Pin Recipe 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 has always been a hit at my gatherings, bringing both smiles and compliments.
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 Recipe This tray has brought my family together for countless parties and celebrations, always sparking joy and conversation.
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 Recipe Enjoy this delightful appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you create the blue color in the ranch dip?
A natural blue food coloring is added to the Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning mix to achieve the ocean blue hue.
- → What vegetables are best for decorating the fish shape?
Baby carrots form the tail, cucumber slices and celery sticks mimic scales, while cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and purple cabbage add colorful fins.
- → Can the dips be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, both the herbed cream cheese dip and the blue ranch dip can be mixed a few hours in advance and refrigerated until serving.
- → What alternatives are recommended for a vegan version?
Plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt substitutes can replace the dairy ingredients to make the dips vegan-friendly.
- → How is the fish eye created on the tray?
A slice of radish placed over a black olive visually represents the eye on the fish-shaped arrangement.
- → What makes this dip tray suitable for gluten-free diets?
All ingredients, including dairy and vegetables, are naturally gluten-free or certified gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-free diners.