Hanging Gardens Appetizer Display (Print Version)

An elegant arrangement of fresh vegetables, fruits, and cheeses served with flavorful dips and garnishes.

# What You 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, 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

# How To Make:

01 - Wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly; trim and slice as indicated.
02 - Shape goat cheese into small balls and cube the feta cheese.
03 - Arrange mini-stands and bowls at different heights on a large platter or board.
04 - Distribute vegetables, fruits, and cheeses across the stands and bowls, allowing overflow for a lush effect.
05 - Place small bowls filled with hummus, tzatziki, and pesto among the arranged ingredients.
06 - Sprinkle toasted pistachios, fresh basil leaves, and edible flowers over the display.
07 - Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
08 - Present immediately, encouraging guests to sample by picking and dipping according to preference.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when you really spent twenty-five minutes.
  • Everyone finds something they love because there's actual variety, not just the same old veggie platter.
  • You can prep ahead and assemble last-minute, which means you're actually relaxed when people arrive.
02 -
  • Wet vegetables make the whole thing look sad—dry them thoroughly after washing or your display will look wilted in minutes.
  • Don't assemble more than thirty minutes before serving unless you're keeping it refrigerated; things start to look tired and flavors muddy together.
  • Vary your heights dramatically; if everything's on one level, it reads as boring, not intentional.
03 -
  • Chill your serving platter for fifteen minutes before assembling so everything stays fresh longer and looks crisp under the light.
  • Use odd numbers when grouping items—three goat cheese balls look intentional, two look like you forgot one, four feels overstuffed.
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