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Easy Spider Web Veggie Tray with Ranch Dip

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A fun and festive Halloween appetizer featuring a spider web pattern of fresh vegetables around a creamy homemade ranch dip. Quick to assemble, healthy, and perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 2 cups)
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 2 cups)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into sticks (about 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips (about 1 cup)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips (about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds or half-moons
  • 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the ranch dip first. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, buttermilk, and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. Add the fresh dill, fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Whisk again until everything is evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (Can be made up to 3 days ahead.)
  2. Prepare the vegetables. Wash all produce thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Peel the carrots and slice them into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. Cut the celery into similar-sized sticks. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Trim the ends off the snap peas. Slice the cucumber into rounds or half-moons. If using radishes, slice them thinly…
  3. Arrange the dip bowl. Place your small serving bowl in the exact center of the large platter. Fill the bowl with the chilled ranch dip. Smooth the top with a spoon if needed.
  4. Create the spider web pattern. Start with the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Arrange them in a ring around the dip bowl, about 1 inch away from the bowl. Next, create a second ring using the carrot and celery sticks. Continue adding rings of vegetables, alternating colors and textures. Use the red and yellow bell pepper strips for the next ring. Then add the cherry tomatoes and snap peas. Finally, use the cucumber slices and radishes for the outer edge. Use bell pepper strips to create curved…
  5. Fill in any gaps. Look at your tray from above. If you see bare spots, fill them with extra vegetables. Overlap slightly for dimension.
  6. Garnish (optional). Place a small plastic spider on the edge of the dip bowl or on one of the vegetables.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate. If serving within an hour, leave it out. For longer storage, cover the entire tray loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Notes

Dry vegetables thoroughly to prevent soggy dip. For best flavor, let dip rest at least 30 minutes. Can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead; keep dip separate until serving. Leftover vegetables can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; dip keeps for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

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

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