Save The Holly Leaf Veggie Board is a festive and eye-catching appetizer that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. By arranging fresh, crunchy vegetables into the shape of holly leaves and pairing them with a creamy, herb-infused dip, this platter offers a healthy yet beautiful way to celebrate the season. Its vibrant greens and pops of red make it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Save This veggie board invites creativity in how you layer and arrange the vegetables to create texture and color contrast. The fresh dill in the dip adds a subtle brightness that complements the natural sweetness of the crisp vegetables and grapes. It’s an appetizer that encourages nibbling and sharing, making it ideal for festive occasions.
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 and variety, consider adding celery sticks or extra snap peas. Preparing the vegetables in advance can simplify assembly but avoid arranging too early to maintain freshness.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative to make the dip vegan. Adjust the selection of vegetables based on availability or personal preference while maintaining the green-and-red festive theme.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the Holly Leaf Veggie Board alongside whole-grain crackers or pita chips for added texture and substance. This appetizer pairs beautifully with light wines or festive mocktails.
Save With minimal prep and no cooking required, the Holly Leaf Veggie Board lets you create an impressive, healthy holiday centerpiece that guests will enjoy nibbling on well before the main course arrives.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the holly leaf shape?
Lightly sketch the outline on parchment or visualize it on the serving board, then arrange broccoli and snap peas along the edges to form the leaf's border.
- → Can the dip be made vegan?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
- → What vegetables are best for texture and color?
Broccoli, cucumber slices, green and red bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and cherry tomatoes provide a good balance of crunch and vibrant colors.
- → How should the platter be served?
Serve immediately after assembling or cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to enjoy for optimal freshness.
- → What are some good accompaniments?
Whole-grain crackers or pita chips complement the vegetables and creamy dip nicely for added variety.