1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Begin by washing all your veggies under cool water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice the red bell peppers into thin strips and cut the cucumber and celery into sticks as needed. This mise en place keeps things organized and ensures your Santa looks perfect trust me, it’s the secret to stress-free assembly!

2-Second Step: Set Up Your Base Take a large rectangular board or platter as your canvas, placing a 6-inch plate in the center for Santa’s face. Spread hummus evenly on this plate to form the base of his face, which acts as both a dip and a holder for other elements. Make sure the hummus is smooth so the veggies stick well, and this step takes about 2-3 minutes.

3-Third Step: Build Santa’s Hat and Face Details Arrange the thin red bell pepper strips on top of the hummus to shape Santa’s hat, layering them for a full look. Add mozzarella pearls around the hat’s edge and top for the fur lining, using smaller pieces for details like eyebrows. For external insight on veggie benefits, check out how phytonutrients enhance your meals it ties in perfectly with this fresh tray!

4-Fourth Step: Add the Beard and Other Features Shape Santa’s beard using cauliflower florets, packing larger ones at the bottom and smaller for the mustache. Place half a cherry tomato for the nose and black olives for the eyes, positioning them carefully. This is where you can get creative, adjusting as you go to make Santa’s expression just right it usually takes 5-7 minutes.

5-Fifth Step: Fill in the Arms and Extras Use sliced cucumbers and bell pepper sticks for Santa’s arms on the sides of the board, adding black olives at the ends for cuffs. Fill any empty spots with sugar snap peas, crackers, and celery sticks to complete the design. Keep everything balanced so the tray looks full and inviting, which helps with the overall presentation.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Once assembled, place the tray in a cool spot and serve immediately for the freshest taste, or cover it lightly if waiting a bit. Total time is just 20 minutes, and it’s ready for dipping grab your favorite dip and watch the smiles appear! For more ideas on veggie-based meals, try our keto jalapeno popper casserole, which adds a spicy twist to healthy eating.