Slow Savory Turtle Crudités

Featured in: Everyday Dinners

This vibrant platter features fresh vegetables creatively arranged as turtles, combining cucumber rounds and colorful wedges with a creamy herb dip made from Greek yogurt, dill, and parsley. The assembly involves using toothpicks to attach pepper and zucchini pieces as limbs and heads, while olive slices form the eyes. This fun and easy-to-prepare dish brings a playful, nutritious element to any gathering or snack time, especially enjoyable for kids and guests alike. Ready in 25 minutes with no cooking required.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:19:00 GMT
Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités: Vibrant, colorful vegetable turtles arranged for a fun and healthy party appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités: Vibrant, colorful vegetable turtles arranged for a fun and healthy party appetizer. | bloomoven.com

A whimsical, charming platter featuring fresh vegetables artfully arranged to resemble turtles&mdashperfect for parties, kids, or adding fun to any appetizer spread. Served with a creamy herb dip.

A fun, interactive way to encourage kids to enjoy vegetables.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 large cucumber, 1 green bell pepper, 8 cherry tomatoes, 1 small zucchini, 12 baby carrots, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup snap peas
  • Herb Dip: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnishes & Assembly: 8 black olive slices (for eyes), 8 toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1:
Slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch thick rounds&mdashthese will form the turtle shells.
Step 2:
Cut the green bell pepper and zucchini into small wedges for legs and heads.
Step 3:
Attach four vegetable wedges around each cucumber round with toothpicks to create legs, and a smaller wedge for the head.
Step 4:
Use a dab of yogurt dip to glue olive slices to the heads for eyes.
Step 5:
Arrange cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, and snap peas around the turtles as a colorful crudités platter.
Step 6:
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, dill, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the herb dip. Mix well.
Step 7:
Serve the vegetable turtles with the herb dip on the side.
Fresh, crisp Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités with a creamy herb dip, ready to be enjoyed by all ages. Save to Pinterest
Fresh, crisp Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités with a creamy herb dip, ready to be enjoyed by all ages. | bloomoven.com

This recipe always brings smiles at our family parties and makes getting veggies fun for the kids.

Required Tools

Sharp knife, Cutting board, Toothpicks, Small serving bowl

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, sour cream). Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergens if in doubt.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 80 calories, 2 g total fat, 13 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.

Vivid image of Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités; cucumbers become friendly turtles complete with veggie legs and flavorful dip. Save to Pinterest
Vivid image of Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités; cucumbers become friendly turtles complete with veggie legs and flavorful dip. | bloomoven.com

Enjoy this playful and healthy appetizer that delights guests of all ages.

Recipe FAQs

What vegetables are used to create the turtle shapes?

Cucumber rounds form the shells, with green bell pepper and zucchini wedges acting as legs and heads. Cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, and snap peas add color around the turtles.

How is the creamy herb dip made?

The dip combines Greek yogurt, sour cream, fresh dill, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a fresh, tangy flavor that complements the vegetables.

Are there any special tools needed for assembly?

Simple kitchen tools like a sharp knife, cutting board, toothpicks, and a small bowl for the dip are all you need.

Can the herb dip be made vegan-friendly?

Yes, swap Greek yogurt and sour cream for plant-based alternatives to accommodate vegan diets without compromising flavor.

Is this platter suitable for children?

Absolutely. The playful turtle shapes and colorful presentation encourage kids to enjoy fresh vegetables in a fun way.

How long does preparation take?

The entire assembly takes about 25 minutes with no cooking required, making it a quick and easy option for gatherings.

Slow Savory Turtle Crudités

Charming turtle-shaped fresh vegetables served with a creamy herb dip, ideal for parties and snacks.

Prep Duration
25 min
0
Entire Time
25 min
Created by Rachel Moore

Recipe Group Everyday Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 1 large cucumber
02 1 green bell pepper
03 8 cherry tomatoes
04 1 small zucchini
05 12 baby carrots
06 1 cup broccoli florets
07 1 cup snap peas

Herb Dip

01 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
02 1/4 cup sour cream
03 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
04 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
05 1 clove garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon lemon juice
07 Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes & Assembly

01 8 black olive slices (for eyes)
02 8 toothpicks

Directions

Step 01

Prepare turtle shells: Slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch thick rounds to form the turtle shells.

Step 02

Cut vegetable limbs: Cut the green bell pepper and zucchini into small wedges to serve as legs and heads.

Step 03

Assemble turtles: Attach four vegetable wedges around each cucumber round using toothpicks for legs and add a smaller wedge for the head.

Step 04

Add eyes: Use a dab of the yogurt dip to affix black olive slices onto the vegetable heads to create eyes.

Step 05

Arrange platter: Arrange cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli florets, and snap peas around the turtle shapes to create a vibrant crudités platter.

Step 06

Prepare herb dip: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, dill, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 07

Serve: Present the assembled vegetable turtles alongside the herb dip for dipping.

Essential Tools

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Toothpicks
  • Small serving bowl

Allergy Notes

Review ingredients to spot any allergens and ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy due to Greek yogurt and sour cream.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Use this info as a reference only; it doesn’t replace health guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 80
  • Fats: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 4 g