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 always brings smiles when served at family gatherings, making mealtime an interactive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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 has become a favorite family activity especially on weekends when we gather and enjoy making the lions face together.
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 lunch board is not only delicious but also a creative way to encourage kids to enjoy healthy foods.
Recipe Q&A Section
- → What ingredients create the lion's mane?
Shredded carrots, orange bell pepper strips, and yellow cherry tomato halves combine to form the colorful and textured mane.
- → Can the spread be substituted?
Yes, you can replace hummus with cream cheese, flavored cream cheese, Greek yogurt dip, or vegan spreads for different taste and dietary needs.
- → How are the facial features made?
Black olive slices form the eyes, nose, and whiskers, apple slices create the mouth, and cheddar cheese triangles shape the ears.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this lunch board uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients, but you can add deli meats if desired.
- → What are good side accompaniments?
Grapes, snap peas, and mini crackers complement the board by adding fresh and crunchy elements.