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Cozy Spider Web Veggie Tray with Easy Homemade Ranch Dip

spider web veggie tray - featured image
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A fun and festive Halloween veggie tray arranged in a spider web pattern, served with a creamy homemade ranch dip. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or any spooky gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved if large
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the ranch dip first: In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh chives if using. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate while you prep the veggies.
  2. Wash and prep all vegetables: Rinse everything thoroughly under cold water. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Slice the cucumber into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Halve the cherry tomatoes if they’re large. Cut the bell peppers into strips about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Pat everything dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. Arrange the base layer: Place your round platter on a flat surface. Start by arranging the broccoli and cauliflower florets in a single, even layer around the outer edge of the platter, about 1 inch from the rim. Alternate the green and white florets for contrast.
  4. Create the second ring: Inside the first ring, arrange a layer of cucumber rounds and bell pepper strips. Place them close together, slightly overlapping, to create a solid band of color.
  5. Build the third ring: Add a ring of cherry tomatoes and snap peas. Arrange them in a single layer, cut-side down for the tomatoes.
  6. Fill the center: In the very middle of the platter, pile the baby carrots in a small mound.
  7. Create the web lines: Using a small spoon or your finger, drizzle the ranch dip in thin lines radiating outward from the center to the edge of the platter, like spokes on a wheel. Then, connect them with curved lines to create the classic web pattern.
  8. Add the spider: Place a small bowl or ramekin of the remaining ranch dip in the center of the carrots. Arrange black olive slices around the bowl to form a spider body—use 8 slices for the legs, 2 for the body, and 2 small pieces for the eyes.
  9. Chill and serve: Cover the platter loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, dry vegetables thoroughly after washing to prevent the dip from becoming watery. The ranch dip can be made up to 3 days in advance. Assemble the tray no more than 4 hours before serving. For a vegan version, use dairy-free sour cream and vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, veggie tray, spider web, ranch dip, appetizer, party snack, healthy snack

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/cozy-spider-web-veggie-tray-with-easy-homemade-ranch-dip/