Hanging Gardens appetizer medley (Printable)

Artful fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses and dips arranged on elevated stands for a vibrant start.

# 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, formed 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

# Method:

01 - Wash, trim, and slice all vegetables and fruits as required.
02 - Form goat cheese into small balls and cube the feta cheese.
03 - Place mini-stands and small bowls at varying heights on a large platter or board.
04 - Artfully arrange the vegetables, fruits, and cheeses across the stands and bowls to create a lush garden effect.
05 - Fill small serving bowls with hummus, tzatziki, and pesto, placing them among the arranged ingredients.
06 - Sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios, fresh basil leaves, and edible flowers over the arrangement, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper as desired.
07 - Present immediately, encouraging guests to enjoy picking and dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like art but takes only 25 minutes, so you actually have time to pull it off before guests arrive.
  • Nobody leaves hungry because there's sweet, savory, creamy, and fresh all happening at once.
  • The dips let everyone customize their bites, which means less pressure on you and more joy for them.
02 -
  • Don't prep this more than 2 hours ahead or vegetables will start to weep and lose their crispness—timing is everything with raw vegetables.
  • The height variation is what makes this work, so invest in a few tiered stands or small bowls; flat is boring, but elevated feels like an event.
03 -
  • Use a damp paper towel under your board if it keeps sliding around while you're building—stability matters when you're stacking.
  • The best dips are made at least an hour ahead so flavors deepen; use that time to prep all your vegetables so you're relaxed when guests arrive.
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