Pin A playful and nutritious lunch board arranged to resemble a lions face, perfect for children and family gatherings. Bursting with colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein, its as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
This lunch board always brings smiles to my family gatherings and makes healthy eating exciting for my kids.
Ingredients
- Main Board Components: 4 whole wheat sandwich thins (for lions face), 1 cup hummus or cream cheese (for spreading), 1 cup shredded carrots (lions mane), 1 cup orange bell pepper strips (lions mane), 1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved (mane accents), 1 cup cucumber slices (face accents), 8 black olives, pitted and sliced (eyes, nose, whiskers), 1 small apple, sliced (lions mouth), 4 slices cheddar cheese (cut into triangles for ears)
- For Serving/Decorating: 1 cup grapes or berries (side snacks), 1 cup snap peas (side snacks), 1 cup mini crackers (side snacks)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Lay the sandwich thins flat on a large platter as the base for four lion faces.
- Step 2:
- Spread a generous layer of hummus or cream cheese over each sandwich thin.
- Step 3:
- Arrange shredded carrots and orange bell pepper strips in a circle around each sandwich thin to create the lions mane, alternating colors for a lively effect.
- Step 4:
- Place yellow cherry tomato halves around the mane for added color and texture.
- Step 5:
- Use cucumber slices for cheeks or accents on the face.
- Step 6:
- Arrange black olive slices for eyes and nose add thin strips as whiskers.
- Step 7:
- Position apple slices to form a smiling mouth.
- Step 8:
- Cut cheddar cheese into triangles and set them at the top of each face for ears.
- Step 9:
- Fill the boards remaining spaces with grapes snap peas and mini crackers for additional snacks.
- Step 10:
- Serve immediately for best freshness.
Pin This board is always a hit during family picnics and my kids enjoy helping arrange the colorful ingredients.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board, Small knife, Vegetable peeler or grater, Small bowls (for dips or loose items)
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (sandwich thins crackers) and milk (cheese cream cheese). Contains legumes (hummus). Contains possible tree nuts if using nut-based dips. Always check labels for allergens and cross-contamination risks.
Nutritional Information
Calories 320 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 9 g (per serving)
Pin Enjoy assembling this vibrant lion lunch board with your family for a fun and healthy mealtime.
Recipe Questions
- → What can I use as the base for the lion's face?
Whole wheat sandwich thins work great as a sturdy and nutritious base.
- → Which ingredients form the lion's mane?
Shredded carrots and orange bell pepper strips arranged in a circle create a colorful mane.
- → How is the lion's face detailed?
Cucumber slices add cheek accents, black olive slices shape eyes and nose, and apple slices represent the mouth.
- → Can I substitute the spread for different flavors?
Yes, use flavored cream cheese, Greek yogurt dips, or plant-based spreads for variation.
- → How can I make this suitable for a vegan diet?
Replace dairy cheese and spreads with vegan alternatives to maintain texture and flavor.
- → What sides complement the lion lunch board?
Grapes, snap peas, and mini crackers provide added variety and texture alongside the main arrangement.