Save A festive, eye-catching vegetable platter arranged in the shape of holly leaves, perfect for holiday gatherings. Fresh, crunchy veggies are paired with a creamy dip for a healthy and beautiful appetizer.
This colorful veggie board has been a highlight at our family holiday parties, always drawing compliments for its festive look and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large head broccoli cut into small florets, 1 large cucumber sliced into thin rounds, 1 green bell pepper sliced into strips, 1 cup sugar snap peas trimmed, 1 cup green grapes (optional for color and shape), 6 8 cherry tomatoes (for holly berries), 1 small red bell pepper cut into small circles or wedges (for additional berry effect)
- Dip: 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish (Optional): Fresh parsley sprigs
Instructions
- Step 1:
- On a large platter or board, sketch a holly leaf shape lightly with a pencil on parchment or visualize the outline.
- Step 2:
- Arrange broccoli florets and sugar snap peas to form the borders of the holly leaves.
- Step 3:
- Fill in the leaf shape with cucumber rounds and green bell pepper strips layering for texture and color.
- Step 4:
- Place cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces in clusters at strategic points to mimic holly berries.
- Step 5:
- Add green grapes if desired for extra dimension and sweetness.
- Step 6:
- In a medium bowl mix Greek yogurt mayonnaise lemon juice dill garlic powder salt and pepper until smooth Transfer to a small serving bowl and place it at the corner or center of the board.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with parsley sprigs for additional greenery.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save Our family loves gathering around this vibrant veggie board during the holidays it sparks conversation and appetite alike.
Notes
For extra crunch add celery or snap peas Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt for a vegan dip Pair with whole-grain crackers or pita chips alongside the veggies To make ahead prep veggies and dip separately then assemble just before serving
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Sharp knife Cutting board Small mixing bowl Serving bowl for dip
Nutritional Information
Calories 70 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 8 g Protein 3 g per serving
Save This visually stunning appetizer is sure to impress and energize your holiday guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you shape the vegetables into holly leaves?
Arrange broccoli florets and sugar snap peas to outline the leaf edges. Fill inside with cucumber rounds and bell pepper strips layered for texture. Cluster cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces to mimic holly berries.
- → What ingredients make up the creamy dip?
The dip combines Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for a smooth, flavorful accompaniment.
- → Can this platter be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, vegetables and dip can be prepped separately and assembled on the board just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Are there any recommended substitutions for the dip?
You can swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative to make the dip vegan while keeping the fresh flavor profile.
- → What additional garnishes can enhance the board?
Fresh parsley sprigs add extra greenery, and pairing with whole-grain crackers or pita chips complements the vegetable textures.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all vegetables and the dip ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on packaged items like mayonnaise.