Save 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 is a fun way I get the family to enjoy more veggies at holiday parties.
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 Vegetables:
- Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
- Step 2 Prepare Veggies:
- 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 Assemble 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 Platter:
- 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 Make 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 Serve:
- Place the dip in a small serving bowl and nestle it among the vegetables on the platter. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save My kids love helping me assemble the Santa hats every holiday season, making it a cherished family tradition.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and cheese. Add other colorful veggies like yellow bell pepper or snap peas for more variety. Pair with sparkling water or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, serving platter, toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (mozzarella balls, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise). May contain eggs (depending on mayonnaise used). Always check product labels for allergens.
Save This festive platter brings holiday cheer and healthy snacking together in one delightful bite.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How do I create the Santa hat shapes?
Slice cucumber into rounds, place a cherry tomato on top, add a basil leaf as the hat brim, then top with a mozzarella ball to form the hat pompom.
- → Can I make this platter vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute dairy ingredients like Greek yogurt and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.
- → What are good vegetables to use for this platter?
Use fresh veggies such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, and baby carrots for a colorful presentation.
- → How should I prepare the dip for best flavor?
Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, chives, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and chill before serving.
- → What tools do I need to assemble this platter?
A sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, serving platter, and toothpicks are ideal for preparing and arranging the ingredients.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate the platter shortly before serving to keep vegetables fresh and crisp.