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Quick Witch Finger Veggie Tray with Easy Green Goddess Dip

witch finger veggie tray - featured image
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A spooky Halloween veggie tray arranged to look like witch fingers with almond sliver nails, served with a creamy, herbaceous green goddess dip. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect for parties and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 large carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch finger-sized sticks
  • 4–5 celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 1 large English cucumber, cut into 3-inch sticks
  • 1 red or orange bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 20–25 pretzel sticks
  • 30 almond slivers
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Make the green goddess dip first: Add Greek yogurt, parsley, chives, dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste (if using), salt, pepper, and olive oil to a food processor. Pulse 8-10 times, then run on low for about 30 seconds until combined and herbs are finely chopped. Scrape down sides, taste, and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
  2. Prepare the ‘fingernails’: Dip the tip of each almond sliver into softened cream cheese, coating about 1/4 inch. Set on a plate, cream cheese side up. You need about 30 total.
  3. Cut the vegetables: Peel carrots and cut into 3-inch pieces, slightly tapered. Cut celery and cucumber into similar 3-inch sticks. Slice bell pepper into 1/2-inch wide strips.
  4. Assemble the witch fingers: Press a cream cheese-tipped almond sliver onto one end of each vegetable stick to look like a fingernail. Repeat for all pieces.
  5. Arrange the tray: On a large serving platter, place the witch fingers in a fan pattern like a hand reaching out. Place the dip bowl at the ‘wrist’ end. Scatter pretzel sticks and extra almond slivers around.
  6. Chill before serving: Refrigerate assembled tray for at least 15 minutes to set the cream cheese and keep vegetables crisp. Can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead.
  7. Garnish right before serving: Sprinkle fresh herb leaves around the tray. Optionally, add a few drops of red food coloring mixed with water near the ‘fingertips’ for a bloody effect.

Notes

Keep vegetables thoroughly dry after washing to help cream cheese stick. Cut all vegetables to about 3 inches for uniform fingers. Don’t over-process the dip—it should have tiny herb flecks, not be completely smooth. Make extra dip as it goes fast. Let dip sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor. Use a tiny dab of cream cheese (pea-sized) for almond nails. Can make dip up to 2 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween appetizer, witch fingers, veggie tray, green goddess dip, party snack, healthy Halloween, spooky vegetables

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/quick-witch-finger-veggie-tray-with-easy-green-goddess-dip/