Save to Pinterest A whimsical, ocean-inspired appetizer featuring creamy, herbed dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged in a fish shape. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
I first created this tray for a summer party and everyone loved the playful presentation and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Creamy Herbed Dip: 1 cup (240 g) cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Blue Ranch Dip: 1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, 1–2 drops natural blue food coloring (optional, for ocean effect)
- Vegetables & Decoration: 1 cup (100 g) baby carrots, 1 cup (100 g) cucumber slices, 1 cup (100 g) celery sticks, 1 cup (100 g) cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 cup (50 g) purple cabbage shredded, 1/2 cup (50 g) yellow bell pepper sliced, 1/4 cup (30 g) black olives pitted, 1 slice radish (for fish eye)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, dill, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside as the herbed dip.
- Step 2:
- In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning. Add blue food coloring (if using) and mix until evenly tinted.
- Step 3:
- On a large platter, use a spoon to spread the blue ranch dip in an oval shape to form the fish body.
- Step 4:
- Spoon the herbed dip at the fish&s head area, shaping it slightly pointed for the mouth.
- Step 5:
- Arrange baby carrots as the fish&s tail, fanning them out.
- Step 6:
- Use cucumber slices and celery sticks to create fish scales, layering them over the blue dip.
- Step 7:
- Place cherry tomato halves, yellow bell pepper strips, and purple cabbage for colorful accents and fins.
- Step 8:
- Add a black olive and radish slice for the fish&s eye.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately with extra veggies on the side for dipping.
Save to Pinterest This tray was a big hit at family gatherings, sparking fun conversations and smiles among all ages.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, mixing bowls, spatula or spoon, small knife for decoration
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt). Ranch seasoning may contain milk or other allergens–check labels if sensitive. Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 7 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest This fish-shaped dip tray makes for a stunning appetizer that’s both delicious and visually delightful.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the fish shape with dips and vegetables?
Spread the blue ranch dip in an oval for the fish body, add herbed dip at the head, then arrange vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and celery to mimic scales and fins.
- → Can this be made vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt to maintain texture and flavor while keeping it vegan.
- → What fresh herbs enhance the herbed dip?
Fresh dill and chives bring bright, aromatic notes that complement the creamy base beautifully.
- → Is food coloring necessary for the blue dip effect?
Food coloring is optional; it adds a vivid ocean-blue hue but the dip will still taste great without it.
- → What dipping options can accompany this platter?
Extra fresh vegetables or crisp crackers pair well for scooping and enhancing the platter's textures.
- → How long can the dip platter be prepared in advance?
Prepare the dips a few hours ahead and arrange shortly before serving to keep vegetables fresh and crisp.