Save to Pins A whimsical and healthy appetizer featuring crisp vegetables arranged as a snowman, served with a creamy herb dip—perfect for festive gatherings and kids parties.
This fun appetizer always brings smiles to my holiday parties and is so easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large cauliflower head (cut into florets), 1 large cucumber, 2 medium carrots (peeled), 1 small red bell pepper, 1 small yellow bell pepper, 6 cherry tomatoes, 1 black olive
- Dip: 200 g (7 oz) Greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh chives or dill (finely chopped), 1 garlic clove (minced), Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Slice the cucumber into 1 cm rounds. Cut one carrot into sticks for snowman arms, and use a peeler to cut thin ribbons from the other carrot for the scarf. Slice bell peppers into small strips and pieces for the hat, buttons, and scarf accent. Slice the black olive into thin rounds for the eyes and mouth.
- Arrange the snowman:
- On a large platter, assemble three cauliflower florets in increasing size vertically to form the snowman’s body. Use cucumber rounds for the snow at the base. Add carrot sticks for arms, and carrot ribbons for the scarf around the neck. Use black olive slices for eyes and mouth, a small carrot piece for the nose, and bell pepper strips to create a hat and buttons. Place cherry tomatoes and remaining vegetables around the snowman as extra crudités.
- Prepare the dip:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives or dill, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Place the dip in a small bowl next to or within the platter for dipping.
Save to Pins This appetizer is always a hit with my family especially kids who love to help arrange the snowman pieces.
Preparation Time
25 minutes total, mostly assembly with no cooking required.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with light white wine or sparkling water and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on the dip.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy in Greek yogurt or sour cream and mayonnaise. May contain eggs in mayonnaise. Always check labels for gluten or allergen traces if needed.
Save to Pins Enjoy this festive, healthy appetizer that brings smiles and nutrition to your gathering.
Questions & Answers
- → What vegetables are used for the snowman?
Cauliflower florets form the body, cucumber rounds create the base, carrot sticks and ribbons shape the arms and scarf, bell pepper strips mimic the hat and buttons, cherry tomatoes surround the display, and black olive slices represent eyes and mouth.
- → How is the creamy dip prepared?
The dip combines Greek yogurt or sour cream with mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh chives or dill, minced garlic, and salt and pepper, whisked until smooth.
- → Can this be made vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based yogurt and vegan mayonnaise to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly without altering flavor significantly.
- → How long does preparation take?
Preparation takes approximately 25 minutes, with no additional cooking time required, allowing for quick assembly and serving.
- → What occasions suit this appetizer?
Its whimsical design and healthy ingredients make it perfect for festive gatherings, holiday parties, and children’s events.