Peacock Tail Cucumber Grapes (Printable)

A colorful fan of cucumbers and grapes decorated with radish for a fresh and eye-catching starter.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables & Fruit

01 - 2 large cucumbers
02 - 1 1/2 cups blue or black seedless grapes
03 - 4 medium radishes

→ Garnish & Assembly

04 - Fresh parsley or dill sprigs (optional)
05 - 1 small carrot (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Wash and dry all produce thoroughly.
02 - Cut cucumbers thinly on a bias to achieve oval-shaped slices.
03 - Cut radishes into thin rounds.
04 - Layer cucumber slices on a large platter in overlapping rows to create a broad fanned tail.
05 - Place blue grapes in clusters atop the cucumber slices, spacing evenly to form eye spots.
06 - Center a radish slice on each grape cluster to replicate the peacock’s eye pattern.
07 - Use carrot slices or strips to shape a small beak and feet at the narrow end of the fan.
08 - Place fresh parsley or dill at the base of the fan for a feathered appearance, if desired.
09 - Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks intimidating but takes less time than a phone call—pure kitchen confidence in 20 minutes.
  • Everyone asks how you made it, which is always a good sign.
  • No heat, no stress, just fresh vegetables that taste like themselves the way they should.
02 -
  • Arrange this right before serving—once the cucumbers are exposed to air, they start to lose their snap within an hour.
  • If you must make it ahead, keep everything separate and assemble just before guests arrive; your peacock will stay crisp and proud.
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife and cut with intention—sloppy slicing makes the whole peacock lose its dignity.
  • Chill your platter for 10 minutes before assembling so the vegetables stay crisp longer once arranged.
Return