Artful arrangement of olives, tomatoes, cheese, and fresh basil creates a striking appetizer display.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base Lines
01 - 3.5 oz black olives, pitted and sliced
02 - 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 3.5 oz cucumber, cut into thin half-moons
04 - 3.5 oz roasted red peppers, sliced
05 - 3.5 oz smoked salmon or marinated tofu strips (optional)
→ Cheese Rungs
06 - 5.3 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into thin strips or small cubes
07 - 3.5 oz cheddar cheese, cut into thin strips or small cubes
→ Accompaniments
08 - 1.8 oz fresh basil leaves
09 - 1.8 oz crackers or gluten-free crackers (optional)
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - On a large serving board or platter, draw two long, parallel, gently twisting lines using alternating ingredients for color contrast, such as black olives on one line and cherry tomatoes on the other.
02 - Place additional lines with cucumber, roasted red peppers, or smoked salmon/marinated tofu strips to enhance color contrast and fill out the strands.
03 - Connect the two parallel lines at regular intervals with mozzarella and cheddar strips or cubes arranged perpendicularly, mimicking DNA base pairs.
04 - Tuck fresh basil leaves along the lines for added color and aroma.
05 - Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 - Present with crackers or gluten-free crackers on the side, if desired.
