 2:
- Place baby spinach leaves and broccoli florets around the cucumber slices for a lush, green effect.
- Step 3:
- Cut each cherry tomato in half. Place one half, cut side down, on a cucumber slice to form the ladybugs body.
- Step 4:
- Slice black olives in half attach one half to each tomato using a toothpick to form the ladybugs head.
- Step 5:
- Use a toothpick dipped in balsamic glaze to dot the cherry tomato backs or sprinkle a few black sesame seeds onto each for the spots.
- Step 6:
- Place a mozzarella ball beside some of the ladybugs for contrast and add strips of yellow bell pepper as garden paths.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle fresh chives over the platter for a grassy effect.
- Step 8:
- Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.
Pin It Kids love helping assemble the ladybugs making this a fun family activity
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Required Tools
Sharp knife cutting board toothpicks large serving platter small spoon or toothpick for balsamic glaze
Allergen Information
Contains dairy mozzarella balls and possible cross contamination with nuts in olives
Nutritional Information
Calories 105 Total Fat 5 g Carbohydrates 9 g Protein 5 g per serving
Pin It 
Serve with crackers or pita chips for added texture and enjoy this playful garden-themed appetizer
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the ladybug shapes?
Slice cucumbers to form a base, use halved cherry tomatoes for bodies, and attach black olive halves as heads with toothpicks. Dot the tomatoes with balsamic glaze or sesame seeds to mimic spots.
- → Can I prepare the platter ahead of time?
Yes, assemble shortly before serving to maintain freshness. Keep ingredients chilled and cover to prevent drying.
- → Are there alternatives to mozzarella balls?
Vegan cheese balls or other soft cheeses like fresh goat cheese can be substituted to suit dietary preferences.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh chives sprinkled over the platter add a grassy effect, while balsamic glaze or black sesame seeds create detailed ladybug spots.
- → Is this platter suitable for kids?
Yes, kids can enjoy assembling the colorful ladybugs, making it a fun and interactive snack for gatherings.
