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 love serving this to guests as it brightens up the party table and always sparks fun conversations.
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 dish always brings my family together with laughter and compliments on the creative presentation.
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.
Save This whimsical appetizer always delights guests with its ocean-inspired design and delicious dips.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the blue color for the dip?
Add a few drops of natural blue food coloring to the Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning mixture until you get a vibrant ocean blue shade.
- → Can I prepare the dips in advance?
Yes, both the herbed and blue ranch dips can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld before assembling.
- → What vegetables work best for decoration?
Baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, purple cabbage, black olives, and radish slices create a colorful and textured arrangement.
- → How can I make a vegan version?
Substitute cream cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives to maintain creamy texture and flavor.
- → What are good beverage pairings?
Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water infused with lemon complement the fresh and tangy flavors beautifully.