If you're looking for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing appetizer for Easter or another spring event, I've got you covered! Instead of the usual cheese and crackers, serve up this colorful, seasonal appetizer tray that will complement any spring menu.
Sometimes I get stuck in a rut when it comes to creating an appetizer tray. Cheese, crackers, salami, rinse, repeat. Tasty, but a little "blah."
When I was thinking about what to serve for an Easter appetizer this year, I decided to focus on the colors of the season. Spring is all about freshness and vibrancy, so I wanted to convey that in my appetizer tray by using shades of orange, green, white, and yellow with a pop of bright pink courtesy of some radishes. And of course, nothing says Easter like fresh-from-the-garden carrots (even if they actually came from a store...shhhh).
More appetizer ideas for Easter: Smoked Salmon and Egg Tartine
Besides carrots, the other food synonymous with Easter is EGGS. So deviled eggs were the next "must have" item for my appetizer tray.
(I make my deviled eggs as simply as possible: just mash the yolks with a fork and mix in some mayonnaise and regular yellow mustard to taste. Then add a sprinkle or two of salt. I don't really measure -- instead I use the texture, consistency, color and taste as a guide.)
More Easter recipe ideas: Easter Egg Nests
The best part about this appetizer tray is that it's so, so easy to put together. Aside from boiling water for the tortellini, no cooking is required. There's something on it for everyone to love, but it's not so heavy that your guests will be too full to enjoy the main course.
If you're looking for inspiration for an appetizer tray of your own, you don't have to follow this to a tee -- just take a trip through your grocery store or farmer's market and see what catches your eye. Vibrant colors are the key.
What to include:
- Deviled eggs (sprinkled with paprika)
- Proscuitto-wrapped cantaloupe
- Tortellini with pesto and fresh basil
- Yellow cherry or grape tomatoes
- Fresh carrots and vegetable dip, such as this 5 minute no-roast roasted garlic dip
- Radishes (some sliced and some served whole as a garnish)
- Smoked salmon with capers (or this smoked salon puff pastry appetizer)
- Crackers
- White cheddar cheese
Do you have any other ideas you would add? Leave your input in the comments!