The Best Broccoli Christmas Veggie Tray with Yogurt Dill Dip

This broccoli Christmas Veggie Tray is the kind of holiday snack that makes people smile. It looks cheerful, it tastes fresh, and it’s surprisingly easy to put together. You get crisp, colorful veggies arranged like a Christmas tree and a creamy yogurt dill dip that feels light yet satisfying.

It’s the perfect balance to all the rich holiday foods without feeling “too healthy.” Bring it to a party or set it out before dinner, and watch it disappear.

What Makes This Christmas Veggie Tray Recipe So Good

• Simple and festive presentation: The tree shape is easy to build, but it looks impressive on a board or platter.
• Light, bright flavors: The Greek yogurt dip is creamy without being heavy, and the dill and lemon keep it fresh.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can chop the veggies and mix the dip a day in advance, then assemble right before serving.
• Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables and swap in different garnishes to match what you have on hand.
• Kid-friendly: The fun tree layout makes veggies more appealing for little hands.

Ingredients for Christmas Veggie Tray

• For the veggie tray:
  • 4–5 cups broccoli florets (small, bite-size pieces)
  • 1 large head of broccoli stems (optional, for “tree trunk”)
  • 1–2 cups cauliflower florets (snowy “accents”)
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (for “ornaments”)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (for a star; a small cookie cutter helps)
  • 1–2 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced radishes (optional, for extra color)
  • Fresh dill or parsley sprigs (optional “garland”)
  • Crackers or pita chips on the side (optional)
• For the yogurt dill dip:
  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole for creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or green onion
  • 1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but brightens the flavor)
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or pressed
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for a silkier finish)

Instructions for Christmas Veggie Tray

1. Prep the vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry all produce. Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small, even florets. Slice cucumbers into coins.Cut the yellow bell pepper into flat panels and use a small star-shaped cutter, or carefully trim a star with a knife.
2. Make the yogurt dill dip: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, dill, chives, Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil if using. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon.
3. Chill the dip: Cover and refrigerate at least 20 minutes.This helps the flavors meld and slightly thickens the dip.
4. Choose your platter: Use a large cutting board, slate board, or rimmed baking sheet. Place a small bowl near the bottom third for the dip, or keep the dip on the side.
5. Create the tree outline: Arrange broccoli florets in a wide triangle, with the widest row at the base. Build up in layers, making each row slightly narrower as you go, to form a tree shape.
6. Fill and fluff: Pack the broccoli florets close together so the “tree” looks full.Tuck cauliflower along edges or in small clusters to look like snow.
7. Add ornaments: Nestle cherry tomatoes around the tree as ornaments. Add radish slices and cucumber coins to bring in more color and texture.
8. Top with a star: Place the yellow bell pepper star at the top of the tree. Add small herb sprigs like dill or parsley as “garland.”
9. Make the trunk: Line up a few pieces of broccoli stem, cucumber slices, or even pretzel rods at the base to form a trunk.
10. Finish and serve: Set the chilled dip in the bowl and drizzle a few drops of olive oil on top if you like.Sprinkle with a little extra dill or black pepper. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Storage Instructions for Christmas Veggie Tray

• Veggies: Store leftover cut vegetables in an airtight container lined with a paper towel for up to 3 days. Keep tomatoes separate so they don’t soften other veggies.
• Dip: The yogurt dill dip keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.Stir before serving. If it thickens, loosen with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice.
• Make-ahead: Chop veggies and mix dip up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the tree shortly before serving to keep everything crisp.

Why This Christmas Veggie Tray Is Good for You

• • High in fiber and antioxidants: Broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes support digestion and overall health.

             Protein-rich dip:

Greek yogurt adds protein and calcium, helping make this snack more filling.

• Lighter than creamy dressings: You get that creamy, tangy dip experience without heavy mayonnaise or sour cream.
• Balanced flavors: Fresh herbs and lemon brighten the dish, which can help curb cravings for heavier holiday bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using wet vegetables: Water droplets make the tray look dull and cause slipping.Dry everything well with a clean towel.
• Oversized florets: Big pieces are harder to dip and break the tree shape. Keep florets bite-size and consistent.
• Underseasoned dip: Yogurt needs salt and acid. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon so it doesn’t taste flat.
• Assembling too far in advance: The veggies can dry out or wilt.Prep ahead but assemble close to serving time.
• Skipping color contrast: Add tomatoes, radishes, or bell peppers so the tree pops. Color makes it feel festive.

Alternatives to Christmas Veggie Tray

• Different dips: Try ranch-style Greek yogurt dip, hummus, beet hummus for a bright pink accent, or avocado yogurt dip with lime and cilantro.
• Veggie swaps: Use green snap peas, blanched green beans, or kale leaves for the tree base. For ornaments, use diced yellow pepper, olives, or pomegranate arils.
• Dairy-free dip: Use a thick plain coconut yogurt or blend silken tofu with dill, lemon, garlic, and olive oil.
• Gluten-free sides: Serve with GF crackers or rice crackers if you want a crunchy option alongside the veggies.
• Extra garnish: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or toasted sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and flavor.

FAQ

Can I blanch the broccoli first?

Yes.

Briefly blanch florets in boiling salted water for 30–45 seconds, then plunge into ice water and dry well. This gives a brighter green color and slightly softer bite, but be sure they’re completely dry before assembling.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

Use 2 teaspoons dried dill and let the dip rest at least 30 minutes so the flavor blooms. You can also mix in a little parsley and chives for a fresh note.

How big should the platter for Christmas Veggie Tray be?

A board around 12×18 inches works well for the amounts listed.

If you have a smaller board, simply reduce the vegetable quantities or build the tree taller and narrower.

Can I make the dip thicker or thinner?

To thicken, use whole milk Greek yogurt or strain your yogurt through a coffee filter for 30 minutes. To thin, whisk in a teaspoon of water, milk, or lemon juice until it reaches the texture you like.

How do I keep the veggies crisp at a party?

Keep the tray cool until serving and avoid placing it near the oven or a warm buffet. If the party runs long, refresh with a few extra florets or cucumbers you’ve kept chilled.

What can I use instead of a star cutter?

Cut a simple star by hand from the pepper using a paring knife.

Or use a small slice of yellow beet, cheese, or even a lemon slice as a bright topper.

Is this safe for gluten-free and vegetarian guests?

Yes, the tray and dip are naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. Just confirm that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free and serve GF crackers if you’re adding a crunchy side.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Broccoli Christmas Veggie Tray with Yogurt Dill Dip delivers maximum holiday charm with minimal stress. It’s colorful, crunchy, and all about simple, fresh flavors.

Prep the dip and veggies ahead, assemble in minutes, and enjoy a beautiful centerpiece that everyone can snack on. It’s proof that a lighter option can still feel special at the holiday table.

Festive Broccoli Christmas Veggie Tray with Yogurt Dill Dip - A Bright, Fresh Holiday Appetizer

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• For the veggie tray:
• 4–5 cups broccoli florets (small, bite-size pieces)
• 1 large head of broccoli stems (optional, for “tree trunk”)
• 1–2 cups cauliflower florets (snowy “accents”)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (for “ornaments”)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (for a star; a small cookie cutter helps)
• 1–2 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced radishes (optional, for extra color)
• Fresh dill or parsley sprigs (optional “garland”)
• Crackers or pita chips on the side (optional)
• For the yogurt dill dip:
• 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or green onion
• 1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but brightens the flavor)
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or pressed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for a silkier finish)

Method

 

1. Prep the vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry all produce. Cut broccoli and cauliflower into small, even florets. Slice cucumbers into coins. Cut the yellow bell pepper into flat panels and use a small star-shaped cutter, or carefully trim a star with a knife.
2. Make the yogurt dill dip: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, dill, chives, Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil if using. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon.
3. Chill the dip: Cover and refrigerate at least 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and slightly thickens the dip.
4. Choose your platter: Use a large cutting board, slate board, or rimmed baking sheet. Place a small bowl near the bottom third for the dip, or keep the dip on the side.
5. Create the tree outline: Arrange broccoli florets in a wide triangle, with the widest row at the base. Build up in layers, making each row slightly narrower as you go, to form a tree shape.
6. Fill and fluff: Pack the broccoli florets close together so the “tree” looks full. Tuck cauliflower along edges or in small clusters to look like snow.
7. Add ornaments: Nestle cherry tomatoes around the tree as ornaments. Add radish slices and cucumber coins to bring in more color and texture.
8. Top with a star: Place the yellow bell pepper star at the top of the tree. Add small herb sprigs like dill or parsley as “garland.”
9. Make the trunk: Line up a few pieces of broccoli stem, cucumber slices, or even pretzel rods at the base to form a trunk.
10. Finish and serve: Set the chilled dip in the bowl and drizzle a few drops of olive oil on top if you like. Sprinkle with a little extra dill or black pepper. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Hannah

Hi, I’m Hannah — the food lover behind Every Day Quick Meals! I’m all about making cooking simple, joyful, and stress-free. Between work, life, and a million to-dos, I know how hard it can be to find time for homemade food. That’s why I create quick, tasty recipes that anyone can make — no fancy skills required. My kitchen motto? Good food doesn’t need to be complicated — just made with love.