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 always brings smiles during our family gatherings. Kids love assembling their own lion faces and it encourages healthy eating habits.
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
- Prepare Base:
- Lay the sandwich thins flat on a large platter as the base for four lion faces.
- Spread Spread:
- 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 Details:
- Use cucumber slices for cheeks or accents on the face.
- Eyes and Whiskers:
- Arrange black olive slices for eyes and nose add thin strips as whiskers.
- Mouth:
- Position apple slices to form a smiling mouth.
- Ears:
- Cut cheddar cheese into triangles and set them at the top of each face for ears.
- Fill Board:
- Fill the boards remaining spaces with grapes, snap peas, and mini crackers for additional snacks.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately for best freshness.
Pin It Setting up this board creates memorable moments as kids help arrange the lion faces and enjoy the art of healthy snacking 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
Pin It This lion lunch board is a delightful way to make healthy eating fun and interactive for everyone.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the lion's mane?
Shredded carrots and orange bell pepper strips arranged in a circle create the vibrant lion's mane.
- → How are the lion’s facial features formed?
Cucumber slices serve as cheek accents, black olive slices form eyes and nose, and apple slices create the mouth.
- → Can the spreads be substituted?
Yes, hummus can be swapped with cream cheese, flavored dips, or plant-based spreads for variety or dietary needs.
- → What makes this lunch board suitable for children?
Its playful lion face design with colorful fruits and veggies encourages kids to enjoy healthy eating in a fun way.
- → Are there protein options included?
Yes, the spread contains protein from hummus or cream cheese, and additional protein can be added like turkey or ham slices if desired.
- → How long does preparation take?
Preparing this lunch board takes approximately 20 minutes, making it quick and easy to assemble.