Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday appetizer that’s as playful as it is wholesome, you can’t go wrong with Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus. These cheerful little trees, crafted from crisp broccoli, sweet carrots, and refreshing cucumber, are perfect for livening up any festive spread. Whether you’re feeding kids at a party or looking for a crowd-pleasing snack for grown-ups, this colorful dish draws smiles all around. It’s a celebration of fresh, simple flavors served with a creamy hummus dip—the kind of platter everyone will want to nibble all night long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This magical tray of Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus rises from just a handful of easy, vibrant ingredients. Every element brings its own personality, whether it’s the crunch, the color, or a pop of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need—plus a tip for each to guarantee snack-time stardom!

• Broccoli florets: Packed with green goodness, these make the perfect “treetop” shapes for your little trees and hold up well for dipping!
• Carrot sticks: Their bright orange hue adds punchy color and delightful sweetness—slice them thinly for easy assembly.
• Cucumber slices: Crisp, cooling, and mild, cucumbers can be trimmed into triangles or rectangles for “branches” or accents.
• Hummus: A lush, creamy base that ties everything together—classic or roasted red pepper hummus both work beautifully.
• Pretzel sticks (optional): These serve as charming, edible “trunks”—kids especially adore munching on them!
• Red bell pepper pieces (optional): Snip tiny squares or circles to use as pretty “tree ornaments” for an extra-festive touch.

How to Make Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Veggies

Begin by gently washing all your vegetables under cold water. Cut the broccoli into small, even florets, making sure they’re bite-sized for easy layering. Slice carrots into slender sticks, aiming for lengths you’d use in crudités, and cut cucumbers into thin rounds or triangles to resemble leafy branches. If you’re using red bell pepper as tree “ornaments,” dice it into tiny bits now. Laying out your veggies before assembling will make step two a breeze!

Step 2: Assemble the Trees

On a large platter, start with a broccoli floret as the top of each tree. Fan out carrot sticks and cucumber slices underneath, arranging them in layered patterns to mimic the shape of a pine tree—don’t worry about being perfect. Get creative and let each tree have its own personality! If using, gently press a pretzel stick at the base of each tree so it looks like a trunk, adding a crunchy surprise when picked up.

Step 3: Add Colorful Ornaments

With the base shape in place, it’s time for those whimsical touches. Dot red bell pepper pieces over the “branches,” tucking them into broccoli florets or nestling them onto cucumber slices. This not only boosts the festive look of your Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus but also adds a fun, sweet snap when you eat them.

Step 4: Serve With Hummus

Spoon your favorite hummus into a bowl, swirling it high and proud in the center or on the edge of your platter. Feel free to drizzle with a swirl of olive oil or a dash of paprika for flair. Arrange your completed veggie trees around the hummus and present with plenty of extra napkins—these will vanish quickly!

How to Serve Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus

Garnishes

Little details make this dish extra special! Try fresh herbs like parsley or dill sprinkled around the plate for a snowy effect, or dust a pinch of smoked paprika over the top of the hummus for a hint of warmth. Squeeze a touch of lemon juice right before serving for a burst of brightness that wakes up all the veggies and makes those Christmas trees sparkle!

Side Dishes

Pair your Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus with other finger-friendly holiday bites. Think toasted pita chips, marinated olives, or even crispy chickpeas for extra crunch. If your gathering leans more toward a meal, these festive trees also complement hearty winter soups or Mediterranean-inspired grain salads beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Try serving the veggie trees on a big wooden board with bowls of colorful dips around them, or arrange mini trees on individual plates layered with lettuce for personal “holiday gardens.” For kids’ parties, place each tree in a cupcake liner for a grab-and-go snack—this keeps fingers clean and adds a playful twist to the display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a few trees left at the end of the night? Tuck them into an airtight container with a bit of paper towel at the bottom to absorb extra moisture. Store the hummus separately to keep the veggies fresh and crisp—they’ll stay bright for up to two days in the fridge.

Freezing

While hummus freezes reasonably well, the veggies for your Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus won’t fare as nicely in the freezer—they tend to turn mushy once thawed. For longest shelf life, only freeze any leftover hummus, and always assemble the trees fresh when you’re ready to serve again.

Reheating

Since these festive trees are served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary (or recommended). If the veggies have softened a bit in the fridge, refresh them in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes before patting dry and reassembling. Give the hummus a stir and bring to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all the veggies and cut any “ornament” bell peppers up to a day in advance. Store each ingredient separately and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Which type of hummus works best?

Classic hummus keeps things neutral and pairs with every vegetable, but roasted red pepper or even spicy hummus varieties can add fun flavor twists. Use your favorite—or offer two kinds for variety!

What can I use instead of pretzel sticks?

Pretzel sticks are cute and edible, but you can also use thin strips of red bell pepper, celery, or skip the trunks altogether if you’re serving a gluten-free crowd. The trees look adorable either way!

Is this recipe suitable for young kids?

Definitely! Kids love assembling and eating these bite-sized trees. For toddlers, just be sure to use soft, easy-to-eat veggie pieces and skip anything that’s a choking risk. It’s a fantastic edible craft for family time.

How do I make the trees stand out even more on a party table?

Go bold with presentation: nestle the finished trees on a bed of leafy greens, add edible glitter, or arrange them in the shape of a giant tree on your platter. Add some pita “stars” at the top for a golden finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

With minimal prep and a huge splash of color, Veggie Christmas Trees with Hummus turn healthy eating into pure holiday joy. Gather your favorite veggies, whip up some hummus, and let your creativity shine—the results are almost too cute to eat (almost!). If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how your festive forest turns out!

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