Zig-Zag Lightning Strike (Printable Version)

A vibrant platter with bold colors and contrasting elements arranged in a sharp zig-zag pattern.

# What You 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, thinly sliced into angular pieces
06 - 3.5 oz black wax gouda, sliced

→ 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 board or tray, arrange the components in a bold zig-zag pattern diagonally across, alternating colors to create high contrast such as red pepper next to white cheddar and cucumber beside black gouda.
03 - Place beet and classic hummus in small bowls strategically at key junctions along the zig-zag for visual impact.
04 - Nestle blue corn tortilla chips and black sesame rice crackers along the edges of the zig-zag to emphasize the angular shape.
05 - Scatter blueberries and halved golden cherry tomatoes along the zig-zag to provide vibrant pops of color.
06 - Present immediately to preserve freshness and maintain striking visual appeal.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like edible art, which means your guests will actually pause to appreciate it before digging in
  • Zero cooking required means you can pull this together while getting ready, leaving your kitchen calm and gorgeous
  • The bold color contrasts are naturally satisfying to your eye and your body, making this feel healthier than it is
  • It works for every season because you're building with whatever fresh produce is looking vibrant right now
02 -
  • The vegetables must be completely dry or the whole visual contrast dissolves and everything looks wet and sad instead of crisp and intentional
  • Cheese slicing matters—too thick and it looks clumsy, too thin and it won't hold its shape or register visually. Aim for about 1/8 inch
  • The zig-zag isn't just decoration; it's what gives the board its energy and makes people's eyes travel across it rather than staring blankly at a random arrangement
03 -
  • Prep all your pieces an hour or two ahead of time, but don't arrange until right before serving—this keeps everything at peak crispness and prevents the board from looking tired
  • A slightly damp paper towel underneath your board prevents it from sliding around as people reach across it, which is a small gesture that feels like you actually thought about their experience
Go Back