Pin It 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 been a favorite at family gatherings where kids love helping arrange the mane and face details.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat sandwich thins: 4 (for lions face)
- Hummus or cream cheese: 1 cup (for spreading)
- Shredded carrots: 1 cup (lions mane)
- Orange bell pepper strips: 1 cup (lions mane)
- Yellow cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup (mane accents)
- Cucumber slices: 1 cup (face accents)
- Black olives, pitted and sliced: 8 (eyes, nose, whiskers)
- Small apple, sliced: 1 (lions mouth)
- Cheddar cheese slices: 4 (cut into triangles for ears)
- Grapes or berries: 1 cup (side snacks)
- Snap peas: 1 cup (side snacks)
- Mini crackers: 1 cup (side snacks)
Instructions
- Lay base:
- Lay the sandwich thins flat on a large platter as the base for four lion faces.
- Spread base layer:
- Spread a generous layer of hummus or cream cheese over each sandwich thin.
- Create mane:
- 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.
- Add accents:
- Place yellow cherry tomato halves around the mane for added color and texture.
- Face accents:
- Use cucumber slices for cheeks or accents on the face.
- Form eyes nose whiskers:
- Arrange black olive slices for eyes and nose add thin strips as whiskers.
- Make mouth:
- Position apple slices to form a smiling mouth.
- Add ears:
- Cut cheddar cheese into triangles and set them at the top of each face for ears.
- Fill spaces:
- Fill the boards remaining spaces with grapes snap peas and mini crackers for additional snacks.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately for best freshness.
Pin It This lunch board makes me smile remembering the first time my kids helped assemble the mane and proudly showed it to friends.
Swapping Ingredients
Swap hummus for flavored cream cheese or Greek yogurt dip for variety. Use turkey or ham slices for extra protein if desired. For a vegan version use dairy free cheese and plant based spread.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the lion lunch board with apple juice or a light herbal tea for a refreshing meal perfect for warm days and picnics.
Storage
Best served fresh but can be prepped and covered tightly in the fridge for up to 4 hours before serving.
Pin It This lion lunch board is sure to delight kids and adults alike with its fun presentation and wholesome ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the lion's mane on the board?
Arrange shredded carrots and orange bell pepper strips in a circular pattern around the sandwich thin base, alternating colors for a lively effect. Add yellow cherry tomatoes for accent and texture.
- → What can I substitute for hummus or cream cheese?
Try flavored cream cheese, Greek yogurt dip, or a plant-based spread for a vegan option to maintain the creamy layer beneath the toppings.
- → How do I make the lion's face features?
Use black olives sliced for eyes, nose, and whiskers, apple slices to form the mouth, and cheddar cheese cut into triangles for ears.
- → Can this board be prepared ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prepare ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving to keep textures and colors vibrant.
- → What serving suggestions complement this board?
Add grapes, snap peas, and mini crackers on the side for extra variety and crunch, pairing well with apple juice or herbal tea.