Holly Leaf Veggie Board Recipe
Introduction
The Holly Leaf Veggie Board is a festive and colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a healthy, eye-catching snack. This vibrant veggie display combines fresh vegetables and a creamy dill dip, arranged to resemble a holly leaf with bright berry accents.
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 1 cup green grapes (optional)
- 6 to 8 cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into small circles or wedges
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly sketch a holly leaf shape on a large serving board or visualize its outline to guide the arrangement.
- Step 2: Arrange broccoli florets and sugar snap peas along the edges of the holly leaf shape to form the leaf borders.
- Step 3: Fill in the inside of the leaf shape by layering cucumber rounds and green bell pepper strips for texture and color contrast.
- Step 4: Place cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces in small clusters on the board to represent holly berries.
- Step 5: Optionally, add green grapes among the berries and leaf for extra dimension and a touch of sweetness.
- Step 6: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Step 7: Garnish the veggie board with fresh parsley sprigs if desired, and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan dip, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like vegan yogurt and vegan mayo.
- Feel free to swap vegetables according to season or preference, such as using radishes or snap peas for added crunch.
- Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne to the dip can introduce a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
Storage
Store the assembled veggie board covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for best freshness. Keep the dip in an airtight container separately if possible. When ready to serve, bring the board to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Leftover vegetables can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for 2–3 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the veggie board a day ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the veggie board up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Add fresh garnishes like parsley just before serving for best appearance.
What can I use as a substitute for fresh dill in the dip?
If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill can be used, but reduce the amount to about one teaspoon to avoid overpowering the dip. Alternatively, fresh chives or parsley also complement the flavors well.
PrintHolly Leaf Veggie Board Recipe
Create a festive Holly Leaf Veggie Board featuring vibrant fresh vegetables arranged in the shape of a holly leaf, complete with cherry tomato ‘berries’ and a creamy dill Greek yogurt dip. Perfect for holiday gatherings and healthy snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 6 to 8 cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into small circles or wedges
- 1 cup green grapes (optional)
Dip
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Outline the holly leaf: Lightly sketch a holly leaf shape on a large serving board or visualize its outline to create a guide for arranging the vegetables.
- Form leaf borders: Arrange broccoli florets and sugar snap peas along the edges of the sketched holly leaf to define the shape and create a textured green border.
- Fill in the leaf: Layer cucumber rounds and green bell pepper strips inside the bordered leaf shape to add color contrast and visual interest.
- Add berry clusters: Place cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces in small groups around the leaf edges to represent holly berries, enhancing the festive look.
- Optional grape addition: Add green grapes sparingly within the arrangement to add dimension and a touch of natural sweetness if desired.
- Prepare creamy dip: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth, then transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the veggie board with fresh parsley sprigs if desired. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on availability or preference, keeping the color theme.
- The Greek yogurt dip can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use a plant-based yogurt.
- Keep the veggies refrigerated until just before serving to maintain freshness.
- This colorful veggie board works well for holiday parties or as a healthy snack platter.
Keywords: holly leaf veggie board, holiday vegetable platter, healthy appetizer, vegetable dip, festive snack, vegetarian appetizer
