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 is always a hit with my family especially the kids, making mealtime fun and engaging.
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 Sharing this lunch board with my family brings smiles and joy to our gatherings, making every meal memorable.
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 This lion lunch board is a delightful way to make eating healthy fun and creative in just 20 minutes.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients create the lion's mane?
Shredded carrots and orange bell pepper strips are arranged around the sandwich thins, with yellow cherry tomato halves added to mimic the mane's vibrant colors.
- → How is the lion's face detailed?
Black olive slices form the eyes, nose, and whiskers, cucumber slices add cheek accents, while apple slices create a smiling mouth.
- → What can I use as a spread on the sandwich thins?
Hummus or cream cheese works well as a creamy base, and alternatives like flavored cream cheese or Greek yogurt dip can be used for variety.
- → Can this board accommodate dietary preferences?
Yes, swapping cream cheese for dairy-free cheese and plant-based spreads makes it vegan-friendly, while adding turkey or ham increases protein options.
- → What side snacks complement the lunch board?
Fresh grapes or berries, snap peas, and mini crackers fill remaining spaces, adding variety and texture to the board.
- → What tools are needed for assembling the board?
A large serving platter, small knife, vegetable peeler or grater, and small bowls for dips or loose ingredients are helpful for easy assembly.