Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
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A veggie platter is a staple at almost every party, so why not make it festive? By arranging the vegetables into a Christmas tree shape, you can add a fun, decorative touch to your holiday table that will delight guests of all ages. It’s a simple way to elevate a traditional veggie tray, making it as much a part of the decor as it is a snack.
This Christmas tree veggie platter is ideal for serving at holiday parties, but it also makes a beautiful centerpiece. You could place a variety of other veggies or snacks around it for guests to enjoy. This will keep the “tree” intact as part of the decor until it’s time to dig in.
If you have my cookbook, you’ll find my go-to veggie dip recipe there to pair with this platter. For more options, you could also serve it with a tangy roasted red pepper dip or a light cottage cheese veggie dip . Whichever dip you choose, this festive veggie platter is sure to be a hit at your next holiday celebration!
Ingredients to Make Christmas Veggie Tree Platter
- FRESH BROCCOLI FLORETS
- GRAPE TOMATOES
- YELLOW BELL PEPPER
- PRETZEL STICKS
How to Make Veggie Christmas Tree Platter
To create this festive Christmas tree vegetable platter, start by prepping your veggies. Rinse and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets, grape or cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and any additional vegetables you want to add. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces to create the “branches” of the tree. This will make it easy for guests to grab individual pieces. Also, it will help the tree shape look full and festive.
Next, arrange the broccoli on your serving platter in a large triangle shape, forming the “tree.” Place the cherry or grape tomatoes strategically around the broccoli to resemble a garland. To make the star on top, cut yellow bell pepper into thin slices. Assemble the bell pepper strips at the top of the broccoli to form a star shape. This bright pop of yellow will draw the eye and complete the tree shape beautifully. At this point, you can cover the platter with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours, making it a convenient make-ahead option for holiday gatherings.
When you’re ready to serve, add the finishing touches! Use pretzel sticks at the base of the broccoli to create the tree trunk. If you prefer a healthier alternative, use celery stalk instead. To give the tree a snowy effect, scatter a few cauliflower florets along the bottom to look like a snowy ground. Serve with your favorite vegetable dip on the side. Or place it in a small bowl at the base of the tree to keep the holiday theme. This eye-catching veggie platter is sure to impress and add a festive touch to your holiday spread!
Frequently Asked Questions
What dips pair well with a Christmas tree vegetable platter?
Classic ranch, roasted red pepper, or cottage cheese veggie dip work well. You can also try a homemade dip from your favorite recipe. If you want it to be festive, use a small bowl at the base of the tree to resemble a tree stand!
How can I make the platter more festive?
Add cauliflower florets along the bottom to mimic snow. Or use a mix of colorful bell peppers or radishes for additional “ornaments.” Adding a few sprigs of fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, around the platter can also enhance the festive look.
How should I store leftovers from the platter?
Place any leftover vegetables in an airtight container and refrigerate. Vegetables like broccoli and tomatoes will stay fresh for a day or two. Other vegetables, like cauliflower, may last longer.
Can I add other vegetables for more variety?
Yes! You can add cucumber slices, sliced bell peppers, baby carrots, and radishes around the edges for extra color. Just ensure they complement the tree shape and don’t overwhelm the look.
What if I don’t have a large platter?
If you don’t have a large enough serving platter, you can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a large cutting board. Alternatively, divide the veggies into separate sections on multiple smaller trays for easier serving.
How should I prevent the vegetables from drying out?
Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap and store the veggies in the fridge until serving to keep the veggies crisp and fresh. You can also lightly mist the vegetables with water before covering to retain moisture.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Christmas Tree Cheeseball
- Pita Christmas Tree Appetizers
- Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
- Mom’s Vegetable Dip
Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 14 grape tomatoes
- ½ yellow bell pepper cut into strips
- 20 pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Rinse and thoroughly dry vegetables. Trim broccoli.
- Arrange broccoli on serving platter to form tree shape and tomatoes to form garland. Arrange bell pepper to form star (see photo). If desired, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.
- Just before serving, arrange pretzels at bottom of tree to form trunk. Serve with your favorite vegetable dip.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Betty Crocker.
