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 is always a hit with my family, making snack time colorful and enjoyable for everyone.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: 2 large heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- Cherry Tomatoes: 18–20 cherry tomatoes
- Yellow Bell Pepper: 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips (for garland and star)
- Carrot: 1 medium carrot, sliced into rounds (for tree trunk and decoration)
- Celery: 1 celery stalk, cut into 2-inch sticks (optional, for base or accents)
- Dip (optional): 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 Making this platter has become a cherished tradition during our holiday gatherings, bringing smiles to kids and adults alike.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board, sharp knife, small cookie cutter (for star, optional)
Allergen Information
Contains: None in basic recipe. Check dip labels for dairy, soy, or sesame allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 45, Total Fat: 0.5 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 3 g per serving (without dip)
Pin It 
This broccoli tree platter is a delightful and nutritious snack that is simple to prepare yet impresses every time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the broccoli fresh and crisp for serving?
Wash thoroughly and dry completely. Lightly steaming the broccoli for 1-2 minutes then chilling it can enhance texture and color while keeping it crisp.
- → What vegetables can substitute cherry tomatoes?
Bright radishes or small snap peas work well as colorful ornaments and maintain the fresh, crunchy texture.
- → How can I create the bell pepper star on top?
Use a small cookie cutter or carefully cut a star shape from a yellow bell pepper slice to crown the tree with a festive touch.
- → Are there options to make this platter more kid-friendly?
Arrange the vegetables in fun shapes and serve with mild dips like hummus or ranch to encourage kids to enjoy fresh veggies.
- → What dips pair best with this vegetable arrangement?
Hummus and ranch dips complement the fresh vegetables well, offering creamy texture and added flavor without overpowering the natural taste.
- → Can the celery stalks be omitted if unavailable?
Yes, celery stalks are optional and used mainly for framing the base or accents; the tree remains attractive and tasty without them.