Pin this 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 always delights guests with its creative presentation and tasty dips. It's a fun way to serve appetizers at any gathering.
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 this This appetizer has become a family favorite for gatherings, bringing smiles and compliments every time it's served.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt alternatives. Add smoked salmon pieces or shrimp for a seafood twist. Pair with chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.
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.
Pin this Enjoy this delightful and creative appetizer that brings both taste and visual appeal to your table.
Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the blue color in the dip?
Natural blue food coloring is added to the Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning mix to give the dip its ocean-blue shade.
- → How do I arrange the vegetables on the tray?
Arrange baby carrots as the fish tail, cucumber slices and celery as scales, and use cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and purple cabbage for fins and colorful accents.
- → Can I make this tray vegan-friendly?
Yes, substitute plant-based alternatives for cream cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt to accommodate a vegan diet.
- → 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 needed for easy assembly.
- → Is this tray suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all included ingredients are gluten-free if certified, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → How long does preparation take?
Preparation takes about 25 minutes, with no cooking required, making it a quick and easy option.