Save It 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 was a hit at our last Christmas party and made snacking fun for all ages.
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.
- 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 and nestle it among the vegetables on the platter.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save It This platter always brings smiles as family and friends gather around to snack and chat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with sparkling water or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing accompaniment.
Variations
Add yellow bell pepper or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Storage Tips
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. Assemble Santa hats just before serving to keep fresh.
Save It The simplicity and festive look make this dip platter a must-have for holiday parties.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I assemble the Santa hat vegetables?
Layer a cherry tomato on a cucumber slice, add a small basil leaf as the brim, and top with a mozzarella ball to create a festive hat shape. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- → What ingredients are used in the dip?
The dip combines Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, dill, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper for a creamy, herby flavor that pairs well with fresh vegetables.
- → Can I adapt this platter for vegan diets?
Yes, replace the Greek yogurt and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives, and ensure your mayonnaise is vegan-friendly to maintain creamy texture and taste.
- → What vegetables are included besides the Santa hats?
The platter includes cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, radishes, red bell pepper strips, and baby carrots arranged around the Santa hats for a colorful display.
- → How long does the platter stay fresh?
Best served immediately, but you can cover and refrigerate the assembled platter for up to a few hours to keep veggies crisp and dip fresh.
- → What tools are recommended for preparation?
A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing vegetables, a mixing bowl for the dip, a serving platter for arrangement, and toothpicks to secure the hats are essential.