Save to Pinterest 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 become a favorite for our family gatherings, bringing smiles and encouraging kids to enjoy a balanced meal while playing with their food creatively.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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 to Pinterest Gathering around this lunch board always creates joyful family moments as everyone builds and enjoys their personal lion face creations.
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 to Pinterest This lion lunch board is a fun and healthy meal that will delight kids and adults alike, making every meal a playful experience.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I assemble the lion face on the lunch board?
Start by spreading hummus or cream cheese on the sandwich thins, then arrange shredded carrots and orange bell pepper strips around the edges to form the mane. Add halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olive pieces to create facial features, and finish with apple slices and cheddar cheese triangles for mouth and ears.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese or hummus?
Yes, flavored cream cheese, Greek yogurt dip, or dairy-free spreads can be used to suit taste preferences or dietary needs.
- → Is this lunch board suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. The board features plant-based ingredients with cheese and eggs, and options for vegan substitutions are also possible.
- → What are good side snacks to include with the lunch board?
Fresh grapes, snap peas, and mini crackers complement the main board nicely, adding variety and extra textures.
- → How long does the board stay fresh once assembled?
For best freshness, serve immediately after assembling. If needed, cover and refrigerate for up to 1-2 hours before serving.
- → Can I make this lunch board gluten-free?
Replace whole wheat sandwich thins and crackers with gluten-free alternatives to keep the board gluten-free while maintaining texture variety.