Pin A festive and vibrant platter featuring fresh vegetables arranged as Santa hats, served with a flavorful dip—perfect for holiday gatherings and healthy snacking.
This recipe has become a holiday staple in our home, bringing joy and a splash of festive color to every gathering.
Ingredients
- Fresh Vegetables: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 large English cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, 6 radishes, 1 cup cauliflower florets, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup baby carrots
- For the Santa Hat Assembly: 12 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 12 small basil leaves
- Dip: 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, 1 clove garlic, finely minced, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1 Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly:
- Ensure all vegetables are clean and dry to maintain freshness and presentation quality.
- Step 2 Slice the cucumber into ½-inch thick rounds:
- Cut the red bell pepper into strips. Trim the radishes, leaving a bit of the green stem for decoration.
- Step 3 Create Santa Hats:
- Place a cherry tomato on top of a cucumber round. Add a basil leaf between the tomato and the cucumber for a decorative hat brim. Top each tomato with a mozzarella ball to mimic a hat pompom. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Step 4 Arrange the Santa Hats on a platter:
- Fill in remaining space with cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, radishes, bell pepper strips, and baby carrots for a festive look.
- Step 5 For the dip:
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 6 Place the dip in a small serving bowl:
- Nestle it among the vegetables on the platter.
- Step 7 Serve immediately:
- Or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pin Our family loves how this recipe encourages everyone to snack healthily together, making holidays more fun and vibrant.
Notes
Pair with sparkling water or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect refreshment.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, serving platter, toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (mozzarella balls, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise). May contain eggs (depending on mayonnaise used). Always check product labels for allergens.
Pin This vibrant veggie platter will be the star of your holiday party and a healthy delight brought to life with simple ingredients.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I assemble the Santa hat veggies?
Place a cherry tomato on cucumber rounds, add a basil leaf between them, and top with a mozzarella ball to mimic a Santa hat. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- → Can I prepare the dip in advance?
Yes, the dip can be mixed ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for the dairy ingredients?
Substitute plant-based yogurt and cheese to make a vegan version without compromising flavor.
- → What other vegetables complement this platter?
Additional vegetables like yellow bell peppers, snap peas, or baby carrots work well for added color and variety.
- → How should I store leftover platter items?
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers within a few hours. The dip and vegetables keep well for up to two days.