Save to Pinterest The Holly Leaf Veggie Board is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of fresh, crisp vegetables beautifully arranged in the festive shape of holly leaves. This appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a healthy balance of crunchy veggies paired with a creamy dill dip. It brightens any party table with vibrant greens and reds, making it both enticing and nourishing.
Save to Pinterest This veggie platter is not only visually stunning but also versatile. Customize the arrangement or add your favorite veggies to suit your holiday table. The creamy dill dip adds a refreshing tang that balances the crispness of the vegetables, making snacking irresistible and wholesome.
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)
- 6–8 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
- 1. On a large platter or board, sketch a holly leaf shape lightly with a pencil on parchment, or visualize the outline.
- 2. Arrange broccoli florets and sugar snap peas to form the borders of the holly leaves.
- 3. Fill in the leaf shape with cucumber rounds and green bell pepper strips, layering for texture and color.
- 4. Place cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces in clusters at strategic points to mimic holly berries.
- 5. Add green grapes if desired for extra dimension and sweetness.
- 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.
- 7. Garnish with parsley sprigs for additional greenery.
- 8. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra crunch, add celery or snap peas to the arrangement to enhance texture. Preparing the veggies with care and slicing uniformly will make your board visually appealing and easy to share.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap the Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt to make the dip vegan-friendly. Feel free to customize the berries with other red vegetables or fruits, and add your favorite herbs for a personalized touch.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this vibrant veggie board with whole-grain crackers or pita chips for an elevated appetizer experience. It's perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a healthy snack option anytime.
Save to Pinterest The Holly Leaf Veggie Board combines festive flair with wholesome ingredients, making it a standout appetizer for any celebration. Its ease of preparation and eye-catching design ensure it will be a favorite at your holiday table year after year.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the holly leaf shape?
Lightly sketch the holly leaf outline on parchment or visualize it directly on the board, then arrange broccoli and snap peas along the edges to form the leaf shape.
- → Can I substitute any vegetables?
Yes, celery or additional snap peas work well for extra crunch, and green grapes add sweetness and dimension.
- → Is the dip customizable?
Absolutely, swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt to suit dietary needs or adjust herbs and seasoning to taste.
- → How far in advance can I prepare this platter?
Prep vegetables and dip separately ahead of time, then assemble the board just before serving for freshness.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Fresh parsley sprigs add a pop of greenery and a touch of elegance to the veggie board.
- → What serving tools are recommended?
Use a large platter or board for arranging, a sharp knife for cutting veggies, and small bowls for mixing and serving the dip.