Pin A festive and colorful platter of fresh vegetables arranged as ornament dippers, perfect for holiday gatherings and healthy snacking.
This appetizer always brings joy at our holiday parties and encourages everyone to eat more veggies.
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.
Pin We love gathering around the platter and sharing stories while nibbling on these cute veggie ornaments.
Notes
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
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (pretzel sticks/breadsticks) substitute with gluten-free options if needed. Ranch dressing may contain dairy and egg. Hummus contains sesame (tahini). Double-check dip ingredients and pretzel/breadstick labels for allergens.
Pin This colorful appetizer brings festive cheer and encourages healthy snacking effortlessly.
Recipe Q&A
- → What vegetables work best for ornament shapes?
Bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots cut with a round cutter create vibrant ornament shapes. Cherry tomatoes and snap peas add variety and texture.
- → How can I prepare the veggie dippers ahead of time?
Wash and slice the vegetables, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble skewers just before serving to keep them fresh.
- → Are there good alternatives for the pretzel sticks?
Thin breadsticks or gluten-free breadsticks can be used as skewers, especially to accommodate dietary preferences.
- → What garnishes enhance the platter’s appearance?
Sprinkling fresh parsley, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and pomegranate seeds adds color, texture, and festive appeal.
- → What dips complement the vegetable ornaments?
Creamy dips like hummus and ranch-style dressings pair well, offering a smooth contrast to the crisp vegetables.