Christmas is a time for indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add something fresh and healthy to the mix! This Christmas Vegetable Tray is a beautiful and festive way to add color and crunch to your holiday spread. Arranged to look like a Christmas tree, it’s loaded with crisp, fresh vegetables that everyone can enjoy guilt-free. It’s perfect for balancing out those rich holiday treats and makes a great appetizer or snack for guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- For the Tree
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- For the Tree Base and Background
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup celery sticks
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing or hummus
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli Tree
- Arrange the broccoli florets on a large serving platter in a triangular shape to form a Christmas tree. Start from the bottom and work your way up, tapering as you go to create the tree’s shape.
- Add Decorations
- Place cherry tomatoes on the broccoli tree for “ornaments” to add pops of red. Use the red bell pepper strips as garlands, draping them in a zigzag pattern across the tree.
- Form a star with the yellow bell pepper slices at the top of the tree for a festive touch.
- Create the Tree Base
- Line cucumber slices at the bottom of the tree to serve as the tree trunk.
- Fill in with Additional Veggies
- Surround the broccoli tree with baby carrots, celery sticks, snap peas, and cauliflower florets to add variety and fill out the platter.
- Add Garnishes and Serve with Dip
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill around the tree for added greenery. Place a bowl of ranch dressing or hummus on the side for dipping.
Ideas for Customizing Your Christmas Vegetable Tray
- Add More Color: If you want even more festive colors, add sliced red radishes, yellow cherry tomatoes, or purple cauliflower to the tray.
- Serve with Multiple Dips: For more variety, set out an array of dips like spinach dip, hummus, and tzatziki for guests to enjoy.
- Make a Cheese and Veggie Combo: Add cubes of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, around the edges of the platter for added flavor and a fun mix of textures.
Tips for Presentation
To make your Christmas vegetable tray really stand out, use a large, rustic wooden serving board or a holiday-themed platter. Arrange the vegetables closely together to give the “tree” a lush, full look. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some fresh cranberries around the platter—they’re not only decorative but also edible!
This Christmas Vegetable Tray is not only festive but also a healthy option for your holiday table. It’s easy to make, eye-catching, and full of fresh flavors that pair perfectly with any dipping sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to bring some holiday cheer to your table while keeping things light and nutritious.
Christmas Vegetable Tray Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli cut into florets
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 large cucumber sliced
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup celery sticks
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- Fresh parsley or dill
- 1 cup ranch dressing or hummus
Instructions
- Arrange the broccoli florets on a large serving platter in a triangular shape to form a Christmas tree. Start from the bottom and work your way up, tapering as you go to create the tree’s shape.
- Add Decorations
- Place cherry tomatoes on the broccoli tree for “ornaments” to add pops of red. Use the red bell pepper strips as garlands, draping them in a zigzag pattern across the tree.
- Form a star with the yellow bell pepper slices at the top of the tree for a festive touch.
- Create the Tree Base
- Line cucumber slices at the bottom of the tree to serve as the tree trunk.
- Fill in with Additional Veggies
- Surround the broccoli tree with baby carrots, celery sticks, snap peas, and cauliflower florets to add variety and fill out the platter.
- Add Garnishes and Serve with Dip
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill around the tree for added greenery. Place a bowl of ranch dressing or hummus on the side for dipping.