Save 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 has always been a hit with my family we enjoy assembling and eating it together making mealtime fun.
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.
Save This recipe brings joy to family gatherings making lunch both fun and nutritious for kids and adults alike.
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
Save This Lion Lunch Board is a delightful and healthy way to enjoy a meal together with family filled with vibrant colors and flavors.
Recipe Guide
- → What can I use instead of hummus?
You can substitute cream cheese, flavored cream cheese, or Greek yogurt dip for hummus to vary the flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this suitable for a vegan diet?
Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based spreads to keep it vegan while maintaining the flavors and textures.
- → What are some good protein additions?
Adding turkey or ham slices can boost protein content and complement the fresh vegetables and grains on the board.
- → How should I arrange the lion's mane?
Alternate shredded carrots and orange bell pepper strips in a circle around each sandwich thin to create a colorful, lively mane effect.
- → What snacks pair well with this board?
Grapes, snap peas, and mini crackers are great side snacks that add variety and make the board more filling.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
It is best served immediately to maintain freshness, especially with fresh fruits and vegetables.