Creating this Carrot-Shaped Veggie Tray is surprisingly simple and fun. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring your veggie carrot to life:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry all your vegetables. This is crucial for the dips to adhere well and for the tray to look its best. Cut the carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery into sticks of roughly similar size. Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Halve the cherry tomatoes if desired. Prepare your snap peas or snow peas by trimming any stringy ends.
2. Create the Carrot Shape Base: Choose a large serving platter or cutting board. Start by arranging the carrot sticks in a carrot shape on the platter. Begin with a wide base at the top (the wider part of the carrot) and gradually taper it down to a point (the tip of the carrot). You can create a slightly curved carrot shape for a more natural look. Don’t worry about perfection; the vegetables will fill in any gaps.
3. Layer with Broccoli Florets (The “Orange” Body): Now, start filling in the carrot shape you created with the broccoli florets. Pack them closely together to create a dense, textured “orange” layer over the carrot sticks. This will give your carrot shape volume and visual appeal. Continue filling in the entire carrot outline with broccoli florets, pressing them gently to secure them in place. Leave some gaps intentionally to add other colorful vegetables.
4. Add Colorful Vegetables (Details and Texture): Strategically place the remaining vegetables to add color and texture to your carrot shape. Use the bell pepper strips to create stripes or patterns within the broccoli layer. Scatter cherry tomatoes throughout for pops of red. Add cucumber sticks or rounds along the edges or in the center for variation. Incorporate celery sticks to add length and definition. Use snap peas or snow peas to create flowing lines or accents.
5. Create the “Carrot Top”: At the wide end of your carrot shape (the top), create the “carrot top” using fresh parsley or dill. Arrange the parsley or dill sprigs to resemble the leafy green top of a carrot. You can use a generous amount to create a bushy and vibrant top. Tuck the stems of the herbs under the surrounding vegetables to secure them.
6. Garnish with Olives: Scatter black olives strategically around the carrot shape. They add visual contrast and a salty bite. You can place them in clusters or scatter them individually for a more random look.
7. Prepare the Dips: Arrange your chosen dips in small bowls or ramekins. Place these bowls around the carrot-shaped veggie tray or at one end of the platter for easy access. Consider offering a variety of dips to cater to different tastes.
8. Chill and Serve: If you are not serving immediately, cover the veggie tray loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until serving time. Chilling the vegetables will help them stay crisp and refreshing. Remove from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the vegetables to come to a slightly cooler temperature.
9. Present and Enjoy! Place your Carrot-Shaped Veggie Tray on a prominent spot on your table or buffet. Watch as your guests admire your creative and healthy appetizer. Encourage everyone to dig in and enjoy the fresh vegetables and delicious dips!