Zig-Zag Lightning Strike (Print Version)

Vibrant angular arrangement of fresh vegetables, cheeses, fruits, and dips on a bold zig-zag platter.

# 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Wash, peel, and cut vegetables and fruits into long, angular strips or pieces to emphasize sharp lines.
02 - On a large rectangular board or platter, arrange the items in a bold zig-zag pattern diagonally from one corner to the opposite, alternating colors to maximize contrast.
03 - Place dips in small bowls at key junctions within the zig-zag for visual drama.
04 - Tuck crackers and chips along the edges of the zig-zag to reinforce the angular shape.
05 - Scatter blueberries and cherry tomatoes along the zig-zag for vibrant color contrast.
06 - Present promptly to maintain freshness and visual impact.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning—the kind of board that makes people pull out their phones before reaching for their forks, because Instagram deserves a moment like this
  • Zero cooking required means more time to arrange, chat, and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine while you work
  • The mix of textures keeps things exciting: creamy dips against crunchy chips, soft cheese alongside crisp vegetables, and burst-in-your-mouth berries scattered throughout
  • It feeds six people with room to breathe, making it perfect for gatherings where you want everyone to feel a little bit spoiled
02 -
  • The zig-zag shape is everything—it's what makes this board memorable and shareable. Don't arrange in neat rows or circles; embrace the bold diagonal.
  • Cut your vegetables in advance (up to a day ahead), but hold off on arranging until just a few hours before serving. The texture difference between freshly cut and day-old is real and it shows.
  • If you're working with a small board, scale down quantities but keep the zig-zag concept. The arrangement matters more than abundance.
03 -
  • Use a slightly damp paper towel to wipe your board before arranging—it helps pieces stay put and the colors pop even brighter against a clean surface
  • Cut your cheese the day before and stack it between parchment paper so it stays fresh but soft enough to peel apart easily
  • If you're nervous about the arrangement, lightly sketch your zig-zag line with a piece of tape first, then arrange along it. Peel the tape away just before serving
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