Save to Pinterest A whimsical and healthy appetizer featuring crisp vegetables arranged as a snowman, served with a creamy herb dip—perfect for festive gatherings and kids parties.
This recipe is a fun way to get kids excited about eating vegetables and has become a staple at our holiday parties.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large cauliflower head (cut into florets), 1 large cucumber, 2 medium carrots (peeled), 1 small red bell pepper, 1 small yellow bell pepper, 6 cherry tomatoes, 1 black olive
- Dip: 200 g (7 oz) Greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh chives or dill (finely chopped), 1 garlic clove (minced), Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Slice the cucumber into 1 cm rounds. Cut one carrot into sticks for snowman arms, and use a peeler to cut thin ribbons from the other carrot for the scarf. Slice bell peppers into small strips and pieces for the hat, buttons, and scarf accent. Slice the black olive into thin rounds for the eyes and mouth.
- Arrange the snowman:
- On a large platter, assemble three cauliflower florets in increasing size vertically to form the snowmans body. Use cucumber rounds for the snow at the base. Add carrot sticks for arms, and carrot ribbons for the scarf around the neck. Use black olive slices for eyes and mouth, a small carrot piece for the nose, and bell pepper strips to create a hat and buttons. Place cherry tomatoes and remaining vegetables around the snowman as extra crudités.
- Prepare the dip:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives or dill, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Place the dip in a small bowl next to or within the platter for dipping.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer always brings smiles to our family gatherings and encourages everyone to eat their veggies.
Preparation Tips
Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts on the vegetables, ensuring the snowman looks neat and appealing.
Storage Instructions
Best served fresh but you can prepare the vegetables a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated.
Variations
Try different dips such as hummus or ranch to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Save to Pinterest This fun and festive appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next party or family gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What vegetables are best for creating the snowman shape?
Use large cauliflower florets for the body, cucumber rounds for the base, carrot sticks for arms, carrot ribbons for the scarf, and bell pepper strips for the hat and buttons.
- → How is the creamy dip prepared for this dish?
Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, finely chopped chives or dill, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper for a smooth, flavorful dip.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes, for a vegan version, replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives to maintain creaminess and flavor.
- → How should the vegetables be prepared for best presentation?
Slice cucumber into rounds, peel and slice carrots into sticks and ribbons, and cut bell peppers into small strips for detailing the snowman’s features and accessories.
- → What is the ideal occasion to serve this visually appealing dish?
This vibrant vegetable ensemble with dip is perfect for festive gatherings, kid-friendly parties, and general entertaining that calls for a healthy, colorful starter.