Holly Leaf Veggie Board Recipe

Introduction

The Holly Leaf Veggie Board is a festive and colorful way to serve fresh vegetables and a creamy dip, perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Its creative arrangement mimics a holly leaf, adding both visual appeal and a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

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

1. Step 1: Lightly sketch a holly leaf shape on a large serving board or visualize its outline.
2. Step 2: Arrange broccoli florets and sugar snap peas to create the edges of the holly leaves.
3. Step 3: Layer cucumber rounds and green bell pepper strips inside the leaf shape for texture and color contrast.
4. Step 4: Place cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper pieces in small clusters to represent holly berries.
5. Step 5: Add green grapes for extra dimension and a touch of sweetness, if desired.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth; transfer to a serving bowl.
7. Step 7: Garnish the board with fresh parsley sprigs and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a tangier dip, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or more lemon juice to taste.
• Use different fresh herbs like chives or parsley in the dip for a flavor twist.
• Swap sugar snap peas for snow peas or snap peas for variety and crunch.
• Try adding sliced radishes or colorful bell peppers to enhance the board’s visual appeal.

Storage

Store the assembled veggie board covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dip in an airtight container separately and stir well before serving. Leftover vegetables are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for 1-2 days. Reheat is not needed as this is served cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the veggie board ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dip in advance, but assemble the board just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the dip?

You can use sour cream or plain regular yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt, though the texture might be slightly thinner.

Holly Leaf Veggie Board Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Create a festive Holly Leaf Veggie Board perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring fresh broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and a creamy dill yogurt dip. This vibrant veggie board is both healthy and visually stunning, perfect as a party appetizer or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1 cup green grapes (optional)
• 6 to 8 cherry tomatoes
• 1 small red bell pepper, cut into small circles or wedges

Creamy 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
• Fresh parsley sprigs (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Outline the holly leaf: Lightly sketch a holly leaf shape on a large serving board or visualize its outline to serve as a guide for arranging the vegetables.
2. Form leaf borders: Arrange broccoli florets and sugar snap peas along the edge of the outline to create the jagged borders of the holly leaf, giving it a textured and natural look.
3. Fill in the leaf: Layer thin cucumber rounds and green bell pepper strips inside the leaf shape, adding color and different textures for a visually appealing contrast.
4. Add berry clusters: Place cherry tomatoes and small red bell pepper pieces in tight clusters on the leaf to represent the traditional bright red holly berries.
5. Optional grape addition: Add green grapes among the vegetables if desired, for added dimension, color variety, and a hint of natural sweetness.
6. 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 and transfer into a serving bowl ready to accompany the veggie board.
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the veggie board with fresh parsley sprigs for an added pop of green and serve the board immediately. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

• You can customize the veggie board with other seasonal vegetables according to preference.
• The creamy dill dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Fresh herbs like parsley add a nice visual touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
• This recipe is suitable for a healthy, gluten-free appetizer option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: veggie board, holiday appetizer, holly leaf, vegetable platter, healthy snack, yogurt dip, Christmas appetizer