The Hanging Gardens Appetizer (Printable Version)

A vibrant display of fresh vegetables, fruits, and cheeses arranged on elevated stands for a stunning presentation.

# 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, 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 - Form goat cheese into small balls and cube the feta.
03 - Place mini-stands and bowls at assorted heights on a large platter or board.
04 - Artfully arrange vegetables, fruits, and cheeses among the stands and bowls allowing some overflow to create a lush garden effect.
05 - Fill small bowls with hummus, tzatziki, and pesto and place them amongst the produce and cheeses.
06 - Sprinkle toasted pistachios, basil leaves, and edible flowers over the arrangement.
07 - Drizzle with olive oil, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired, then serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that sits in the middle of the table looking absolutely stunning while requiring zero cooking skills.
  • Every guest finds something they adore since the variety means there's truly something for everyone.
  • The whole thing comes together in 25 minutes, so you're not stressed when people arrive.
02 -
  • Prep everything dry and just before serving; wet vegetables make the whole thing look wilted within an hour.
  • Don't skimp on the height variation with your stands and bowls; this is what makes it feel like a hanging garden instead of just a platter.
  • The cheeses are better at room temperature, so take them out of the fridge 15 minutes before assembling if you want them creamy and luxurious.
03 -
  • Chill your platter or board for 15 minutes before assembling so everything stays fresher longer under lights or in a warm room.
  • If you're short on time, buy pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store and focus your effort on the arrangement and seasoning rather than slicing.
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