The Hanging Gardens Appetizer (Printable)

A vibrant assortment of fresh produce, cheeses, and dips arranged on tiered stands for an impressive starter.

# 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, 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Wash, trim, and slice all vegetables and fruits as indicated.
02 - Form goat cheese into small balls and cube the feta cheese.
03 - Arrange mini-stands and small bowls at varying heights on a large platter or serving board.
04 - Distribute vegetables, fruits, and cheeses among the stands and bowls, allowing an abundant overflow to create a lush garden appearance.
05 - Fill small bowls with hummus, tzatziki, and pesto, placing them strategically among the ingredients.
06 - Sprinkle toasted pistachios, fresh basil leaves, and edible flowers evenly over the display.
07 - Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
08 - Present immediately, inviting guests to select and dip as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours arranging it, but comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • Guests feel like they're discovering treasures rather than eating from a platter.
  • You can prep everything an hour ahead and assemble just before they arrive.
02 -
  • Prep everything an hour or two before guests arrive, but assemble the display within 15 minutes of serving so nothing wilts or oxidizes.
  • Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers will weep if cut too far ahead, so slice those last even if everything else is ready.
  • The height variation is what makes this work—flat arrangements look unfinished, but tiered ones feel intentional and exciting.
03 -
  • Chill your serving board or platter for 10 minutes before arranging so everything stays cool longer and vegetables stay crisp.
  • Toast your own pistachios if possible—store-bought can taste stale, and the warm ones add life to the display.
  • Make extra of the dips; people always want more once they discover what's possible.
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