Save to Pins 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 brings smiles at our family events. It´s fun to assemble and even more fun to serve!
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.
Save to Pins Our kids love helping arrange the veggies on the tray making it a fun family activity before parties.
Notes
Pair this appetizer with chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing experience.
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
Save to Pins This delightful tray adds color flavor and fun to any gathering making it a memorable appetizer to share.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve the blue color for the dip?
Add a few drops of natural blue food coloring to the ranch dip and mix well to create the ocean effect.
- → Can I prepare this tray ahead of time?
Yes, the dips and vegetable arrangement can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated until serving.
- → What vegetables work best for fish scales?
Sliced cucumbers and celery sticks are excellent for creating layered scales over the dip base.
- → Are there alternatives for dairy ingredients?
Plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt alternatives can be used for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What serving suggestions pair well with this tray?
It pairs nicely with chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing balance.
- → Can I add seafood to this presentation?
Yes, adding smoked salmon or shrimp can provide a flavorful seafood twist to the arrangement.