# Christmas Tree-Shaped Veggie Platter
## Introduction
Bring in the holiday cheer with a cheerful and healthy Christmas Tree-Shaped Veggie Platter. Simple, fun to create, and loaded with fresh and colorful ingredients, this platter is a must-have centerpiece for your Christmas table. Revamp your veggie platter into a festive masterpiece that all your guests will appreciate.
## Why Make This Recipe
This recipe allows you to enjoy the holiday season without straying from a healthy eating plan. It highlights the vibrancy of vegetables and is an innovative way to get both kids and adults to eat more greens while still indulging in the holiday spirit. Plus, the creativity involved offers great bonding time with your little elves in the kitchen.
## How to Make Christmas Tree-Shaped Veggie Platter
Making this Christmas tree-shaped veggie platter is easy, fun, and requires no actual cooking. You only need to gather and arrange your ingredients.
### Ingredients:
– 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
– 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
– 1 cucumber, sliced
– 1 cup baby carrots
– 1/2 cup cubes of cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
– 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
– Hummus or ranch dressing for dipping
– Pretzel sticks (for the tree trunk)
### Directions:
Follow these simple steps to create your festive masterpiece:
1. Arranging Broccoli: Start by arranging broccoli florets in a triangle on a large platter to form your tree.
2. Decorating the Tree: Add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber slices and cubes of cheese throughout the tree.
3. Adding Details: Use a larger piece of yellow bell pepper as the tree-top star, and scatter cauliflower florets around to mimic snow.
4. Garnishing: Add pretzel sticks to act as the trunk and surround the tree with baby carrots.
5. Final Arrangement: Place hummus or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
## How to Serve Christmas Tree-Shaped Veggie Platter
This platter serves as a great appetizer or finger food for festive parties. The best thing is that it’s versatile and goes well with almost any main course. Also, serving it at room temperature means you can prepare it ahead of time.
## How to Store Christmas Tree-Shaped Veggie Platter
If you prepare the platter beforehand, cover the platter with damp paper towels and plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. The damp towels keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
## Tips to Make Christmas Tree-Shaped Veggie Platter
– Cut all the veggies evenly to achieve a balanced and uniform look.
– Make sure all veggies are dry before using them to prevent a soggy platter.
– Don’t limit yourself, feel free to add more types of vegetables like snap peas, radishes or even fruits for a pop color.
## Variations
You can also make this platter with fruit using the same triangle pattern. Green fruits like grapes and kiwis make a lovely tree, and strawberries can be used as ornaments. This gives you more options to cater to different guest preferences.
## FAQs
Q1: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. To keep veggies fresh, store it in the refrigerator covered with damp paper towels and plastic wrap.
Q2: Any other dip suggestions?
You can try tzatziki, aioli, or even a lemon tahini dressing.
Q3: I can’t find pretzel sticks, any substitutes?
You can use breadsticks or even celery sticks as a substitute.
So, this Christmas, create and enjoy this innovative and healthy Christmas Tree-Shaped Veggie Platter that’s sure to lift everyone’s holiday spirits!