Save Celebrate the holidays with a fresh twist by creating a Holly Leaf Veggie Board — a vibrant, festive platter crafted from crisp, colorful vegetables arranged thoughtfully in the shape of holly leaves. This eye-catching appetizer combines healthful crunch with a creamy, dill-infused dip, ensuring your guests enjoy both beautiful presentation and delicious flavor without any cooking required.
Save Whether hosting a festive gathering or simply looking for a healthy yet beautiful starter, this Holly Leaf Veggie Board transforms everyday veggies into a seasonal masterpiece. The combination of green tones and red accents evokes holiday cheer, while the creamy dill dip adds a refreshing complement.
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 an added crunch, consider incorporating celery sticks or extra snap peas into the arrangement. Carefully layering the vegetables by texture and color enhances the visual impact and makes the board even more inviting.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute dairy-free yogurt for Greek yogurt to create a vegan-friendly dip. Adjust the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability or personal preference, and experiment with different herbs in the dip for varied flavor profiles.
Serviervorschläge
Serve alongside whole-grain crackers or pita chips for a complete appetizer spread. The dip pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables, making it ideal for festive parties, casual get-togethers, or family snacking anytime.
Save This Holly Leaf Veggie Board offers a delightful combination of visual charm and wholesome flavor, making it a standout addition to your holiday spread. Enjoy the ease of assembly and the joy of sharing a healthy, festive appetizer that everyone will admire and enjoy.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I shape the vegetables into holly leaves?
Lightly sketch the holly leaf shape on parchment or visualize it, then arrange broccoli florets and snap peas as the border and fill inside with cucumber rounds and pepper strips.
- → Can I substitute the yogurt in the dip?
Yes, dairy-free yogurt works well for a vegan-friendly dip while maintaining creaminess and flavor.
- → What vegetables add the 'berry' effect?
Clusters of cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper circles create vibrant holly berries.
- → How should I serve and store the board?
Serve immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep vegetables fresh and crisp.
- → Are there optional garnishes to enhance the platter?
Fresh parsley sprigs add a touch of green and freshness to complement the holly-themed presentation.