Zig-Zag Lightning Strike Platter (Printable)

Vibrant arrangement of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and dips with bold colors and sharp lines.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fresh Vegetables

01 - 1 cup red bell pepper strips
02 - 1 cup yellow bell pepper strips
03 - 1 cup cucumber sticks
04 - 1 cup purple carrot sticks

→ Cheeses

05 - 3.5 oz sharp white cheddar, thin angular slices
06 - 3.5 oz black wax Gouda, sliced

→ Fruits

07 - ½ cup blueberries
08 - ½ cup golden cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Dips

09 - ½ cup beet hummus
10 - ½ cup classic hummus

→ Crunchy Elements

11 - 1 cup blue corn tortilla chips
12 - ½ cup black sesame rice crackers

# Directions:

01 - Wash, peel, and cut vegetables and fruits into long, angular strips or pieces to highlight sharp lines.
02 - On a large rectangular board or platter, arrange ingredients in a bold zig-zag from one corner to the opposite, alternating colors for maximum contrast, such as placing red pepper beside white cheddar and cucumber next to black Gouda.
03 - Place beet and classic hummus in small bowls at intersections of the zig-zag for dramatic effect.
04 - Tuck blue corn tortilla chips and black sesame rice crackers along the edges of the zig-zag arrangement to accentuate its angular shape.
05 - Scatter blueberries and halved golden cherry tomatoes along the zig-zag for vibrant color pops.
06 - Present without delay to maintain freshness and striking visual impact.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of appetizer that does the work for you—people are already impressed before they even taste it, which means you can actually relax and enjoy your own party
  • Zero cooking required means you can prep it earlier in the day and still have a show-stopping centerpiece
  • The contrast of textures—creamy hummus, crispy chips, cool vegetables, sharp cheese—keeps every bite interesting
02 -
  • Room temperature board kills visual impact. Chill your serving platter for at least 15 minutes before arranging everything. This single step keeps vegetables crisp and colors vivid for hours instead of minutes.
  • The pattern matters more than perfection. You're aiming for bold, not pristine. Some of the most stunning boards I've made had 'imperfect' angles—they felt more alive, more human.
03 -
  • Invest in a good chef's knife and keep it sharp. Clean cuts that don't crush vegetables are non-negotiable for this aesthetic. A dull knife will bruise peppers and make carrots look tired.
  • If you're making this more than a few hours ahead, store components separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving. This single move keeps the board looking like it took five minutes instead of weathered by time.
Return