Save A whimsical, ocean-inspired appetizer featuring creamy, herbed dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged in a fish shape. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
This tray has been a favorite at every gathering I've hosted. Guests love the playful presentation and the variety of fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Creamy Herbed Dip: 1 cup (240 g) cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Blue Ranch Dip: 1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, 1–2 drops natural blue food coloring (optional for ocean effect)
- Vegetables & Decoration: 1 cup (100 g) baby carrots, 1 cup (100 g) cucumber slices, 1 cup (100 g) celery sticks, 1 cup (100 g) cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 cup (50 g) purple cabbage shredded, 1/2 cup (50 g) yellow bell pepper sliced, 1/4 cup (30 g) black olives pitted, 1 slice radish (for fish eye)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese sour cream dill chives lemon juice garlic powder salt and pepper until smooth. Set aside as the herbed dip.
- Step 2:
- In a separate bowl combine Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning. Add blue food coloring (if using) and mix until evenly tinted.
- Step 3:
- On a large platter use a spoon to spread the blue ranch dip in an oval shape to form the fish body.
- Step 4:
- Spoon the herbed dip at the fish's head area shaping it slightly pointed for the mouth.
- Step 5:
- Arrange baby carrots as the fish's tail fanning them out.
- Step 6:
- Use cucumber slices and celery sticks to create fish scales layering them over the blue dip.
- Step 7:
- Place cherry tomato halves yellow bell pepper strips and purple cabbage for colorful accents and fins.
- Step 8:
- Add a black olive and radish slice for the fish's eye.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately with extra veggies on the side for dipping.
Pin it My family always enjoys gathering around this tray during holidays it brings smiles and sparks conversations.
Required Tools
Large serving platter Mixing bowls Spatula or spoon Small knife for decoration
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese sour cream Greek yogurt) Ranch seasoning may contain milk or other allergens check labels if sensitive Gluten-free if all ingredients are certified gluten-free
Nutritional Information
Calories 110 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 4 g per serving
Pin it This dip tray never fails to impress and make any occasion feel special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What ingredients create the creamy herbed dip?
The creamy herbed dip combines softened cream cheese, sour cream, fresh dill, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- → How is the blue color achieved in the ranch dip?
Blue food coloring is optionally added to Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning to achieve the ocean-blue tint.
- → Which vegetables are used to decorate the fish-shaped tray?
Baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, yellow bell pepper, black olives, and radish slices are arranged to mimic fish scales and fins.
- → Can this dish accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free; vegan alternatives can substitute dairy ingredients.
- → What tools are recommended for assembling the tray?
A large serving platter, mixing bowls, a spatula or spoon, and a small knife for decoration are helpful during preparation.