Hanging Gardens Fresh Medley (Print View)

Vibrant mix of fresh produce, cheeses, and dips presented on elevated stands with colorful garnishes.

# 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, formed into small balls
10 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, cubed

→ Dips and Spreads

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

→ Garnishes and Extras

14 - ¼ cup toasted pistachios, chopped
15 - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
16 - 2 tablespoons 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 all vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Trim baby carrots and slice cucumbers and radishes as specified.
02 - Shape goat cheese into small balls and cube feta cheese for serving.
03 - Arrange mini-stands and small bowls at varying heights on a large platter or serving board.
04 - Distribute vegetables, fruits, and cheeses across the stands and bowls, allowing some to overflow for a full garden effect.
05 - Fill bowls with hummus, tzatziki, and pesto and position them among the arranged ingredients.
06 - Sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios, fresh basil leaves, and edible flowers over the arrangement.
07 - Lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
08 - Present immediately, inviting guests to select and dip as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks far more impressive than the effort it actually takes, which means you get to seem effortlessly elegant.
  • Everything is raw and fresh, so you're not stressed about timing or keeping anything warm.
  • Guests feel like they're grazing at a fancy event, not just eating vegetables from a plate.
02 -
  • Don't prep more than 30 minutes ahead unless you keep things in the fridge in separate containers; vegetables start to weep, and the whole arrangement loses its freshness.
  • The height variation is essential—all flat arrangements look like a regular platter, but different levels make it feel like actual design.
03 -
  • Use a slightly damp paper towel under your platter to keep everything from sliding around as people reach and grab.
  • The most common mistake is arranging everything symmetrically—it ends up looking stiff and overly formal, so embrace asymmetry and let things feel organic.
Return