Pin A whimsical, ocean-inspired appetizer featuring creamy, herbed dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged in a fish shape Perfect for parties and gatherings
A whimsical, ocean-inspired appetizer featuring creamy, herbed dips and fresh vegetables, artfully arranged in a fish shape Perfect for parties and gatherings
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
Pin 
This appetizer has become a favorite at family gatherings, sparking conversations and compliments every time
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 (per serving)
Calories: 110 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 7 g Protein: 4 g
Pin This fish-shaped dip tray is sure to impress your guests while offering a healthy and delicious option
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the blue color for the dip?
Use natural blue food coloring drops mixed into the Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning to achieve the oceanic hue.
- → Can this dip display be made vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt alternatives to make it suitable for vegan diets.
- → What vegetables are best for the fish scales and fins?
Cucumber slices and celery sticks work well for scales, while cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper strips, and purple cabbage add colorful fins.
- → How can I add a seafood twist?
Incorporate smoked salmon pieces or shrimp alongside the dips for an ocean-inspired seafood variation.
- → What are some good beverage pairings?
Pair this dish with chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing complement.
- → Are there allergen considerations to keep in mind?
This dish contains dairy from cream cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt. The ranch seasoning may include milk—check labels if sensitive.