Save Celebrate the holidays with a festive and vibrant Holly Leaf Veggie Board that turns fresh, crunchy vegetables into an edible work of art. This colorful appetizer combines healthy veggies arranged in the shape of holly leaves, accented by bright cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces that mimic holly berries. Paired with a creamy, flavorful Greek yogurt dip, this platter is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate, perfect for holiday gatherings and easy enough to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Save This veggie board not only celebrates the season with a playful design, but it also offers a healthy and satisfying snack option. The creamy dill dip adds a refreshing contrast, making it a crowd-pleaser that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
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 vegetable selection. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice vegetables thinly for layering. Preparing the dip ahead helps to meld flavors and speeds up assembly. Visualize your holly leaf shape to maintain symmetry and make the platter visually appealing.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt to make the dip vegan-friendly. Feel free to incorporate other crunchy vegetables like celery for varied texture. Use whole-grain crackers or pita chips as accompaniments to add crunch and variety. Green grapes are optional but add a pleasing pop of sweetness and dimension.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the Holly Leaf Veggie Board as a centerpiece appetizer during holiday parties. Place the dip visibly on the board for easy access. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs for added color and a touch of freshness. Pair with whole-grain crackers or pita chips for a well-rounded snack.
Save This Holly Leaf Veggie Board strikes the perfect balance between festive flair and nutritious snacking. Its fresh ingredients and creamy dip invite everyone to enjoy a guilt-free treat that brightens up any celebration table with color and crunch.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I shape the veggies into holly leaves?
Begin by outlining the holly leaf shape on your serving board using a pencil on parchment or visual guide. Arrange broccoli and sugar snap peas along the edges to form the leaf borders, then fill in with cucumber rounds and bell pepper strips to mimic leaf texture.
- → Can I substitute any vegetables in this board?
Yes, you can add celery or extra snap peas for crunch. Red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes serve as berry accents, but feel free to use similar colored veggies you have on hand.
- → Is the dip suitable for vegan diets?
The original dip uses Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, but you can swap them for dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo to keep it plant-based.
- → How should I store the veggie board if prepared ahead?
Prepare the vegetables and dip separately, refrigerate them, then assemble on the serving board just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation of the board?
Fresh parsley sprigs add a touch of greenery and natural aroma, enhancing the overall festive look of the board.
- → Can this dish accommodate gluten-free diets?
Yes, all the fresh vegetables and dip ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any accompaniments, like crackers, are gluten-free if serving alongside.