Monarch Magic Fruit Butterfly

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

Create a stunning monarch butterfly using fresh sliced oranges, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, kiwis, mango, pineapple, and apple. Arrange fruits on a large tray to form colorful wings and a body, using pretzel rods for antennae and optional chocolate chips for wing accents. Serve with a honey-vanilla Greek yogurt dip or vegan alternative. Perfect for parties or healthy summer treats, this display is easy to prepare and adaptable with seasonal fruits.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:47:00 GMT
A colorful Monarch Magic Fruit Butterfly Tray, bursting with fresh fruit and ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
A colorful Monarch Magic Fruit Butterfly Tray, bursting with fresh fruit and ready to serve. | velvetthyme.com

A vibrant and whimsical fruit tray arranged in the shape of a beautiful monarch butterfly perfect for parties, kids events, or a healthy summer treat.

This fruit tray has always been a hit at our family gatherings, bringing fun and color to the table.

Ingredients

  • Fruit: 2 large oranges peeled and sliced, 2 cups strawberries hulled and halved, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup red grapes halved, 2 kiwis peeled and sliced, 1 mango peeled and sliced, 1 cup pineapple diced, 1 apple cored and sliced thin
  • Garnish & Decoration: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (for butterfly details optional), 2 long pretzel rods (for antennae)
  • Dipping Sauce (optional): 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1:
Wash and prepare all fruit as indicated. Pat dry to prevent slipping.
Step 2:
On a large serving tray, sketch a butterfly shape lightly with a toothpick or arrange fruit freely into a butterfly outline Use orange slices for the outer wings. Layer strawberries and pineapple for color and pattern inside the wings. Fill in with blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and kiwi to add vibrant details. Use thin apple and mango slices to create additional wing patterns and texture.
Step 3:
Arrange a line of grapes or blackberries down the center to form the butterfly&s body.
Step 4:
Place pretzel rods at the top of the body to create the antennae.
Step 5:
Dot mini chocolate chips for wing spots or decorative accents if desired.
Step 6:
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract to make a dipping sauce. Serve alongside the tray.
Step 7:
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Kids will love this healthy and creative Monarch Magic Fruit Butterfly Tray appetizer, so fun! Save to Pinterest
Kids will love this healthy and creative Monarch Magic Fruit Butterfly Tray appetizer, so fun! | velvetthyme.com

This recipe has created wonderful family moments with kids excited to eat their colorful butterfly creation.

Required Tools

Large serving tray or board Sharp paring knife Small bowls (for dip) Toothpick (for outlining optional)

Allergen Information

Contains milk (in Greek yogurt and possibly chocolate chips) Contains gluten (in pretzel rods) Always check packaging for possible nut or gluten cross-contamination if serving to guests with allergies

Nutritional Information

Calories 130 Total Fat 1 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 3 g per serving

Vibrant orange slices and berries create this whimsical Monarch Magic Fruit Butterfly Tray for snacking. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant orange slices and berries create this whimsical Monarch Magic Fruit Butterfly Tray for snacking. | velvetthyme.com

Enjoy making this colorful monarch butterfly fruit tray a centerpiece for your next gathering.

Recipe FAQs

What fruits are best for this butterfly display?

A mix of oranges, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, kiwis, mango, pineapple, and apple work well for vibrant colors and textures.

Can I make a vegan dipping sauce?

Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly dip.

How do I prevent fruit from slipping on the tray?

Pat the fruit dry after washing to reduce moisture and help pieces stay in place during arrangement.

Are there alternatives to chocolate chips for decoration?

You can use seeds or small dried fruits to mimic wing spots if avoiding chocolate or nuts.

Is it possible to prepare this tray in advance?

Yes, assemble the fruit and cover tightly with plastic wrap; refrigerate until serving to maintain freshness.

Monarch Magic Fruit Butterfly

Vibrant fruit display shaped like a monarch butterfly with oranges, berries, mango, and pineapple slices.

Prep time
25 min
0
Total process time
25 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Yield amount 8 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly

List of ingredients

Fruit

01 2 large oranges, peeled and sliced
02 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
03 1 cup blueberries
04 1 cup blackberries
05 1 cup red grapes, halved
06 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
07 1 mango, peeled and sliced
08 1 cup pineapple, diced
09 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced

Garnish & Decoration

01 ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
02 2 long pretzel rods

Dipping Sauce (optional)

01 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
02 1 tablespoon honey
03 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare Fruit: Wash and prepare all fruit as indicated; pat dry to prevent slipping.

Step 02

Arrange Butterfly Shape: On a large serving tray, lightly sketch a butterfly outline or arrange fruit freely: place orange slices as outer wings, layer strawberries and pineapple inside wings for color and pattern, then add blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and kiwi for vibrant details. Use thin apple and mango slices for additional wing texture and patterns.

Step 03

Create Butterfly Body: Place a line of grapes or blackberries down the center of the tray to form the butterfly’s body.

Step 04

Add Antennae: Position pretzel rods at the top of the body to represent antennae.

Step 05

Add Decorative Accents: Dot mini chocolate chips on wings for spots or decorative accents if desired.

Step 06

Prepare Dipping Sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract in a small bowl; serve alongside the tray.

Step 07

Serve: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Essential tools

  • Large serving tray or board
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Small bowls
  • Toothpick (optional)

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains milk (in Greek yogurt and possibly chocolate chips)
  • Contains gluten (in pretzel rods)
  • Check packaging for possible nut or gluten cross-contamination

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 130
  • Fat content: 1 g
  • Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein amount: 3 g