Save A whimsical and healthy appetizer featuring crisp vegetables arranged as a snowman, served with a creamy herb dip—perfect for festive gatherings and kids parties.
This appetizer is always a hit at our holiday celebrations and brings out the creativity in everyone assembling the snowman!
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large cauliflower head (cut into florets) 1 large cucumber 2 medium carrots (peeled) 1 small red bell pepper 1 small yellow bell pepper 6 cherry tomatoes 1 black olive
- Dip: 200 g (7 oz) Greek yogurt or sour cream 2 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp fresh chives or dill (finely chopped) 1 garlic clove (minced) Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Slice the cucumber into 1 cm rounds. Cut one carrot into sticks for snowman arms, and use a peeler to cut thin ribbons from the other carrot for the scarf. Slice bell peppers into small strips and pieces for the hat, buttons, and scarf accent. Slice the black olive into thin rounds for the eyes and mouth.
- Arrange the snowman:
- On a large platter, assemble three cauliflower florets in increasing size vertically to form the snowmans body. Use cucumber rounds for the snow at the base. Add carrot sticks for arms, and carrot ribbons for the scarf around the neck. Use black olive slices for eyes and mouth, a small carrot piece for the nose, and bell pepper strips to create a hat and buttons. Place cherry tomatoes and remaining vegetables around the snowman as extra crudités.
- Prepare the dip:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives or dill, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Place the dip in a small bowl next to or within the platter for dipping.
Save This recipe always brings my family together as we build the snowman and enjoy the festive colors and flavors.
Required Tools
Large serving platter Sharp knife Vegetable peeler Small mixing bowl Spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt or sour cream mayonnaise) May contain eggs (mayonnaise) Check all ingredient labels for gluten or allergen traces if required
Nutritional Information
Calories 95 Total Fat 3.5 g Carbohydrates 12 g Protein 4 g per serving
Save This appetizer is simple to assemble yet impressive and delightful every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What vegetables are used to make the snowman?
Cauliflower florets form the snowman body, with cucumber slices for the base, carrot sticks and ribbons for the arms and scarf, bell pepper strips for the hat and buttons, cherry tomatoes, and black olive slices for facial features.
- → How is the herb dip prepared?
The dip combines Greek yogurt or sour cream with mayonnaise, lemon juice, finely chopped chives or dill, minced garlic, and seasoning for a creamy, flavorful accompaniment.
- → Can this be made suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, by substituting plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise, the dip can be made vegan-friendly while maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.
- → How should the vegetables be prepared?
Vegetables should be sliced or cut into specific shapes: cucumber into rounds, carrots into sticks and ribbons, bell peppers into strips, and olives into thin rounds for facial details.
- → What tools are recommended for assembling the platter?
A sharp knife, vegetable peeler, large serving platter, and small mixing bowl are essential for slicing veggies, peeling carrot ribbons, arranging the snowman, and preparing the dip.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days to maintain freshness and crispness.