Save to Pinterest 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 was a hit at our last gathering, sparking conversations and compliments thanks to its fun ocean theme and tasty dips.
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.
Save to Pinterest This dip tray brought my family together as we enjoyed making and eating it , sharing laughs over the fish shape decoration.
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 to Pinterest This ocean blue fish-shaped dip tray adds fun and flavor to any occasion , making appetizer time memorable.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What ingredients create the blue color in the dip?
Natural blue food coloring added to the Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning blend provides a vibrant ocean hue.
- → Can the dips be made vegan?
Yes, using plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt alternatives achieves a vegan-friendly variation.
- → Which vegetables are used to form the fish scales?
Cucumber slices and celery sticks are layered over the blue dip to mimic fish scales.
- → How is the fish’s eye created?
A black olive paired with a radish slice adds detail representing the fish's eye.
- → What tools are needed for assembly?
A large serving platter, mixing bowls, a spatula or spoon, and a small knife for decorative details are used.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are gluten-free when certified, making this tray safe for gluten-sensitive guests.