Pin It A whimsical and healthy party platter featuring broccoli florets arranged as a festive tree, adorned with vibrant cherry tomato ornaments. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a fun snack for kids.
This recipe brings a creative twist to serving vegetables that kids and adults enjoy alike in our family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 large heads broccoli: cut into bite-sized florets
- 18–20 cherry tomatoes
- 1 yellow bell pepper: sliced into thin strips (for garland and star)
- 1 medium carrot: sliced into rounds (for tree trunk and decoration)
- 1 celery stalk: cut into 2-inch sticks (optional, for base or accents)
- 1 cup hummus or ranch dip
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables.
- Step 2:
- On a large platter or board, arrange the broccoli florets in the shape of a triangle to form the tree.
- Step 3:
- Place cherry tomatoes evenly over the broccoli to mimic ornaments.
- Step 4:
- Use yellow bell pepper strips as garlands draped across the tree.
- Step 5:
- Cut a star shape from a bell pepper slice and place it at the top of the tree.
- Step 6:
- Arrange carrot rounds at the base as the tree trunk and scatter a few for extra decoration.
- Step 7:
- Optionally, use celery sticks to frame the base or add greenery.
- Step 8:
- Serve with hummus or ranch dip on the side.
Pin It Every holiday, making this broccoli tree involves the whole family and sparks lots of smiles.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board, sharp knife, small cookie cutter (for star, optional)
Allergen Information
Contains no allergens in the basic recipe; check dip labels for dairy, soy, or sesame allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving without dip: 45 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.
Pin It
This festive broccoli tree is as delightful to make as it is to eat, adding joy to your celebrations.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I assemble the broccoli tree?
Arrange broccoli florets in a triangular shape to form the tree base, then place cherry tomatoes evenly to simulate ornaments. Use bell pepper strips as garlands and a bell pepper star for the topper.
- → Can I prepare this platter in advance?
Yes, lightly steaming broccoli for 1-2 minutes and chilling it before assembly helps maintain freshness and vibrant color.
- → What dips pair well with this veggie arrangement?
Hummus or ranch dips complement the fresh vegetables nicely, though plant-based dips are great vegan alternatives.
- → Are there alternative vegetables to add for variety?
Adding radishes, snap peas, or other colorful veggies can enhance the platter’s appearance and taste.
- → How is the bell pepper star made?
Use a small cookie cutter to shape the bell pepper slice into a star for a decorative tree topper.