Hanging Gardens Appetizer Medley (Print View)

A vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and dips artfully arranged on mini stands and bowls.

# Components:

→ 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 - ½ cup hummus
12 - ½ cup tzatziki
13 - ½ cup pesto

→ Garnishes & Extras

14 - ¼ cup toasted pistachios, chopped
15 - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
16 - 2 tbsp edible flowers (optional)
17 - ¼ 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 cut feta into cubes.
03 - Arrange mini-stands and bowls at varying heights on a large platter or board.
04 - Distribute vegetables, fruits, and cheeses among the stands and bowls, allowing some overflow for an abundant garden effect.
05 - Place hummus, tzatziki, and pesto in small bowls positioned within the arrangement.
06 - Sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios, fresh basil leaves, and edible flowers over the presentation.
07 - Drizzle olive oil lightly over the setup and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
08 - Offer immediately, inviting guests to pick and dip as they desire.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when honestly, you just needed 25 minutes and a good eye for arrangement.
  • Everyone finds something they love because there's enough variety that picky eaters and adventurous ones all get excited.
  • You can make it entirely ahead of time and just give it a final flourish right before guests arrive.
02 -
  • Assemble this as close to serving time as possible—wilting vegetables look sad, and crisp ones are what draw people in.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep cut vegetables in separate containers in the fridge and assemble on the platter just 30 minutes before guests arrive.
03 -
  • Buy pre-made dips if you need to save time—there's no shame in that, and everyone will focus on your beautiful arrangement anyway.
  • The height variation is what makes this feel special, so invest in or borrow a couple tiered stands if you don't already have them—it completely changes the impact.
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