Sunny Yellow Citrus Burst (Printable)

A colorful board showcasing yellow fruits, cheeses, and veggies in a bright, sunburst arrangement for easy entertaining.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fresh Fruit

01 - 1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-sized wedges
02 - 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 golden kiwis, peeled and sliced
04 - 1 to 2 bananas, sliced (optional; add just before serving to avoid browning)
05 - 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds (reserve one slice for the center)
06 - 1 orange, sliced into rounds (optional; can be used as centerpiece)

→ Vegetables

07 - 2 yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into strips
08 - 1 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup baby yellow carrots, peeled and trimmed

→ Cheese & Dairy

10 - 5 ounces aged Gouda cheese, cubed
11 - 5 ounces yellow cheddar, cubed
12 - 1 cup lemon curd (served in a small bowl for dipping)

→ Crackers & Extras

13 - 1 cup yellow corn tortilla chips or gluten-free crackers
14 - ½ cup roasted salted cashews or macadamia nuts
15 - ½ cup dried apricots
16 - Honeycomb or a small jar of honey (optional, for drizzling)

# Directions:

01 - Place a large round slice of lemon or orange in the center of a large serving board or platter to serve as the sun.
02 - Arrange pineapple, mango, golden kiwis, and other fruits in radiating lines outward from the central citrus slice, alternating colors for visual contrast.
03 - Fan out the yellow bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots in sunburst patterns around the fruits.
04 - Nestle cubes of Gouda and cheddar evenly around the fruits and vegetables.
05 - Place a small bowl of lemon curd near the edge of the board with a spoon for dipping.
06 - Fill remaining spaces with corn chips, nuts, dried apricots, and optionally honeycomb or a honey jar.
07 - Serve immediately, ensuring all perishable ingredients remain chilled until ready to eat.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's practically effortless—no cooking required, just beautiful knife work and your favorite flavors arranged like art on a board
  • Everyone finds something they love here, from the creamy cheese to the crispy nuts to the juicy bursts of fruit that feel like summer in your mouth
  • It photographs like a dream, making you look like the most thoughtful host without the stress
02 -
  • Bananas are a last-minute addition for a reason; they brown visibly and quickly, so add them only when people are about to eat. Tossing them in fresh lemon juice buys you some time and adds extra brightness.
  • Prep all your cutting about 30 minutes before serving, then keep components separate and chilled until assembly—this prevents the fruit from oxidizing and turning sad-looking, and it keeps everything crisp and fresh.
  • The arrangement matters more than perfect uniformity; this board is about abundance and joy, not rigid precision. A slightly chaotic sunburst actually looks more authentic and inviting than something too organized.
03 -
  • The secret to a cohesive board isn't just yellow ingredients; it's varying the shapes and textures so every bite feels different and interesting. Rings, wedges, strips, cubes, whole nuts—this variety is what makes someone come back for another bite.
  • Lemon curd is your MVP here; it transforms crackers, cheese, and fruit into something unexpectedly luxurious. If you don't have time to make it, quality store-bought is absolutely acceptable and honestly, nobody will know the difference once they're dipping.
  • Position yourself near the board when guests first arrive and watch where they gravitate, what combinations they make. You'll learn what works and what you might adjust next time—and there will definitely be a next time.
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