Save A whimsical, ocean-inspired appetizer featuring creamy, herbed dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged in a fish shape. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
This appetizer tray was a hit at my last beach-themed party, delighting guests with its playful design and delicious flavors.
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 fishs head area, shaping it slightly pointed for the mouth.
- Step 5:
- Arrange baby carrots as the fishs 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 fishs eye.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately with extra veggies on the side for dipping.
Save This tray brings back joyful memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly reached for their favorite dip and veggies.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 110 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 4 g per serving
Save The Ocean Blue Fish-Shaped Dip Tray is sure to impress your guests and add a splash of creativity to your next party.
Recipe Guide
- → What dips are used in this dish?
The platter features a creamy herbed dip made from cream cheese, sour cream, dill, and chives, alongside a blue ranch dip tinted with natural food coloring for an ocean effect.
- → How are the vegetables arranged?
Fresh baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, yellow bell pepper, and black olives are artfully arranged to create fish scales, fins, and tail on the dip base.
- → Can this be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt alternatives, the dish can be tailored to a vegan diet.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
All ingredients are gluten-free if certified, making this a safe option for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this tray?
A large serving platter, mixing bowls, spatula or spoon, and a small knife for decoration are required for assembly and presentation.
- → Are there suggested beverage pairings?
Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complement the fresh flavors and enhance the ocean-inspired theme.