Save I'll never forget the Easter afternoon when my niece walked into the kitchen and saw a giant pink-and-white bunny staring back at her from the serving platter. Her face lit up in a way that reminded me why we cook—not just to nourish, but to create moments of wonder. That's when I realized this playful Bunny Silhouette wasn't just appetizer; it was edible art that brought joy to everyone gathered around the table.
I created this for my daughter's spring birthday party, and watching six-year-olds carefully pick around the blueberry eyes because they wanted to 'save the bunny's face for last' taught me that food doesn't have to be complicated to be memorable. The kids felt like they were part of something special, and honestly, so did I.
Ingredients
- Black olives: These become your confident hand-drawn outline, and here's the truth—they won't roll away if you place them gently and step back. Use whole ones for a cleaner look, or sliced for flexibility if your bunny ears get a little creative
- Diced strawberries and watermelon: The pink heroes that make this whole thing work. Cut them into roughly the same size so the bunny's ears look intentional, not haphazard. A little juice is fine—it actually makes the platter look more inviting
- Pink beet hummus: This is your secret ingredient for filling gaps and creating visual continuity in the pink sections. It's creamy enough to spread but structured enough to hold together
- Radish slices: These add a peppery bite and brilliant color. Slice them thin so they don't overshadow the softer textures
- Mini mozzarella balls: Use whole or halved—they're the pure white anchors that make the face section sing. Buy them the day before if possible; they taste better when they've settled into the fridge
- Cottage cheese: Drain it well in a fine-mesh sieve for at least five minutes. Soggy cottage cheese will weep and make your white sections look sad, not festive
- Hard-boiled eggs: Boil them the morning of, peel carefully, and slice when cool. The yolks add warmth to the white sections
- Cauliflower florets: Small florets work better than large chunks—they nestle nicely and add textural contrast without overwhelming the face
- Blueberries, carrot piece, and fresh chives: The facial features that bring your bunny to life. These little touches are what make people smile
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Lay your parchment paper or platter down and take a breath. There's no rush here. You're about to create something beautiful, and the best part is you already know it'll work because you're following the recipe
- Draw your bunny outline:
- Starting with a large oval for the head, use your black olives to trace the shape you're imagining. Add two long oval ears at the top. Step back and look at it. Adjust if needed—olive by olive. This is the skeleton that everything else hangs on, so make it something you're proud of
- Fill those ears with pink:
- Now the fun begins. Layer your strawberries, watermelon, radish slices, and beet hummus inside those ear outlines. Don't worry about perfection—think of it like watercolor, with colors blending where they meet. The variation is what makes it look alive
- Create the bunny face:
- Fill the larger head section with your white ingredients. Distribute the mozzarella balls, cottage cheese dollops, egg slices, and cauliflower florets evenly so no single ingredient dominates. It should feel balanced, like you're painting with different shades of cream
- Add the personality:
- Place blueberries for eyes, the carrot piece for a nose, and arrange fresh chive strips below the nose like whiskers. This is where your bunny becomes a character. Make it feel intentional. Make it smile
- Chill and present:
- Refrigerate until serving time. When you bring it to the table, watch people's faces. That moment—that's what this recipe is really about
Save My favorite memory isn't from the initial setup, but from about halfway through the party when I caught my mother-in-law taking a photograph of the bunny to send to her book club. That's when I knew this recipe had done what all good food should do—it had created a moment worth remembering and sharing.
Making This Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is that it's a canvas, not a rulebook. Swap strawberries for raspberries if that's what you have. Use pink grapefruit segments if you're feeling fancy. The structure stays the same; only the flavors shift. I've made this with roasted beets instead of hummus, with Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese, with thin-sliced apple for white sections. Each version has been delicious because the idea—a playful bunny made from real food—is what matters, not the exact ingredients.
Dietary Flexibility
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how naturally it accommodates different needs. For vegan guests, swap the mozzarella for cashew cream balls and use dairy-free cottage cheese—they'll never notice the difference. For gluten-free eaters, simply serve with gluten-free crackers. This is a recipe that says 'yes' to everyone at the table, and that generosity is something worth celebrating.
Serving and Pairings
Serve this bunny surrounded by crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable crudités—whatever lets people break pieces off and taste both the platter and the accompaniment together. The flavors work beautifully with light, refreshing drinks. A sparkling rosé feels celebratory, while elderflower lemonade brings a gentle sweetness that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly. I've also paired it with crisp white wine and it was just as lovely.
- Arrange crackers in small clusters around the platter rather than in neat rows—it looks more inviting and easier for guests to grab
- If you're bringing this to a potluck, keep it in the fridge until the last moment and transport it on a flat surface you can set directly on the table
- Don't stress if a few ingredients shift during transport; everyone will understand, and the bunny will still make people smile
Save This Bunny Silhouette is proof that the best recipes aren't always the most complicated ones—they're the ones that bring people together and make them feel cared for. Make it for someone special.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I create the bunny outline?
Use black olives, whole or sliced, to carefully form the head and ears shape on a large platter or parchment paper.
- → Can I substitute the pink fillings?
Yes, alternatives like raspberries or pink grapefruit can replace strawberries and watermelon for a similar vibrant look.
- → What are good options for dairy-free adaptations?
Replace mozzarella and cottage cheese with vegan cheese alternatives to accommodate dairy-free needs.
- → How should I serve the platter?
Chill the completed platter before serving and offer crackers or vegetable sticks alongside for dipping and texture contrast.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the platter ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just be sure to serve with gluten-free crackers or crispbread as desired.