Pin It 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 making this platter for holiday parties because it delights both kids and adults alike with its fun presentation and fresh flavors.
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.
Pin It This platter always brings joy to family gatherings especially when kids get excited to eat their Santa hats.
Notes
Pair with sparkling water or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing experience.
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.
Pin It This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort making it perfect for festive occasions.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the Santa hats with vegetables?
Stack a cherry tomato on a cucumber round, place a basil leaf underneath the tomato for the brim, and top with a mozzarella ball to mimic a hat pompom, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- → Can I prepare this platter in advance?
You can prep vegetables and dip ahead, but assemble the Santa hats shortly before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.
- → What variations can I make to the dip?
Try substituting mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives or adding different herbs like parsley or mint for a fresh twist.
- → Are there substitute vegetables recommended for this platter?
Yes, colorful veggies like yellow bell peppers or snap peas can be added for variety and enhanced presentation.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets?
Yes, it fits vegetarian and gluten-free diets, but be mindful of mayonnaise ingredients if allergies are a concern.