Save A whimsical, ocean-inspired appetizer featuring creamy, herbed dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged in a fish shape. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
I enjoy preparing this tray for social events because its fun shape and healthy dips always impress guests.
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 creates joyful moments at family gatherings bringing together healthy eating and artistic presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dip tray with chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water infused with lemon for refreshing balance.
Variations
Add smoked salmon pieces or shrimp for a seafood twist enhancing flavor and texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days; dips may thicken so stir before serving.
Save This artistic dip tray is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients create the blue color in the dip?
A drop or two of natural blue food coloring is mixed with Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning to achieve the ocean-inspired blue tint.
- → How is the fish shape formed on the platter?
The base uses a blue ranch dip spread in an oval fish body shape, with herbed dip shaped into a pointed fish head. Vegetables like cucumbers and celery mimic scales, while baby carrots fan out as the tail.
- → Can this dish accommodate dietary preferences?
Yes, vegan versions can be made by substituting plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt alternatives without compromising flavor or structure.
- → What vegetables are used for decoration?
Baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, yellow bell pepper strips, black olives, and radish slices provide color and texture creating fish fins and eyes.
- → How long does preparation take?
The entire arrangement takes approximately 25 minutes, requiring no cooking and minimal assembly steps for quick presentation.