Festive Christmas Tree Veggie Platter

Sometimes the simplest ideas end up being the ones guests remember the most. That’s exactly what happened the first time I made a Christmas tree veggie platter. A handful of broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, and a bell pepper star transformed into a festive centerpiece that people couldn’t stop photographing.

The best part? It’s one of the fastest appetizers I’ve ever put together. In under 10 minutes, you can arrange a tray that looks holiday-ready and adds a healthy, crunchy option to balance all the cheesy dips and sweet cookies. Plus, kids love it—it’s playful and colorful, and mine even told me it was “too cute to eat” before grabbing their share.

This veggie platter has become a holiday tradition in my kitchen. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and a lifesaver when you need something that looks impressive without any stress.

A 10-Minute Appetizer That Looks Like Décor

There’s no cooking involved, just chopping and arranging. It’s the ultimate low-stress party dish, perfect when your oven is already packed with holiday baking.

Healthy, Fresh, and Crowd-Friendly

Amid all the holiday indulgence, guests genuinely appreciate having something light and crunchy. Fresh veggies paired with a creamy ranch or dill dip give everyone a chance to reset between bites of cheese balls and cookies.

A Photo-Worthy Holiday Centerpiece

This platter doubles as edible décor. The bright green broccoli, red cherry tomatoes, and golden pepper star pop on any table, making it a conversation starter before it’s even eaten.

Kid-Approved and Playful

Shaping vegetables into a Christmas tree makes them fun for kids to eat. Add cauliflower at the bottom as “snow,” and suddenly the whole platter looks like it belongs in a storybook.

Flexible and Easy to Customize

You can use any vegetables you like—snap peas, cucumber slices, or even yellow peppers for extra “garlands.” The shape stays festive, no matter what substitutions you make.

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 yellow bell pepper (for star)
• 1 cup cauliflower florets (for “snow,” optional)
• ½ cup baby carrots or cucumber slices (for tree base, optional)
• 1 cup ranch or dill dip (served in bowls at the base)

Instructions

1. On a large platter, arrange broccoli florets in the shape of a Christmas tree.
2. Add rows of cherry tomatoes as ornaments.
3. Slice the yellow bell pepper into a star shape and place at the top.
4. Fill in the bottom with cauliflower florets for “snow.”
5. Place dip bowls along the base of the tree. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 10–12
• Calories: ~65 per serving
• Fat: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Costs: ~$8–10 per platter