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 first served this at a summer party and it was a big hit with both kids and adults alike.
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
- Prepare Herbed Dip:
- 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.
- Prepare Blue Ranch Dip:
- In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning. Add blue food coloring (if using) and mix until evenly tinted.
- Form Fish Body:
- On a large platter, use a spoon to spread the blue ranch dip in an oval shape to form the fish body.
- Add Fish Head:
- Spoon the herbed dip at the fishs head area, shaping it slightly pointed for the mouth.
- Arrange Tail:
- Arrange baby carrots as the fishs tail, fanning them out.
- Create Scales:
- Use cucumber slices and celery sticks to create fish scales, layering them over the blue dip.
- Add Accents and Fins:
- Place cherry tomato halves, yellow bell pepper strips, and purple cabbage for colorful accents and fins.
- Add Eyes:
- Add a black olive and radish slice for the fishs eye.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with extra veggies on the side for dipping.
Save This dish always brings my family together with smiles and compliments at every gathering.
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
Calories 110 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 4 g per serving
Save This ocean blue fish-shaped dip tray promises to be the centerpiece of your next party easily impressing all your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the blue color in the dip?
Use natural blue food coloring drops mixed into Greek yogurt combined with ranch seasoning to achieve a vibrant ocean blue shade.
- → Can the dips be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, both the herbed cream cheese dip and the blue ranch dip can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- → What vegetables work best for decorating?
Baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, cherry tomato halves, purple cabbage shreds, yellow bell pepper strips, black olives, and radish slices offer varied colors and shapes for the fish motif.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
The dips contain dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt. Check ranch seasoning for milk content and opt for gluten-free certified ingredients.
- → How can I modify for a vegan diet?
Replace dairy items with plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt alternatives to make a vegan-friendly version without losing creaminess.