Christmas Veggie Tray With Dip – Festive, Fresh, and Easy to Make

Christmas get-togethers call for colorful, crowd-pleasing snacks that don’t take all day. This Christmas Veggie Tray with Dip brings bright holiday cheer to the table without any fuss. It’s fresh, crunchy, and so simple to assemble—even if you’re short on time.

The creamy dip ties everything together and can be made a day ahead. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, this tray looks impressive and tastes even better.

Why This Recipe Works

This tray leans on a mix of crisp, vibrant vegetables that hold up well on a platter and stay fresh for hours. The dip is tangy, herby, and creamy, so it complements the veggies without overpowering them.

You can shape the vegetables into a wreath, tree, or simple color-blocked design, making it flexible for any skill level. It’s also a make-ahead friendly option, which keeps holiday stress low.

Ingredients

For the Veggie Tray

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup sugar snap peas or snow peas
• 1 cup cucumber rounds (peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 cup baby carrots (or carrot sticks)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small bunch radishes, trimmed and halved
• Fresh rosemary sprigs or parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Crackers or pita chips (optional, for serving)

For the Creamy Herb Dip

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It

1. Prep the vegetables. Wash everything well and pat dry. Cut broccoli and cauliflower into bite-size florets, slice peppers into thin strips, and cut cucumbers into even rounds.Keep sizes consistent so the tray looks neat.
2. Blanch if you like. For extra vibrant color and a slightly tender bite, quickly blanch broccoli and snap peas in boiling water for 30–45 seconds, then plunge into ice water. Dry thoroughly before arranging.
3. Mix the dip. In a bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, dill, chives, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
4. Choose a design. For a Christmas theme, try a wreath or a tree:
   • Wreath: Use a round platter. Place a small bowl of dip in the center. Arrange broccoli and snap peas in a ring for the “evergreen,” then tuck in cherry tomatoes as “berries.” Add red and yellow pepper strips as ribbon accents, and a few rosemary sprigs for a natural touch.
   • Tree: On a rectangular board, layer broccoli in a triangle shape.Use cucumber rounds as garland, cherry tomatoes as ornaments, pepper strips as tinsel, and a star-cut yellow bell pepper at the top. Line the bottom with celery or cracker “trunk.”
5. Build color contrast. Alternate green, red, and white vegetables so the tray pops. Cluster similar shapes together, and place smoother textures (cucumber, tomatoes) near rougher ones (broccoli, cauliflower) for balance.
6. Add the dip and garnish. Place the dip in one large bowl or a few small ramekins around the tray.Sprinkle extra dill or chives on top. Garnish the tray with parsley or rosemary for a festive look.
7. Chill until serving. Cover the tray loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Add crackers or pita chips just before serving so they stay crisp.

How to Store

• Veggies: Store leftovers in airtight containers lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.They’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days.
• Dip: Keep the dip covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
• Make-ahead: Chop veggies a day ahead and keep them separate by type. Assemble the tray the day of your event for the best texture and appearance.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and crunch without feeling heavy.
• Make-ahead friendly: The dip tastes better after resting, and prepped veggies save time on party day.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or tailor the dip to your crowd.
• Budget-conscious: Seasonal produce and a simple dip keep costs reasonable for feeding a group.
• Great for all ages: The colorful layout encourages kids and picky eaters to try more veggies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the dry-off step: Wet veggies make the tray soggy and water down the dip.Dry thoroughly after washing and blanching.
• Over-salting the dip early: Flavors develop as the dip chills. Season lightly at first, then adjust before serving.
• Cutting pieces too large: Oversized chunks are messy to eat. Aim for bite-size, finger-friendly portions.
• Using only one color: A festive tray needs contrast.Mix reds, greens, whites, and a little yellow for visual interest.
• Placing crackers too early: They’ll absorb moisture and go soft. Add them right before serving.

Alternatives

• Dairy-free dip: Use a plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo. Add a splash of olive oil for richness.
• Greek yogurt base: Swap sour cream and some mayo for thick Greek yogurt to lighten the dip and add protein.
• Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or finely minced jalapeño.
• Different dip styles: Try hummus, roasted red pepper dip, whipped feta, ranch, or green goddess.
• Seasonal veggies: Add endive leaves, fennel slices, roasted beets (well-dried), or blanched green beans.
• Crunch boosters: Garnish the dip with toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.

FAQ

Can I make the veggie tray the night before?

Yes, prep and chop the vegetables the day before and store them in airtight containers lined with paper towels.

Assemble the tray and add the dip on the day you plan to serve for the freshest texture.

How do I keep cut vegetables crisp?

Dry them thoroughly after washing. If needed, store cut carrots, celery, and radishes in cold water in the fridge, then drain and pat dry before arranging.

What if I don’t like dill or chives?

Use what you enjoy. Basil, tarragon, thyme, or a mix of Italian herbs work well.

Start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste.

Which vegetables are best for a crowd?

Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, snap peas, and tomatoes are reliable crowd-pleasers. They hold up well at room temperature and pair easily with creamy dips.

How long can the tray sit out?

Keep it out for up to 2 hours at room temperature. If your gathering runs longer, swap in a fresh dip bowl from the fridge and refresh any wilted vegetables.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, the vegetables and dip are naturally gluten-free.

Serve with gluten-free crackers if you want a crunchy side.

How can I transport the tray?

Arrange the veggies on the platter and cover tightly with plastic wrap, or pack each vegetable type in separate containers and assemble on-site. Carry the dip in a sealed jar and add just before serving.

Final Thoughts

A Christmas Veggie Tray with Dip is the kind of holiday appetizer that checks every box: it’s festive, fresh, and easy to pull together. With a little color planning and a flavorful dip, you’ll have a platter that disappears fast.

Keep it simple, make it ahead where you can, and enjoy the crunch and cheer at your table. It’s a reliable go-to for any holiday gathering, big or small.