Save to Pinterest A whimsical, charming platter featuring fresh vegetables artfully arranged to resemble turtles—perfect for parties, kids, or adding fun to any appetizer spread. Served with a creamy herb dip.
A fun, interactive way to encourage kids to enjoy vegetables.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large cucumber, 1 green bell pepper, 8 cherry tomatoes, 1 small zucchini, 12 baby carrots, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup snap peas
- Herb Dip: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garnishes & Assembly: 8 black olive slices (for eyes), 8 toothpicks
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch thick rounds—these will form the turtle shells.
- Step 2:
- Cut the green bell pepper and zucchini into small wedges for legs and heads.
- Step 3:
- Attach four vegetable wedges around each cucumber round with toothpicks to create legs, and a smaller wedge for the head.
- Step 4:
- Use a dab of yogurt dip to glue olive slices to the heads for eyes.
- Step 5:
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, and snap peas around the turtles as a colorful crudités platter.
- Step 6:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, dill, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the herb dip. Mix well.
- Step 7:
- Serve the vegetable turtles with the herb dip on the side.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brightens up family gatherings and gets the kids excited about eating veggies.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, toothpicks, small serving bowl
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, sour cream). Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergens if in doubt.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 80, Total Fat: 2 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This delightful appetizer adds color and creativity to any table and is sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What vegetables are used to create the turtle shapes?
Cucumber rounds form the turtle shells, while green bell pepper and zucchini wedges create the legs and heads. Cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli florets, and snap peas add color around the turtles.
- → How is the creamy herb dip made?
The dip combines Greek yogurt, sour cream, fresh dill, parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper mixed thoroughly for a fresh and tangy flavor complementing the vegetables.
- → Can this dish accommodate vegan diets?
Yes, by substituting Greek yogurt and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, the herb dip can be made vegan-friendly without losing its creamy texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe choice for those avoiding gluten.
- → What is the recommended serving size and time to prepare?
This platter yields about four servings and takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required.
- → Are there suggested variations to add more crunch or color?
Yes, adding radishes or celery can enhance both the crunch and colorful appeal of the platter.