Save It 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 always been a hit at my gatherings, sparking conversations and compliments for its fun shape and delicious components.
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
- Prepare Herbed Dip:
- 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.
- Prepare Blue Ranch Dip:
- In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning. Add blue food coloring (if using) and mix until evenly tinted.
- Shape Fish Body:
- On a large platter, use a spoon to spread the blue ranch dip in an oval shape to form the fish body.
- Shape Fish Head:
- Spoon the herbed dip at the fishs head area, shaping it slightly pointed for the mouth.
- Arrange Tail:
- Arrange baby carrots as the fishs tail, fanning them out.
- Create Scales:
- Use cucumber slices and celery sticks to create fish scales layering them over the blue dip.
- Add Accents and Fins:
- Place cherry tomato halves, yellow bell pepper strips, and purple cabbage for colorful accents and fins.
- Add Fish Eye:
- Add a black olive and radish slice for the fishs eye.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with extra veggies on the side for dipping.
Save It This tray always brings my family together as we enjoy assembling and sharing it during celebrations and casual get-togethers.
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.
Save It This dip tray is a show-stopper and perfect for any occasion, combining creativity and deliciousness in one plate.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How can I make the blue ranch dip without artificial coloring?
Omit the blue food coloring or replace it with natural sources like butterfly pea flower tea for a similar blue tint.
- → What vegetables work best for the fish scales and fins?
Thin cucumber slices, celery sticks, cherry tomato halves, yellow bell pepper strips, and shredded purple cabbage create vibrant scales and fins.
- → Can I prepare this platter in advance?
Yes, prepare dips and chop vegetables ahead, then assemble shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Are there alternatives for dairy ingredients in this dip?
Plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt substitutes work well for vegan or dairy-free versions.
- → What pairs well as beverages with this dip platter?
Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complement the fresh, herbed flavors and light vegetables nicely.