Sunny Yellow Citrus Burst (Printable Version)

A colorful spread centered on fresh citrus, tropical fruits, cheeses, and crunchy nuts with a sunny presentation.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fresh Fruit

01 - 1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized wedges
02 - 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 golden kiwis, peeled and sliced
04 - 1 to 2 bananas, sliced (optional; add just before serving to avoid browning)
05 - 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds (reserve one slice for the center)
06 - 1 orange, sliced into rounds (optional; can use as centerpiece)

→ Vegetables

07 - 2 yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into strips
08 - 1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup baby yellow carrots, peeled and trimmed

→ Cheese & Dairy

10 - 5 ounces aged Gouda cheese, cubed
11 - 5 ounces yellow cheddar cheese, cubed
12 - 1 cup lemon curd, served in a small bowl for dipping

→ Crackers & Extras

13 - 1 cup yellow corn tortilla chips or gluten-free crackers
14 - ½ cup roasted salted cashews or macadamia nuts
15 - ½ cup dried apricots
16 - Honeycomb or a small jar of honey (optional, for drizzling)

# Directions:

01 - Place a large round slice of lemon or orange in the center of a large serving board or platter to serve as the sun.
02 - Arrange pineapple, mango, golden kiwis, and other fruits in radiating lines outward from the central citrus slice, alternating colors for visual contrast.
03 - Fan out yellow bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots in sunburst patterns around the fruits.
04 - Nestle cubes of Gouda and cheddar thoughtfully around the fruits and vegetables for balanced distribution.
05 - Place a small bowl of lemon curd near the edge of the board with a spoon for dipping.
06 - Fill remaining spaces with corn chips, nuts, dried apricots, and if desired, honeycomb or a honey jar.
07 - Serve immediately, ensuring perishable ingredients remain chilled until ready to eat.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes almost no cooking time, just thoughtful arranging and a creative eye
  • The combination of sweet fruits, tangy citrus, creamy cheese, and salty nuts means every bite is a little surprise
  • It naturally adapts to whatever yellow-hued ingredients you find, making it different every time you make it
02 -
  • Brown bananas happen fast, so slice them at the very last minute and toss with lemon juice if you must prep early; this simple step can add 20 minutes to their life
  • A slightly underripe mango is better than an overripe one on a grazing board because it holds its shape and won't weep juice across everything
  • The board is most beautiful and tastes best when served within 30 minutes of assembly, so plan your timing around when guests will actually eat
03 -
  • Chill your board or platter in the freezer for 15 minutes before arranging; this keeps everything cooler longer and makes the board itself a beautiful, frosty canvas
  • Use a sharp knife and cut everything just before serving for maximum juice retention and visual appeal
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