Mediterranean platter with olives, cheeses, fresh vegetables, and nuts arranged in a dove shape.
# What you'll need:
→ Olives
01 - 3.5 oz green olives, pitted
02 - 3.5 oz black olives, pitted
03 - 3.5 oz Kalamata olives, pitted
→ Cheeses
04 - 2.8 oz feta cheese, cubed
05 - 2.8 oz Manchego cheese, cubed
→ Fresh Vegetables & Garnishes
06 - 1 small cucumber, sliced into rounds
07 - 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
09 - 1 small bunch fresh parsley
→ Accompaniments
10 - 1 small baguette, sliced
11 - 1.8 oz roasted almonds
12 - 1.8 oz stuffed grape leaves (dolmas)
→ Decorative Elements
13 - A few edible flowers (optional)
14 - 1 small bowl extra virgin olive oil, for dipping
# Directions:
01 - On a large serving platter or board, arrange the olives to outline and fill the silhouette of a dove to symbolize peace.
02 - Place the feta and Manchego cheese cubes near the wing sections of the dove shape to provide texture contrast.
03 - Accent the dove's tail and beak areas with cucumber rounds and halved cherry tomatoes to enhance color and freshness.
04 - Arrange thin red bell pepper strips and stuffed grape leaves around the dove for added decoration and flavor variety.
05 - Sprinkle small bunches of fresh parsley and optional edible flowers across the platter for a vivid, peaceful presentation.
06 - Place sliced baguette and roasted almonds in small bowls or around the platter for easy access.
07 - Position a small bowl of extra virgin olive oil nearby for dipping to complement the platter.
