Creative Veggie Tray: Under The Sea
This coral reef creative veggie tray is perfect for our Under the Sea study, a mermaid birthday party, or ocean themed event. Make vegetables more interesting and you'll be amazed at how many kids will try them!
Ranch Dressing Vegetable Dip
This dip is thicker than your average ranch dressing because you need a stable foundation to build your reef. Suggested ingredients include:
- Ranch seasoning packet
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
Spread Ranch Base
Choose a container with a flat bottom and sides that come up at least 1/2″. I love this square serving bowl of mine {here's a similar option} . Spread ranch dip evenly on the bottom, trying to keep the sides of the bowl clean.
*If you do get some dip on the sides of your serving dish, wipe clean with a damp paper towel or cloth before adding veggies.
Choose Your Veggies
Select your favorite vegetables and throw a few new ones in for experiment sake! My favorite ‘”reef” veggies include:
- Celery “seaweed”
- Sugar snap peas
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Colorful carrots
- Sweet peppers
- Other veggies might include purple cauliflower, cucumber, jicama, grape tomatoes, steamed asparagus, or mushrooms
Sweet Pepper Anemones: Slice the tops off your sweet peppers to give them a flat bottom and make sure to vary the heights like they would be in nature.
Celery Seaweed: Use a sharp knife to cut strips at the top of your celery stalk. Make them thin so they will fan out slightly to resemble flowing seaweed.
Create Your Reef
Using a variety of veggies place them in different groupings around your serving dish. Carrots serve as the great center height for the front of the tray, then place the other vegetables around them.
At the back of the serving dish increase your height by using sugar snap peas, and celery stalks for the center. Arrange the veggies around them as desired. I love the look of low broccoli and cauliflower around the edges.
Creative Veggie Tray Coral Reef
Continue arranging your groupings until the tray is filled. It's okay for dip to show, negative space is a good way to highlight your creation.
Add Ocean Details
Now that you're creative veggie tray is done it's ready to serve but you can always place a few decorative seashells or fish on the platter for a final touch. Just make sure no one eats them! I LOVE these shells from Confection Deception and use them all the time.
Are you interested in trying a coral reef creative veggie tray for your next ocean themed gathering?
I'd love it if you tried it and if you do, please share and tag us @partieswithacause on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We love seeing all your hard work!
Summer Camp Activities: Week 6
Dive Under the Sea during our at-home summer camp and keep your kids busy most of the summer! We’ve got 6 weeks worth of crafts, activities, snack ideas, exercise recommendations, books suggestions, and even themed tv show and movie ideas.
It’s UNDER THE SEA WEEK!
It's the FINAL week of our SIX WEEK adventure. If you'd like to get on the list for our next FREE at-home summer camp activity series we'd love to have you. Simply leave us your info below!
Did you miss DINOSAUR WEEK?
Check out the Dinosaur Activity Ideas
- Dino Dig Party Activity
- DIY Dinosaur Egg Piñata
- Dino Drool Clear Slime Recipe
- Dollar Tree Dinosaur Craft for Kids
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And Dinosaur Food Ideas
Did you miss SPACE WEEK?
Check out the Space Activity Ideas
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- Outer Space Jewelry – by DIY Candy
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And Space Food Ideas
Did you miss NATURE WEEK?
Check out the Nature Activities
And Nature Food Ideas
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Did you miss AROUND THE WORLD WEEK?
Check out the Travel Activities
- Japan Fun for Kids – Japanese Inspired Cultural Night
- DIY Bamboo Decor with Pool Noodles
- Countries of the World Game for Kids
And Travel Food Ideas
- Rolling Sushi at Home With Kids
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Did you miss SCIENCE WEEK?
Check out the Science Activities
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- DIY Lava Lamps Summer Science Project
- Science Party Ideas – Press Print Party
And Science Food Ideas
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Pin it for Later
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This is so creative! What a fabulous idea!
Thank you! It was a fun way to get a few healthy items on the mermaid table.
That’s a super fun idea! Easy to make too!
I love cute food that’s also easy. 🙂