Zig-Zag Lightning Strike (Print Version)

An angular arrangement of vibrant vegetables, cheeses, and dips creating a visually striking modern 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, thin slices

→ Fruits

07 - 1/2 cup blueberries
08 - 1/2 cup golden cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Dips

09 - 1/2 cup beet hummus
10 - 1/2 cup classic hummus

→ Crunchy Elements

11 - 1 cup blue corn tortilla chips
12 - 1/2 cup black sesame rice crackers

# How to Make It:

01 - Wash, peel, and cut all vegetables and fruits into long, angular strips or pieces to highlight sharp lines.
02 - On a large rectangular serving board or platter, arrange ingredients diagonally from one corner to the opposite, alternating colors to create bold contrast, such as placing red pepper next to white cheddar and cucumber next to black gouda.
03 - Place beet hummus and classic hummus in small bowls positioned at key intersections along the zig-zag for visual emphasis.
04 - Nestle blue corn tortilla chips and black sesame rice crackers along the edges of the zig-zag to accentuate the angular shape.
05 - Scatter blueberries and halved golden cherry tomatoes along the arrangement for vibrant color accents.
06 - Present immediately to preserve freshness and maintain striking visual impact.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that requires zero cooking skills, just vision and a sharp knife
  • Your guests will actually photograph it before eating because it looks like edible art
  • You can prepare everything ahead, then arrange it just before serving for maximum freshness and impact
02 -
  • Cut your vegetables no more than an hour before serving—they'll start to release water and lose their crisp, defined look
  • The contrast between colors is everything; if your board feels dull, you've likely placed two similar-toned items next to each other
  • Use a rectangular or oval platter, never round—the zig-zag needs angular space to feel intentional
03 -
  • Use a vegetable peeler on hard cheeses to create thin, dramatic slices that look more refined than thick cuts
  • Keep your cutting board angled toward you as you arrange—this helps you see the zig-zag pattern taking shape from the viewing angle your guests will experience
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