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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas Vegetable Tray isn’t just adorable; it’s a showstopper that’s also healthy and versatile. It’s perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even a fun activity to create with kids. The vibrant colors and crisp textures make it appealing to both adults and children alike.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Tree Design
- Broccoli Arrangement: Use the smaller florets for the top of the tree and larger florets at the bottom to mimic the natural taper of a tree.
- Balanced Colors: Alternate the placement of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers to evenly distribute the colors across the tree.
- Creative Decorations: Try using sliced olives or radishes for more “ornaments” or shredded carrots for a tinsel effect.
Customizing Your Vegetable Tray
- Vegetable Alternatives: Swap in vegetables you love, such as sugar snap peas for the garlands, or use purple cauliflower for extra flair.
- Dip Options: Pair your tray with a variety of dips like guacamole, tzatziki, or a festive cranberry yogurt dip.
- Dietary Adjustments: This tray can easily be adapted for vegan or dairy-free diets by choosing appropriate dips like hummus or vegan ranch.
Make It Ahead
Prepare all the vegetables the day before your event to save time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the tree on the serving platter just before your guests arrive.
Pairing Ideas for a Holiday Spread
Pair this Christmas Vegetable Tray with other festive appetizers like cheese platters, deviled eggs, or even mini quiches. It’s also a great complement to heavier dishes, offering a refreshing and crunchy contrast.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Get your kids involved in the assembly process! Let them place the “ornaments” (cherry tomatoes) or form the cucumber “trunk.” It’s a wonderful way to include them in holiday preparations while encouraging them to eat their veggies.
Nutritional Benefits
This tray is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from a variety of fresh vegetables, making it a guilt-free addition to your holiday feast. With only 70 calories per serving, it’s a snack you can feel great about indulging in.
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.