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.
I love serving this Veggie Santa Hat Dip Platter during the holidays because it brings color and fun to the table while being nutritious for all ages.
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 and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
- Step 2:
- 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:
- Create 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 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:
- For the 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:
- Place the dip in a small serving bowl and nestle it among the vegetables on the platter.
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This platter always brightens family gatherings and encourages kids to enjoy more vegetables in a fun way.
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 Veggie Santa Hat Dip Platter offers a festive, healthy appetizer perfect for any holiday celebration.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I assemble the Santa hats using vegetables?
Start with a cucumber slice as the base, place a basil leaf on top, add a cherry tomato, then finish with a small mozzarella ball to mimic the hat's pompom. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- → What ingredients create the dip's flavor profile?
The dip blends Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, dill, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper for a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous taste.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the vegetables and dip separately, then combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.
- → What substitutions are recommended for a vegan version?
Use plant-based yogurt and vegan cheese alternatives in place of Greek yogurt and mozzarella balls. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- → Which vegetables complement the platter for added variety?
Adding yellow bell peppers, snap peas, or other colorful veggies enhances both visual appeal and flavor diversity.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store remaining vegetables and dip separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days for freshness.