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–+ servings
A festive Thanksgiving veggie tray arranged in the shape of a turkey, featuring colorful vegetables and a dip.

Ultimate Thanksgiving Veggie Tray Guide: Ingredients, Temps, Tips

Create a festive and safe Thanksgiving veggie tray, perfect for guests with dietary restrictions. This guide provides clear instructions for assembling a visually appealing turkey-shaped platter with optional goat cheese dip.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Veggie Platter
  • 1 English cucumber sliced into rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper bottom cut off and set aside for face, rest sliced into strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper top cut off and insides scooped out for dip holder
  • 1 medium bag baby carrots cut into leg and beak shapes
  • 1 crown broccoli
  • 2 candy eyes
For the Goat Cheese Dip (Optional)
  • 6 ounces soft goat cheese room temperature
  • 1/3 cup mixed fresh herbs parsley, basil, and chives, diced
  • 2 Tablespoons shallot minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream cold, use 1/2 cup for a looser consistency
  • 1 pinch sea salt fine, optional

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Platter
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Wash and dry all vegetables. Prepare the red bell pepper by cutting off the bottom and setting it aside for the turkey face. Slice the cucumber into rounds. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips. Cut the top off the green bell pepper and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottom of the green pepper if needed to help it sit level.
  2. Shape the carrots: Cut one carrot in half lengthwise, then cut each half into a leg shape. Cut the end off another carrot and create a notch to form a beak.
  3. Prepare the goat cheese dip (if using): In a bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, diced herbs, minced shallot, and black pepper. Gradually mix in the cold heavy whipping cream until the dip reaches your desired consistency. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
  4. Assemble the platter: On a large platter, arrange the vegetables to form a turkey shape. Start with two rows of cucumber rounds, followed by a row of carrot pieces, then the red and yellow pepper strips, and finally a row of broccoli florets. Place the hollowed-out green pepper in the center bottom of the platter and fill it with the goat cheese dip.
  5. Add the turkey features: Position the prepared red pepper piece for the face, the carrot beak, the carrot legs, and the candy eyes. Use the goat cheese dip as an adhesive to secure the eyes, beak, and legs in place.
  6. Chill the platter for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the dip to firm up slightly.

Notes

This veggie tray is designed to be gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and keto-conscious. The goat cheese dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Ensure all vegetables are thoroughly washed and dried before preparation.

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