Pin 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.
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.
Pin
Pin Recipe Q&A
- → What vegetables are used to make the turtles?
Cucumbers form the turtle shells, with green bell pepper and zucchini wedges for legs and heads. Cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, and snap peas add vibrant surrounding colors.
- → How is the creamy herb dip prepared?
The dip blends Greek yogurt, sour cream, fresh dill, parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a flavorful complement to the vegetables.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan options, dairy-free yogurt can replace Greek yogurt in the dip.
- → What tools are needed for assembly?
A sharp knife, cutting board, toothpicks for securing the turtle shapes, and a small bowl for the herb dip are essential.
- → Are there tips for making the turtles look realistic?
Use olive slices for eyes, fixed with a dab of dip, and evenly arrange vegetable wedges around cucumber slices for balanced legs and heads.