Sunny Yellow Citrus Burst (Printable)

Vibrant yellow fruits, cheeses, and nuts arranged in a sunburst pattern with citrus center for a fresh bite.

# 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 - 1–2 bananas, sliced (optional; add before serving to prevent browning)
05 - 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds (reserve one slice for centerpiece)
06 - 1 orange, sliced into rounds (optional for 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 oz aged Gouda cheese, cubed
11 - 5 oz yellow cheddar, cubed
12 - 1 cup lemon curd (served in 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 small jar of honey (optional, for drizzling)

# How-to:

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 yellow bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots in sunburst patterns around the fruits.
04 - Nestle cubes of Gouda and cheddar around the fruits and vegetables.
05 - Set 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, if using, honeycomb or a honey jar.
07 - Serve immediately, ensuring perishable ingredients remain chilled until ready to eat.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes just 20 minutes, so you can actually enjoy your own party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • Every bite is different—sweet to tangy, creamy cheese next to crisp vegetables, the unexpected joy of honeycomb drizzled over it all.
  • People always ask how you made it look so magazine-worthy, and the truth is, you just followed your instincts and the natural beauty of yellow ingredients did the rest.
02 -
  • Don't arrange this board more than 20 minutes before serving, or the delicate fruits will begin to lose their moisture and brightness. If you need extra time, prep all your ingredients and assemble just before guests arrive.
  • The moment you add bananas, they start their inevitable browning process. Lemon juice slows it, but nothing stops it entirely. Add them last, and people will never know they're missing if you choose to leave them off entirely.
  • A slightly dull knife will bruise delicate fruits and make the whole board look tired before anyone takes a bite. Use your sharpest knife, and let the fruit's natural juice be what seals the cut, not pressure.
03 -
  • Buy your produce the day before and let fruits reach room temperature about an hour before serving—cold fruit tastes muted compared to fruit that's been gently warmed by the sun or your counter.
  • Keep a sharp knife and cutting board beside the board during serving. Some guests love slicing their own cheese or fruit to exactly the thickness they prefer, and giving them that agency makes the experience feel more luxurious.
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