Christmas Tree Shaped Vegetable Platter Appetizer Tray
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Celebrate Christmas in style with this cute Christmas tree shaped vegetable platter! Broccoli makes the green branches, red cherry tomatoes make the ornaments, cauliflower makes the white snow and the yellow bell pepper makes the bright star!
What could be a more perfect appetizer for your Holiday party than a Christmas tree made entirely out of vegetables? Different color veggies make such a perfect copy of a Christmas tree that makes you go like “Why didn’t I think of that?”
This Christmas tree is super easy to make. No cooking requires, just lay out the broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower and bell pepper on a large platter in a Christmas tree pattern. It will take you 5 minutes flat, and everyone will be impressed! This Christmas tree veggie tray will certainly be the talk of the party!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Shaped Vegetable Platter
- Festive and Fun: This veggie platter is shaped like a Christmas tree, making it the perfect holiday-themed appetizer that will impress your guests and add a festive touch to the table.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes, this platter is packed with vitamins and nutrients. It’s a guilt-free snack that balances out the indulgent holiday treats.
- Quick and Easy: You can put this platter together in just five minutes! No cooking required—just arrange the veggies, and you’re done.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping you create this fun and colorful veggie tree, and it’s a great way to get them excited about eating their vegetables.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The possibilities are endless!
To make the broccoli and cauliflower florets lay flat as shown on the picture, just cut off the stems completely, and that will do the trick :)
Put some dipping sauces next to this veggie platter so people can dip the vegetables. This Christmas tree veggie tray will be the healthiest appetizer at your Christmas party :) Healthy additions are always welcome to the calorie-overflowing Holiday feasts!
Ingredients For Christmas Tree Shaped Vegetable Platter
- Broccoli florets – These make up the green “branches” of the Christmas tree and are rich in fiber and vitamins.
- Cherry tomatoes – These vibrant red tomatoes act as festive “ornaments” on the tree.
- Cauliflower florets – Cauliflower adds a nice contrast and represents snow at the base of the tree.
- Celery stick – Cut into pieces to create the “tree trunk,” providing a crunchy and refreshing texture.
- Yellow bell pepper strips – These make the bright and cheerful star at the top of the tree.
For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kids especially are going to love this Christmas tree veggie plate. They can surely help you make it, and it will be such a fun project for the kids (and the “kids at heart”)! It’s also a great way to encourage the kids to eat their veggies by making vegetable Christmas tree!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Christmas Tree Shaped Vegetable Platter
- Large serving tray – The base for arranging your Christmas tree-shaped veggie platter.
- Knife – For slicing and trimming the vegetables.
- Cutting board – A sturdy surface for cutting the veggies.
How To Make Christmas Tree Shaped Veggie Platter
Step 1: Make the triangle from 3 broccoli florets to create the top of the tree.
Step 2: Add the cherry tomato “ornaments”.
Step 3: Add another line of green broccoli.
Step 4: Add another line of cherry tomato “ornaments”.
Step 5: Add more broccoli green “branches”.
Step 6: Add another row of cherry tomatoes – the last ornament row.
Step 7: Add the last line of broccoli florets to make the bottom green “branches” of the Christmas tree.
Step 8: Make the Christmas tree trunk out of celery sticks.
Step 9: Make the snow out of 2 rows of cauliflower.
Step 10: Make a star out of yellow bell pepper slices at the top.
Your amazing veggie Christmas tree is ready!
If you enjoyed this broccoli Christmas tree, you are going to love my other Christmas veggie platter that’s shaped like a wreath! Check out Christmas Wreath Vegetable Platter, and here are some more healthy Holiday treats: Christmas Grinch fruit skewers and Christmas Chocolate Strawberries.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Christmas Tree Shaped Vegetable Platter with a variety of dips like ranch, hummus, or a creamy yogurt-based dip for added flavor.
- Pair it with other holiday-themed appetizers, such as crispy cheese and cracker platters or fruit salad, to create a beautiful spread.
- Place the platter in the center of the table as a festive edible centerpiece.
- Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill, to enhance the presentation and flavor.
- For a charcuterie twist, you can surround the veggie tree with small cheese cubes or slices of cured meats.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best results, choose fresh and crisp vegetables. Fresh broccoli and cauliflower will not only look better but also taste more vibrant and refreshing.
- Cut the Veggies Uniformly: Make sure the broccoli and cauliflower florets are similar in size for a clean, polished look. Trimming the stems will help them sit flat on the platter and make the arrangement easier.
- Plan Your Layout: Before placing the veggies, envision how the tree will look. Start by placing the top and bottom portions to ensure you have enough space, then fill in the rest.
- Customize the Veggies: While broccoli, tomatoes, and cauliflower are the stars of this dish, feel free to swap in other veggies that you prefer. Green bell peppers, cucumber slices, or zucchini could also work well.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the veggies a day in advance by cutting them and storing them in airtight containers. Assemble the platter just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Use Color Wisely: This veggie platter is as much about the visual appeal as it is about taste. The more colorful the veggies, the more festive and appealing the platter will be. Play with the bright colors to really make the tree stand out.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap Vegetables: If you want to mix things up, feel free to swap the broccoli with green bell pepper slices or zucchini rounds to create the green “branches.” You could also use cucumber slices for a similar effect.
- Add Crunch: For more texture, consider adding sliced carrots or celery sticks as part of the tree’s decorations or base. You could even include red and yellow bell peppers to make the tree more colorful and vibrant.
- Cheese and Protein: Want to add some more substance to your platter? Incorporate small cubes of cheese between the veggie rows for a more filling appetizer. Cubes of cheddar, mozzarella, or even goat cheese can complement the veggies. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked and chilled shrimp or small slices of pepperoni around the tree.
- Fruit Tree Version: If you’re aiming for something sweeter, you could easily create a fruit version of this tree. Use green grapes or kiwi slices for the branches, strawberries or raspberries for ornaments, and pineapple chunks to form a star.
- Dip Options: While a basic ranch dip is always a hit, you can experiment with different flavors. Try a spicy sriracha yogurt dip, a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, or even guacamole for something unique. You could also add a hummus layer as a base for the veggies to sit on.
- Dietary Accommodations: If you need this platter to be vegan or dairy-free, make sure to serve it with plant-based dips like hummus or dairy-free ranch dressing. You can also add extra vegetables or nuts to give it more variety while keeping it plant-based.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers from your Christmas Tree Shaped Vegetable Platter, simply disassemble the platter and store the vegetables in separate airtight containers. This helps maintain the freshness and crunch of each vegetable. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Since this is a cold appetizer, there’s no need for reheating. If you want to refresh the veggies after a day in the fridge, you can briefly soak them in ice water for a few minutes. This will bring back some of the crispiness to vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Just be sure to drain and dry them thoroughly before serving again.
- Prepping Ahead: You can cut and prepare all the vegetables a day in advance and store them in separate containers. Assemble the platter just before serving to ensure everything looks fresh and vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables for the Christmas tree platter?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, and bell pepper, feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Other green vegetables like cucumbers or green bell peppers can replace the broccoli, and you can use colorful veggies like carrots or radishes to add more color to the tree.
How far in advance can I prepare the vegetable platter?
You can prepare the vegetables up to a day in advance. Cut the veggies, store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and assemble the platter just before serving. This ensures the veggies stay fresh and crisp.
What dips go well with a vegetable platter?
Some popular dips to serve with a veggie platter include ranch dressing, hummus, guacamole, and yogurt-based dips. You can also try a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a spicy sriracha dip for a unique twist. Offering a variety of dips ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Can I make a fruit version of the Christmas tree platter?
Yes, you can! Use green grapes or kiwi slices for the tree’s branches, red berries for ornaments, and pineapple chunks for the star. This fruit version will make a great sweet and healthy option for dessert or a festive snack.
How should I serve the Christmas tree platter at a party?
To serve, place the vegetable platter in the center of your table as a festive, edible centerpiece. Provide small tongs or toothpicks so guests can easily grab the veggies. Don’t forget to set out small bowls of dips nearby for added flavor.
Other Easy Platter Recipes
Ultimate Cheese Board Ideas: Best Charcuterie & Fruit Platter for Parties: This ultimate cheese board combines a perfect mix of cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers for a beautiful and delicious party platter.
Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray Holiday Appetizer: This festive veggie tray is shaped like a Christmas wreath and filled with fresh, colorful vegetables, making it a healthy holiday appetizer.
Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Board Appetizer Recipe: This turkey-shaped cheese board is a fun and creative way to serve cheese and crackers at your Thanksgiving gathering.
Festive Turkey-Shaped Fruit Platter for Thanksgiving: This adorable turkey-shaped fruit platter is a healthy and festive addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Healthy Peanut Butter Date Bites | Easy Snack Recipe: These peanut butter stuffed dates are a quick, healthy, and delicious snack that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe | Quick and Simple: This easy cheesy garlic bread recipe is loaded with garlic and melted cheese, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.
Salami Cream Cheese Pinwheels | Italian Appetizer Rolls: These Italian pinwheels filled with salami and cream cheese are an easy and tasty appetizer for any occasion.
Christmas Tree Vegetable Platter Appetizer Tray
Ingredients
- 20 broccoli florets
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 12 cauliflower florets
- 1 celery stick cut into 3 equal pieces
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced into strips
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Large serving tray
Instructions
- Prepare a large tray or plate.
- Trim the cauliflower and broccoli florets so the stem is completely removed.
- Using 3 broccoli florets, create the triangle top of the Christmas tree on top of the platter (leave a little room for the star on top to be added later).
- Add a line of cherry tomatoes right under the top of the tree.
- Add a line of broccoli florets under the cherry tomatoes.
- Add another line of cherry tomatoes under the broccoli florets.
- Add another line of broccoli florets.
- Add the last line of cherry tomatoes under broccoli.
- Add the final line of broccoli to make the bottom of the Christmas tree.
- Add 2 celery sticks together vertically at the bottom of the tree to make the Christmas tree trunk.
- Add 2 lines on cauliflower florets at the bottom to make the snow,
- On top of the Christmas tree, put the yellow bell pepper strips to make the star.
More Appetizer Recipes
- Burrata and Fresh Tomato Salad Appetizer
- Low-Carb Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad | Gluten-Free Recipe
- Gluten-Free Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad | Keto-Friendly Option
I appreciate that my kids were looking forward that we will make this for Christmas!
So easy and festive!