Save A whimsical and healthy appetizer featuring crisp vegetables arranged as a snowman, served with a creamy herb dip–perfect for festive gatherings and kids parties.
This appetizer always delights guests when I serve it during holiday parties. My kids particularly love building the snowman and dipping the veggies in creamy herb dip.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large cauliflower head (cut into florets), 1 large cucumber, 2 medium carrots (peeled), 1 small red bell pepper, 1 small yellow bell pepper, 6 cherry tomatoes, 1 black olive
- Dip: 200 g (7 oz) Greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh chives or dill (finely chopped), 1 garlic clove (minced), Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Slice the cucumber into 1 cm rounds. Cut one carrot into sticks for snowman arms, and use a peeler to cut thin ribbons from the other carrot for the scarf. Slice bell peppers into small strips and pieces for the hat, buttons, and scarf accent. Slice the black olive into thin rounds for the eyes and mouth.
- Arrange the snowman:
- On a large platter, assemble three cauliflower florets in increasing size vertically to form the snowmans body. Use cucumber rounds for the snow at the base. Add carrot sticks for arms, and carrot ribbons for the scarf around the neck. Use black olive slices for eyes and mouth, a small carrot piece for the nose, and bell pepper strips to create a hat and buttons. Place cherry tomatoes and remaining vegetables around the snowman as extra crudités.
- Prepare the dip:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives or dill, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Place the dip in a small bowl next to or within the platter for dipping.
Save Making this recipe is always a joy with my family, bringing everyone together to create a fun and festive appetizer that everyone enjoys.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, Sharp knife, Vegetable peeler, Small mixing bowl, Spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise). May contain eggs (mayonnaise). Check all ingredient labels for gluten or allergen traces if required.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 95, Total Fat: 3.5 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 4 g
Save This snowman crudités platter is a delightful and visually appealing appetizer that brings charm and healthfulness to any gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What vegetables make up the snowman?
Cauliflower florets form the body, cucumber rounds create the snowy base, carrots shape the arms and scarf, bell peppers add hat and buttons, cherry tomatoes decorate the plate, and black olive slices form the eyes and mouth.
- → How is the creamy dip prepared?
The dip combines Greek yogurt or sour cream with mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh chives or dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper whisked until smooth.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it's vegetarian and gluten-free. For a vegan option, use plant-based yogurt and vegan mayonnaise substitutes.
- → How should the snowman platter be served?
Arrange the vegetables on a large platter with the dip in a bowl nearby for dipping, and serve promptly to maintain crispness.
- → Are there suggestions for ingredient variations?
Additional vegetables like radishes, broccoli, or celery can be included for variety and extra color on the platter.