Save I'll never forget the Easter morning when my daughter asked me to make something 'magical' for our family gathering. That's when the idea of a bunny platter struck me—a playful edible centerpiece that would make everyone smile the moment they walked into the kitchen. The vibrant pinks and pure whites seemed to capture the joy of spring itself, and watching my kids arrange the final touches taught me that the best recipes are the ones that bring people together, not just food to the table.
There was this one Easter when my mother-in-law walked in, saw the bunny platter sitting in the center of the table, and actually gasped. She grabbed her phone to photograph it before anyone could touch it, and that single moment made all the arranging worthwhile. It became the thing people asked me to make every spring after that.
Ingredients
- Black olives: These create the gentle outline of your bunny's face and ears—they're your edible pencil sketch. I learned to use whole ones for the ears because they photograph beautifully and hold their shape without rolling around.
- Diced strawberries: The jewels that fill your bunny's ears with that blushing pink color. Buy them a day ahead and they become even more flavorful.
- Diced watermelon: Lighter and more delicate than strawberries, these add a subtle sweetness and variation in the pink tones. The contrast of textures keeps people reaching for more.
- Pink beet hummus: This is the secret weapon that ties the pink section together with a creamy, earthy undertone. Store-bought works beautifully, so don't feel pressured to make it from scratch.
- Radish slices: They add a peppery crunch and natural pink hue that feels fresh and alive. Slice them thin so they arrange like delicate petals.
- Mini mozzarella balls: These are what make the face section feel cloud-like and inviting. They roll slightly, so nestle them gently against each other rather than fighting their nature.
- Cottage cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together and creates beautiful white pockets of texture. Make sure to drain it well so your platter doesn't get weepy.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Sliced thin, they add both visual appeal and a satisfying bite. I always boil mine the night before so I'm not rushed on party day.
- Cauliflower florets: Keep them small and pristine, arranged like tiny clouds of snow throughout the white section. They stay fresh longer than softer ingredients.
- Fresh chives: These become the bunny's whiskers and add a gentle onion fragrance that makes people lean in closer. Chop them just before arranging so they stay vibrant green.
- Carrot piece: A tiny nose that brings the whole face to life with a pop of natural orange. Use a small, unblemished piece for the sweetest expression.
- Blueberries: Two perfect little eyes that give your bunny personality and mischief. They're sturdy enough to stay in place even after people gather around to admire your work.
Instructions
- Set your canvas:
- Spread your parchment paper or platter across a clear workspace where you can see everything. This is your stage, so give yourself plenty of room to move around and arrange without feeling cramped. I like to stand while I work so I can step back and see the overall bunny shape forming.
- Sketch the bunny outline:
- Using black olives, trace a large bunny head in the center of your platter, leaving space for long ears extending upward. Don't worry about perfection—slightly wobbly ears are endearing and feel handmade. Step back every few olives to check your proportions and adjust as you go.
- Fill the ears with pink:
- Now comes the fun part. Layer your strawberries, watermelon, radish slices, and beet hummus into the ear sections, alternating colors as you go. Think of it like painting with food, letting each ingredient show through slightly for a beautiful marbled effect. The variation in pinks creates visual interest and keeps people guessing about flavors.
- Create the white face:
- Fill the bunny's face section with mozzarella balls, cottage cheese, hard-boiled egg slices, and cauliflower florets, arranging them so the white tones flow naturally together. Leave a small space in the center for the nose and eyes—they need their spotlight. Don't pack everything too tightly; let ingredients nestle gently together like they're meant to be neighbors.
- Add personality with eyes and nose:
- Place two blueberries where the bunny's eyes should be, positioning them slightly off-center for a friendlier expression. Tuck your carrot piece below them as the nose. These three elements transform your creation from a pretty platter into an actual character with personality.
- Whisker the finishing touch:
- Arrange chopped chives on either side of the face like delicate whiskers. They should look like they're catching the light, gently radiating outward. This is where you step back and let yourself admire your work before anyone else sees it.
- Chill and serve:
- Refrigerate until party time, which actually helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve alongside crackers or vegetable sticks, letting guests know they can eat the bunny with their hands or use small plates. The best part is watching people's faces light up when they realize this edible art is also delicious.
Save What I love most is that this platter broke down the invisible wall between 'fancy party food' and 'something anyone can make.' My friend Sarah, who claims she can't cook anything, made this for her daughter's birthday and told me it was the first time she felt like an artist in her own kitchen. Food has this remarkable power to give us confidence when we approach it with playfulness instead of fear.
Making It Uniquely Yours
The beauty of this bunny is that it's a framework for your imagination, not a rigid rule book. If you don't have watermelon, swap it for pink grapefruit segments or raspberries for a deeper color. Don't have beet hummus? Use pink tzatziki or even finely diced beets mixed with cream cheese. The pink section is really about creating visual harmony, so trust your instincts about what works. I've seen versions where someone used pink dragon fruit, and it was absolutely stunning—almost ethereal with the light shining through it.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This bunny practically invites celebration, so pair it with foods that feel special but not fussy. Crispy water crackers let the fresh flavors shine without competing, while gluten-free crackers ensure no one feels left out of the party. I've found that serving it alongside a light sparkling rosé or elderflower lemonade creates this perfect spring moment—the kind that lingers in memory long after the last piece is eaten. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled cucumber water with mint leaves feels equally festive and pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables.
Storing and Timing Tips
Plan your timing so the bunny is assembled about 45 minutes to an hour before guests arrive. This gives the flavors a moment to get acquainted while keeping everything fresh and vibrant. If you're making this the morning of an afternoon party, prep all your ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge, then assemble right before serving. The one thing that truly does not wait well is the blueberries and carrot nose—those go on literally last, like the exclamation point at the end of a sentence.
- Keep all ingredients in separate bowls until assembly time so nothing gets tired or weepy
- If you must make it ahead, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate, but only do this if you absolutely have to
- The platter actually tastes better when served at a cool room temperature rather than straight from the fridge, so let it sit for about 10 minutes before guests gather around
Save This bunny platter is proof that the most memorable dishes aren't about complicated techniques or exotic ingredients—they're about showing up with intention and a little bit of joy. Every time someone makes this, they're not just assembling food; they're creating a moment that people will photograph, smile about, and ask them to make again next year.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the bunny outline?
Black olives are used for the clear outline of the bunny's head and ears.
- → Which ingredients give the pink sections their color?
Diced strawberries, watermelon, radish slices, and beet hummus provide the vibrant pink layers for the ears.
- → How are the white sections composed?
The face area consists of mini mozzarella balls, cottage cheese, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and cauliflower florets to achieve a white appearance.
- → What decorative elements add detail to the bunny face?
Blueberries are used for eyes, a small carrot piece forms the nose, and finely chopped chives create whiskers.
- → Can these ingredients be substituted for dietary needs?
Yes, vegan cheese alternatives can replace dairy, and pink fruits like raspberries or pink grapefruit can swap for strawberries and watermelon.