Rainbow-Themed Tray

Looking for a fun, vibrant, and downright joyful way to serve up snacks, appetizers, or even a full meal? Let me introduce you to the Rainbow-Themed Tray—a colorful spread that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning a brunch, birthday party, picnic, or just want to add some flair to your next gathering, this tray is a total showstopper. It’s loaded with fresh fruits, crisp veggies, cheeses, dips, and other goodies, all arranged in a literal rainbow of color.

It’s not just about looks either—every bite is packed with flavor, texture, and variety. Plus, it’s a breeze to put together, endlessly customizable, and works for all kinds of dietary needs.

I started making rainbow trays as a fun way to get my family (especially the picky eaters) to try more fruits and veggies. Something about the colors makes everything more appealing—and now it’s a requested favorite at parties and potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Tray

• Visually stunning—the colors alone make people stop and say “Wow!”
• Easy to assemble—no cooking required; just chop, arrange, and serve
• Crowd-pleasing—everyone finds something they love on a tray like this
• Diet-friendly—naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, with easy vegan and low-carb options
• Perfect for all occasions—brunches, baby showers, holidays, birthdays, or just brightening up a weekday
• Kid-friendly—a fun way to introduce a variety of fruits and veggies
• Flexible—you can tailor it to what’s in season or what you have on hand

Ingredients You’ll Need (by Color)

Feel free to mix and match based on what’s available or in season—this is just a great place to start!

Red

• Strawberries, halved
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red grapes
• Red bell pepper strips
• Beet hummus or roasted red pepper dip

Orange

• Mandarin orange segments
• Dried apricots
• Orange bell pepper slices
• Carrot sticks
• Roasted sweet potato cubes

Yellow

• Pineapple chunks
• Yellow cherry tomatoes
• Corn chips or tortilla chips
• Yellow bell pepper strips
• Mini cheddar cubes or gouda

Green

• Cucumber rounds or sticks
• Green grapes
• Sugar snap peas
• Broccoli florets
• Guacamole or green goddess dip

Blue

• Blueberries
• Blue corn chips
• Purple carrots (they often look bluish)
• Blue cheese crumbles (optional but tasty)

Purple

• Purple grapes
• Sliced plums or figs
• Purple cabbage (thinly sliced)
• Kalamata olives
• Hummus dyed with beet or purple cabbage for a swirl of color

(Note: A complete list of suggested items with measurements is below in the instructions section.)

How to Assemble It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Pick your platter
You’ll want a large tray, wooden board, or even a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The bigger the space, the better for showcasing all those colors!

Step 2: Prep your ingredients
Wash, peel, and slice all your fruits and veggies. Cut cheeses into cubes or triangles. If you’re using dips, put them into small bowls or ramekins.

Step 3: Arrange by color
Start from one end and go in rainbow order (red to purple), or create a circular rainbow design. Group similar colors together in little piles or lines to make the gradient pop.

Step 4: Fill in the gaps
Once you’ve laid out your main rainbow sections, fill in empty spaces with extras—nuts, crackers, sprigs of herbs, or edible flowers for flair.

Step 5: Final touches
Add small tongs, cocktail picks, or mini forks for easy serving. Keep dips near their best pairings (e.g., guacamole next to the green veggies).

Step 6: Serve and watch the colors disappear
Place your tray on a flat surface where people can easily reach everything—and don’t be surprised if it’s the first thing to get devoured!

Helpful Tips

Make it ahead
You can slice everything and store it in separate containers up to a day in advance. Assemble the tray 30–60 minutes before serving for the best freshness and presentation.

Storage tips
Leftovers can be packed into meal prep containers for snacking throughout the week. Dips should be stored in airtight containers and used within 3–5 days.

Add protein
Want to make it more of a meal? Include:

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Rolled turkey or ham slices
• Roasted chickpeas
• Cubed tofu
• Cheese cubes or baby mozzarella balls

Make it vegan
Skip the cheeses and meats, and go wild with dips like hummus, guacamole, or cashew cheese. Roasted or grilled veggies also add extra flavor.

Turn it into a brunch board
Add mini muffins, fruit skewers, yogurt dips, and hard-boiled eggs for a rainbow-inspired breakfast spread.

Kid-friendly twist
Use small cookie cutters to shape melon or cheese into stars and hearts. Serve with mini crackers and dip cups for fun finger food.

Creative swaps
No blueberries? Use blackberries. Can’t find purple cabbage? Try thinly sliced radicchio. It’s totally fine to fudge the rainbow a bit—it’ll still look great.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to use all six colors?
Not at all! Even four or five colors look gorgeous. Just aim for a nice mix of tones so it still gives that rainbow effect.

Can I make this tray dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese and add more fruits, veggies, nuts, or plant-based dips.

How long will it sit out safely?
Ideally, serve within 2 hours of assembling. If it’s warm out, keep it indoors or chill the tray first so everything stays fresh.

Can I turn this into a meal?
Absolutely. Add some hearty proteins, boiled eggs, grains like quinoa or farro, or even serve it with a soup or salad.

What drinks pair well with this?
Sparkling water with fruit, lemonade, sangria, or even a refreshing cocktail with herbs and citrus are perfect companions.

The Rainbow-Themed Tray is one of those things I pull out whenever I want to impress without stress. It’s vibrant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to put together—and every time, people go nuts for it.

Give it a go for your next gathering or just a Friday night treat, and let me know what colorful combos you come up with. It’s pure edible happiness.