Save to Pinterest The Festive Tree Cucumber Tomato Platter is a dazzling way to celebrate the holidays with a burst of natural color and fresh flavors. Crafted entirely from vibrant vegetables and artfully arranged into the shape of a Christmas tree, this appetizer is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Perfect for gatherings, it brings a healthy and refreshing option to any festive spread, making it easy to enjoy the season with wholesome bite-sized treats.
Save to Pinterest This platter is a fun, interactive center piece for holiday parties or cozy family nights. The crisp cucumbers provide a cool base, vibrant cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets act as festive decorations, and the carrot sticks form a natural 'trunk' that grounds the design. Adding fresh herbs and a star-shaped bell pepper topper finishes the look, making it feel both playful and elegant.
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
For added vibrancy, consider incorporating thinly sliced radishes or multicolored bell peppers to enhance the color palette and add more textures. Using a small cookie cutter to create other festive shapes can also personalize your tree.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to customize this platter by swapping in your favorite seasonal vegetables or garnishes. To suit non-vegan guests, sprinkle feta or mozzarella pearls over the top, or choose your favorite dips such as tzatziki, guacamole, or vegan ranch to accompany the platter.
Serviervorschläge
Present the platter on a large serving dish to highlight its tree shape, and serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crispness of the vegetables. Complement with small bowls of your preferred dip options for guests to enjoy a variety of flavor combinations.
Save to Pinterest Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a cheerful snack, this Festive Tree Cucumber Tomato Platter adds a touch of fun and freshness to your table. Its easy preparation, dietary versatility, and beautiful presentation make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser throughout the festive season.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I arrange the vegetables to form the tree shape?
Start by layering overlapping cucumber slices in a broad base narrowing upward. Then add halved cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets as ornaments, with bell pepper strips and olives for decoration. Use a star-cut bell pepper on top and carrot sticks at the base.
- → Can I customize the garnish for this platter?
Yes, fresh parsley or dill sprigs are great, but you can also add thinly sliced radishes or multicolored bell peppers for extra color and texture.
- → What dips pair well with this vegetable arrangement?
Hummus, vegan ranch, tzatziki, or guacamole complement the fresh vegetables nicely without overpowering the crisp flavors.
- → Is this platter suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. All ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just verify any dip ingredients if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.
- → How long can this platter be prepared ahead of time?
Best served fresh for maximum crispness, but it can be assembled a few hours in advance and refrigerated, covered tightly to retain freshness.