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Easy Monster Mash Veggie Tray with Ranch Dip

monster mash veggie tray - featured image
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A fun and creative veggie tray shaped like a monster face, served with a creamy homemade ranch dip. Perfect for getting kids to eat their vegetables without a fight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into thin sticks or coin shapes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips and a few larger pieces for the mouth shape
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets (optional)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chives (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Make the ranch dip first (5 minutes). In a small mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried chives (if using), black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dip reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate while you prep the veggies.
  2. Wash and prep all vegetables (8 minutes). Rinse everything under cold water and pat dry. Cut broccoli into small florets. Peel carrots and cut into thin sticks (about 3 inches long). Slice cucumber into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut bell peppers into strips for the mouth and decorative elements. Leave cherry tomatoes whole or halved if large. Trim snap peas if needed.
  3. Assemble the monster face (5 minutes). Place a small serving bowl or ramekin in the center of a large platter. Arrange bell pepper strips to create a wide mouth shape below the dip bowl. Place carrot sticks vertically underneath the mouth like monster teeth. Place two cucumber slices above the dip bowl for eyes, and put a small piece of olive or a cherry tomato half in the center of each for pupils. Use more bell pepper strips above the eyes for eyebrows or monster horns.
  4. Create the veggie ‘army’ around the face (3 minutes). Arrange remaining vegetables in concentric circles or rows around the monster face. Group similar veggies together for visual impact.
  5. Fill the dip bowl and serve. Spoon the chilled ranch dip into the small bowl in the center. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Garnish with extra dried dill or black pepper if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

For best results, keep veggies cold and crisp. If making ahead, store cut vegetables in a bowl of ice water in the fridge for up to 2 hours, then drain and pat dry before arranging. The ranch dip improves after a day in the fridge. For dairy-free, use plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Keywords: veggie tray, monster mash, ranch dip, kid-friendly, healthy snack, party appetizer, vegetable platter

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-monster-mash-veggie-tray-with-ranch-dip/