Pin 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 veggie board has become a favorite at our family gatherings, bringing smiles with 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 to 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.
Pin Our family loves gathering around this dish during the holidays; it’s a colorful staple everyone looks forward to.
Preparation Tips
Use fresh and crisp vegetables for the best texture and arrange the veggies tightly to keep the leaf shape intact.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with whole-grain crackers or pita chips alongside the veggies for added crunch and variety.
Storage
Prepare veggies and dip separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Pin This holly leaf veggie board is sure to brighten any holiday table and impress guests with its festive charm.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients create the holly leaf shape?
Broccoli florets and sugar snap peas form the borders, while cucumber slices and green bell pepper strips fill the interior to mimic holly leaf textures and colors.
- → How is the dip prepared?
The dip blends Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, creamy accompaniment.
- → Can this board be made vegan-friendly?
Yes, by substituting Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and ensuring mayonnaise is vegan, the dip can suit vegan preferences.
- → What adds the 'berry' effect on the board?
Cherry tomatoes and small red bell pepper pieces are clustered strategically to replicate the appearance of holly berries.
- → How should the board be served and stored?
Serve immediately for best freshness, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve, assembling dip and veggies separately if prepared ahead.
- → Are there any suggested pairings?
Whole-grain crackers or pita chips complement the veggie board nicely, adding crunch and variety.