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 fun lunch board has always been a hit at my family gatherings, sparking creativity and healthy eating among kids and adults alike.
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 lunch board is a favorite that brings my family together and makes mealtime exciting and nutritious.
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
Save This lion lunch board always adds fun and nutrition to any meal with minimal effort.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I assemble the lion face on the board?
Start with sandwich thins as a base, spread hummus or cream cheese, then arrange shredded carrots and bell pepper strips in a circle for the mane. Add cherry tomato halves, cucumber slices, and black olive pieces for facial accents, and finish with apple slices for the mouth and cheese triangles for ears.
- → Can I replace dairy ingredients for a vegan version?
Yes, substitute cream cheese with plant-based spreads and use dairy-free cheese to maintain flavor and texture while keeping it vegan-friendly.
- → What snacks complement this lunch board?
Typical accompaniments include grapes, snap peas, and mini crackers, which add variety in textures and flavors alongside the main elements.
- → How can I boost the protein content?
Include turkey or ham slices as additional toppings, or choose a protein-rich dip alternative to the hummus or cream cheese base.
- → Are there any common allergens to be aware of?
This board contains wheat from sandwich thins and crackers, milk from cheese and cream cheese, and legumes from hummus. Always check ingredient labels for possible nuts and cross-contamination.