Pin 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 appetizer has always been a hit at our holiday parties, bringing smiles from kids and adults alike as they enjoy the crisp vegetables and creamy dip.
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 snowman's 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.
Pin This recipe has become a family favorite, often bringing everyone together in the kitchen to assemble the snowman before enjoying the festive snack.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, Sharp knife, Vegetable peeler, Small mixing bowl, Spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise). May contain eggs (mayonnaise). Check all ingredient labels for gluten or allergen traces if required.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 95, Total Fat: 3.5 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Pin This lively snowman crudités platter is a delightful way to enjoy healthy snacks that please both the eyes and the palate.
Recipe Questions
- → What vegetables are best for making the snowman shape?
Cauliflower florets form the body, cucumber rounds create a snowy base, carrot sticks and ribbons shape the arms and scarf, while bell peppers and cherry tomatoes add colorful accents.
- → How is the creamy herb dip prepared?
Combine Greek yogurt or sour cream with mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped chives or dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then whisk until smooth.
- → Can this be made vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise to keep the dip creamy and flavorful while maintaining dietary preferences.
- → How should the vegetables be served for best texture?
Serve immediately after assembling to ensure the vegetables remain crisp and fresh, preserving the appealing crunch and vibrant colors.
- → Are there any tools recommended for assembling the snowman?
A sharp knife, vegetable peeler for ribbons, and a large serving platter help arrange the vegetables precisely and attractively.