Save Celebrate the holiday season with a festive and vibrant Holly Leaf Veggie Board. This appetizer is not only visually stunning, shaped artfully like holly leaves, but also packs a nutritious punch with fresh, crunchy vegetables paired with a creamy, herb-infused dip. Perfect for gatherings, it brings both health and beauty to your table without any cooking.
Save This Holly Leaf Veggie Board combines the colors and textures of broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, and snap peas to evoke the festive spirit of the season. The addition of cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces cleverly mimic holly berries, enhancing the holiday charm. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a healthy snack, this appetizer is a joyful, fresh choice that everyone can enjoy.
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 extra crunch, consider adding celery or additional snap peas to the arrangement. Preparation is straightforward, requiring just knife skills for cutting and arranging, making it perfect for quick holiday hosting. You can prep the vegetables and dip in advance and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Adapt the dip by swapping Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt to create a vegan-friendly option. The vegetable selection can be varied according to preference or seasonality, but keep the core ingredients for the classic holly leaf look and color scheme.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this colorful veggie board with whole-grain crackers or pita chips to add variety and satisfy different tastes. It works wonderfully as a healthy snack, a starter for holiday dinners, or as part of a festive buffet spread.
Save With its festive presentation and fresh flavors, this Holly Leaf Veggie Board is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you're sharing with family, friends, or guests, it celebrates the spirit of the holidays with every vibrant bite.
Recipe Q&A Section
- → How do I keep the vegetables fresh and crisp?
Store the chopped vegetables in cold water in the fridge until ready to assemble. This maintains their crunch and freshness.
- → What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the dip?
Dairy-free or vegan yogurt alternatives work well to keep the dip creamy without traditional dairy.
- → Can I prepare the board ahead of time?
Yes, prep and store the veggies and dip separately, then assemble the board just before serving to keep it fresh.
- → What is the best way to form the holly leaf shape?
Lightly sketch the leaf outline on parchment or visualize it on your serving board, then arrange the vegetables following the shape.
- → Are there any recommended garnishes for extra appeal?
Fresh parsley sprigs add a vibrant green touch and complement the holiday theme beautifully.
- → Can I add other crunchy vegetables to vary the board?
Yes, celery sticks or snap peas add extra crunch and variety to the platter.