Pin I first made The Bunny Silhouette for my daughter's Easter party three years ago, scrambling at the last minute to create something festive that would make the kids smile. As I arranged the pink strawberries and white mozzarella into that bunny shape, something magical happened—everyone gathered around the platter before we'd even sat down. It wasn't just food; it was edible art that sparked joy the moment they saw it. Now, whenever spring arrives, someone always asks, 'Are you making the bunny platter this year?' and I know I've created something truly special.
I'll never forget my mother-in-law's face when she saw the bunny platter at Easter brunch. She'd grown up in a time when appetizers meant cheese cubes on toothpicks, and here was this whimsical, colorful creation that somehow felt both playful and elegant. She took a photo with her phone and sent it to her book club group chat. That's when I realized this dish does something special—it bridges generations and makes everyone feel like they're part of something celebratory.
Ingredients
- Black olives: These create the bunny's outline and are your visual anchor—use the whole ones for a cleaner look, and don't skip this step as it's what transforms random ingredients into recognizable bunny silhouette
- Diced strawberries and watermelon: The heart of your pink fillings; strawberries bring sweetness while watermelon adds refreshing juiciness—I learned to cut them into similar-sized pieces so the colors blend beautifully
- Pink beet hummus: This is your secret weapon for achieving that perfect rosy tone; it's creamy, nutritious, and adds an earthy depth that surprises people
- Radish slices: These peppery rounds add both pink color and a crisp bite that prevents the whole platter from feeling too soft
- Mini mozzarella balls: These little pearls are essential for the white sections—they're mild, attractive, and melt slightly as guests nibble, creating a lovely contrast
- Cottage cheese: Make sure to drain it well so your platter doesn't become watery; this adds body and creaminess to the white sections
- Hard-boiled eggs: The yellow yolks peek through the whites and add another layer of visual interest
- Cauliflower florets: Small, delicate pieces work best here; they anchor the white section and provide a satisfying crunch
- Blueberries: Two perfectly placed berries become the bunny's knowing eyes—choose ones that are firm and similar in size
- Carrot piece: A tiny triangle or small round becomes the nose; this single detail transforms the face from abstract to adorable
- Fresh chives: These gossamer-thin strips are the whiskers that complete the portrait; finely chop them just before serving so they stay vibrant
Instructions
- Create your canvas:
- Lay out your parchment paper or serving platter on a clean, flat workspace. This is your blank canvas, so make sure it's large enough to accommodate a generous bunny head with prominent ears. If using a platter, you might arrange it at an angle that flatters your kitchen light.
- Outline the bunny shape:
- Using black olives, begin at the center and carefully create a clear bunny silhouette. Start with two long oval ears at the top, connected to a larger oval for the head. Work slowly and step back occasionally to see how it looks from a distance—this outline is everything, as it guides your filling work and creates the magical moment when everyone recognizes the shape.
- Fill the ears with pink:
- Beginning with one ear, spread a thin layer of pink beet hummus, then arrange your diced strawberries and watermelon in alternating patches. Add radish slices here and there for color variation. As you work, you'll feel the platter coming alive with color. Repeat for the second ear, creating a mirror image so the bunny feels balanced.
- Create the white face:
- Working within the head outline, begin with small spoonfuls of drained cottage cheese as your base layer. Scatter the mini mozzarella balls across it—these should feel like little discoveries as people explore the platter. Add sliced hard-boiled egg pieces and small cauliflower florets, distributing them so white tones dominate but colors peek through naturally.
- Add the facial features:
- Position your two blueberries where the eyes should be, slightly toward the upper portion of the face. Place your small carrot piece below them for the nose. These three elements transform the bunny from a color study into a character.
- Whisker finishing touch:
- Just before serving, scatter your finely chopped fresh chives in a few gentle swoops across the face. These delicate green lines are the final flourish that makes the bunny feel complete and alive.
- Chill and serve:
- Place the platter in the refrigerator until your guests arrive. When ready to serve, bring it out as your grand entrance moment. Serve alongside crackers, vegetable sticks, or simply with small appetizer plates and encourage people to graze freely from the bunny.
Pin The moment that sealed this recipe's place in my heart came when my five-year-old nephew refused to eat the bunny—he just wanted to look at it. His older sister gently explained that the bunny wanted to become part of us, to nourish us, and that we could make another one next year. That conversation, so innocent and profound, reminded me that sometimes food is about so much more than flavor or nutrition. It's about memory-making and imagination.
Color Balance and Visual Appeal
The magic of The Bunny Silhouette lives in its contrast—the soft pinks against clean whites create a composition that's both modern and whimsical. I've learned through practice that the key is distributing colors thoughtfully rather than randomly. If all your pink ingredients land in one ear, the bunny looks lopsided. Squint at your platter from across the room and ask yourself if the colors feel balanced. This simple habit transformed my platters from pretty to professional-looking. The white section should feel creamy and rich, while the pink should feel vibrant and spring-like. If something feels off, it's usually because one color is dominating too much—step back and add a few more pieces of the recessive color to restore harmony.
Ingredient Substitutions and Flexibility
One of the beautiful aspects of this recipe is that it respects dietary restrictions naturally while remaining open to creative swaps. I've made versions with vegan mozzarella for friends avoiding dairy, and honestly, it's nearly indistinguishable from the original. Raspberries create an even deeper pink than strawberries if you're going for drama, and I once substituted the watermelon with diced pink grapefruit—the tartness added an unexpected sophistication. The cottage cheese can be replaced with thick Greek yogurt or even dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The only ingredient I wouldn't change is the black olive outline; that's your architectural foundation. Everything else is negotiable based on what's in your market and what your guests can enjoy.
Serving Ideas and Pairing Suggestions
Serve The Bunny Silhouette as the centerpiece of a spring appetizer spread, perhaps alongside other light bites like cucumber sandwiches or herb-infused breadsticks. The freshness of the platter pairs beautifully with sparkling beverages—I've had wonderful success with a light rosé that echoes the pink tones, or an elderflower lemonade for non-alcoholic guests. The texture and flavor profile work equally well at brunch or dinner, and because it requires no cooking, it's perfect for entertaining when you want to spend time with your guests rather than being tied to the kitchen.
- Serve crackers and vegetable sticks on the side so guests have options for scooping and enjoying
- Arrange small plates nearby so people can easily fill a plate and mingle comfortably
- Make this the first thing people see when they arrive—the visual impact sets a celebratory tone for the entire gathering
Pin This recipe has taught me that the most memorable meals aren't always the most complicated. Sometimes it's the playful, generous, colorful moments that stick with people longest. May your bunny platter bring smiles and create moments worth remembering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients create the pink sections?
Diced strawberries, watermelon, pink beet hummus, and radish slices combine for the vibrant pink layers.
- → How is the bunny shape outlined?
The outline of the bunny head and ears is formed using whole or sliced black olives to create a clear definition.
- → Which ingredients form the white areas?
Mini mozzarella balls, cottage cheese, hard-boiled egg slices, and cauliflower florets provide the creamy white filling.
- → How are the facial details made?
Blueberries serve as the eyes, a small carrot piece makes the nose, and finely chopped chives mimic whiskers.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
This vegetarian and gluten-free platter can be adapted by using vegan cheese alternatives and gluten-free crackers for dairy-free or gluten-free needs.