Save Celebrate the holiday season with a refreshing twist by serving this Festive Tree Cucumber Tomato Platter. This vibrant appetizer transforms everyday vegetables into a cheerful Christmas tree, making your gatherings both healthy and visually appealing. It’s easy to prepare, colorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Save This appetizer combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers with a festive arrangement that is sure to be a conversation starter. Whether as a starter or a snack, it offers a delightful crunch and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (red and/or yellow)
- 1 small yellow bell pepper
- 1 small broccoli crown
- 1 small carrot
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill sprigs
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup hummus or ranch dip (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- 1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
- 2. Slice cucumbers into thin, even rounds.
- 3. Cut cherry tomatoes in half for easier eating.
- 4. Cut the broccoli crown into small florets.
- 5. Slice the yellow bell pepper into thin strips; cut one large star shape from the center for the tree topper.
- 6. Peel the carrot and cut into sticks; use a few to form the tree trunk.
- 7. On a large platter, arrange cucumber slices in overlapping rows to form the shape of a Christmas tree, starting with a broad base and narrowing towards the top.
- 8. Place halved cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets evenly over the cucumbers as ornaments.
- 9. Use black olives and yellow bell pepper strips for additional decoration.
- 10. Place the bell pepper star at the top of the tree and the carrot sticks at the base as the trunk.
- 11. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill sprigs for a festive touch.
- 12. Serve immediately with hummus or ranch dip on the side if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Take care to slice the cucumbers evenly to ensure a stable base for your tree shape. Using a small cookie cutter to create the bell pepper star topper can add a charming detail. Prepare all vegetables ahead to assemble quickly before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra color, add thinly sliced radishes or multicolored bell peppers. To add richness, try sprinkling feta or mozzarella pearls for non-vegan options. Adjust the vegetable variety according to what’s fresh and available.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this festive tree platter with your favorite dips such as hummus, ranch, tzatziki, or guacamole. It’s perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a light appetizer before the main event.
Save With minimal prep and no cooking needed, this festive platter brings a burst of color and cheer to your holiday table. It’s a healthier alternative to heavier appetizers and a great way to encourage guests to enjoy fresh veggies in a fun form.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you make the platter look like a Christmas tree?
Arrange thin cucumber slices overlapping in rows starting wide at the base and narrowing at the top. Add halved cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets to mimic ornaments, use yellow bell pepper strips for accents, and place a bell pepper star at the top with carrot sticks forming the trunk.
- → What vegetables are included in the platter?
This platter features English cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, broccoli florets, and carrot sticks, accented with fresh parsley or dill and black olives.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all vegetables in advance and arrange shortly before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant colors.
- → What dips pair well with this platter?
Hummus, ranch, tzatziki, guacamole, or vegan ranch dips complement the fresh vegetables and enhance flavors.
- → Are there variations to add more color?
Adding thinly sliced radishes or multicolored bell peppers enhances color and texture variety on the platter.