Save to Pinterest 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 always been a hit during my holiday parties; guests love the vibrant colors 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&ndash8 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 to Pinterest This dish often brings my family together around the table, sparking compliments and happy conversations.
Preparation Tips
To keep the veggies crisp, prep them just before assembly and chill them until serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with whole-grain crackers or pita chips for a lovely appetizer platter.
Variations
Try swapping Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt to make the dip vegan-friendly.
Save to Pinterest This holly leaf veggie board is a perfect blend of visual appeal and wholesome flavor that completes any holiday gathering.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the vegetables to resemble holly leaves?
Arrange broccoli florets and sugar snap peas to form the leaf borders, then fill in with cucumber rounds and bell pepper strips. Cluster cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces to simulate the berries.
- → Can I substitute any vegetables for this platter?
Yes, celery sticks or extra snap peas add crunch; green grapes are optional for additional color and texture.
- → What does the dip include and how is it made?
The dip combines Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, whisked until smooth.
- → Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?
It’s vegetarian and gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
- → How far ahead can I prepare this platter?
You can prep the vegetables and dip separately ahead of time, then assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.