Hanging Gardens Appetizer Display (Printable)

A vibrant arrangement of fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, dips, and garnishes served on elevated stands.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fresh Vegetables

01 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 1 cup baby carrots, trimmed
03 - 1 cup cucumber slices
04 - 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup snap peas
06 - 1 cup endive leaves

→ Fruits

07 - 1 cup seedless grapes
08 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved

→ Cheeses

09 - 5.3 oz goat cheese, shaped into small balls
10 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, cubed

→ Dips & Spreads

11 - 1/2 cup hummus
12 - 1/2 cup tzatziki
13 - 1/2 cup pesto

→ Garnishes & Extras

14 - 1/4 cup toasted pistachios, chopped
15 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
16 - 2 tbsp edible flowers (optional)
17 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
18 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
19 - Sea salt, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Wash, trim, and slice all vegetables and fruits as specified.
02 - Shape the goat cheese into small balls and cube the feta.
03 - Position mini-stands and bowls at varying heights on a large platter or board.
04 - Artfully place vegetables, fruits, and cheeses among the stands and bowls, allowing some overflow for a lush garden appearance.
05 - Fill small bowls with hummus, tzatziki, and pesto, then position them within the arrangement.
06 - Sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios, basil leaves, and edible flowers over the display. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
07 - Present immediately, allowing guests to pick and dip at their discretion.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours preparing when you really just spent 25 minutes arranging.
  • Guests can graze at their own pace, mixing flavors and textures however they want.
  • Every element is fresh and alive on the plate, from crisp snap peas to creamy goat cheese.
02 -
  • Prep everything at least 2 hours ahead so you're not slicing radishes while guests are arriving, but don't assemble the full display until 30 minutes before serving—vegetables start to weep if they sit out too long.
  • If a piece of goat cheese cracks or crumbles, just press it back together with your finger; no one will notice once it's nestled among the other ingredients.
03 -
  • The moment you stop worrying about symmetry is the moment this dish actually starts looking beautiful.
  • Edible flowers aren't essential, but a few strategically placed ones shift the entire vibe from appetizer to experience.
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