Save A festive and colorful platter of fresh vegetables arranged as ornament dippers, perfect for holiday gatherings and healthy snacking.
This recipe adds a fun and festive touch to our family parties every year
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large yellow bell pepper, 1 large cucumber, 2 large carrots, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 small head broccoli, 1 small head cauliflower, 1 cup sugar snap peas, 8 thin celery stalks
- Garnishes & Ornament Hooks: 8 pretzel sticks or thin breadsticks, 3 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp poppy seeds, 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- Dips: 1 cup hummus, 1 cup ranch dressing (or Greek yogurt dip)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
- Step 2:
- Slice bell peppers into thick rounds remove seeds. Cut cucumber into thick slices. Peel carrots and cut into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Step 3:
- Use a small round cookie cutter (about 2 inches) to cut ornament shapes from the bell peppers cucumber and carrot rounds.
- Step 4:
- Leave cherry tomatoes whole. Break broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Step 5:
- Thread each ornament-shaped vegetable onto a pretzel stick or breadstick to act as the hanger. For smaller veggies like tomatoes or snap peas skewer them onto the stick.
- Step 6:
- Arrange vegetables on a large platter in clusters resembling a tray of colorful ornaments.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle parsley sesame seeds poppy seeds and pomegranate seeds over the ornaments for extra color and texture.
- Step 8:
- Serve with hummus and ranch (or yogurt) dip on the side.
Save Our family loves sharing these colorful dippers during holiday celebrations
Notes
Substitute bell peppers or cucumbers with zucchini or radishes for variety. Use gluten-free breadsticks for a fully gluten-free option. Try beet hummus or pesto dip for additional color and flavor. For extra festivity add edible gold dust or sprigs of dill.
Required Tools
Sharp knife Cutting board Small round cookie cutter (optional) Large platter Bowls for dip
Nutritional Information
Calories 85 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 13 g Protein 3 g per serving
Save A fun and healthy appetizer that brightens any holiday table
Kitchen Guide
- → What vegetables work best for the ornaments?
Bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, celery, and sugar snap peas provide a variety of shapes and colors ideal for crafting festive ornaments.
- → How do I cut the vegetables into ornament shapes?
Use a small round cookie cutter (about 2 inches) to create bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot rounds shaped like ornaments. Cherry tomatoes and snap peas can be used whole.
- → Can the breadsticks be substituted?
Yes, thin pretzel sticks or breadsticks work well as ornament hangers; gluten-free versions can be used to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What garnishes enhance the appearance and flavor?
Fresh parsley, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and pomegranate seeds add vibrant color and texture, elevating the festive presentation.
- → What dips pair well with the veggie platter?
Classic hummus and ranch or Greek yogurt-based dips complement the fresh vegetables and provide creamy contrasts to the crisp textures.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. Using gluten-free breadsticks and selecting dips accordingly can make this platter suitable for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.