Slow Savory Turtle Crudités

Featured in: Fresh & Flavorful

This colorful platter features cucumber rounds as turtle shells, with bell pepper and zucchini wedges forming legs and heads. Cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, and snap peas accompany the turtles, creating an inviting vegetable spread. A creamy herb dip, blending Greek yogurt, sour cream, dill, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice, complements the arrangement. Simple to prepare and visually delightful, this appetizer encourages healthy snacking and adds whimsical charm to any gathering.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:07:00 GMT
Whimsical Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités platter with colorful veggies and a creamy herb dip, a perfect appetizer. Save
Whimsical Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités platter with colorful veggies and a creamy herb dip, a perfect appetizer. | snacksplat.com

A whimsical, charming platter featuring fresh vegetables artfully arranged to resemble turtles—perfect for parties, kids, or adding fun to any appetizer spread. Served with a creamy herb dip.

This recipe brings a playful touch to fresh vegetables and always delights guests with its creativity and flavor.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 large cucumber , 1 green bell pepper , 8 cherry tomatoes , 1 small zucchini , 12 baby carrots , 1 cup broccoli florets , 1 cup snap peas
  • Herb Dip: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt , 1/4 cup sour cream , 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill , 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley , 1 clove garlic , minced , 1 teaspoon lemon juice , Salt and pepper , to taste
  • Garnishes & Assembly: 8 black olive slices (for eyes) , 8 toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1:
Slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch thick rounds—these will form the turtle shells.
Step 2:
Cut the green bell pepper and zucchini into small wedges for legs and heads.
Step 3:
Attach four vegetable wedges around each cucumber round with toothpicks to create legs , and a smaller wedge for the head.
Step 4:
Use a dab of yogurt dip to glue olive slices to the heads for eyes.
Step 5:
Arrange cherry tomatoes , baby carrots , broccoli , and snap peas around the turtles as a colorful crudités platter.
Step 6:
In a bowl , combine Greek yogurt , sour cream , dill , parsley , garlic , lemon juice , salt , and pepper to make the herb dip. Mix well.
Step 7:
Serve the vegetable turtles with the herb dip on the side.
Fresh, vibrant Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités, a vegetarian party platter with a bright assortment of vegetables. Save
Fresh, vibrant Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités, a vegetarian party platter with a bright assortment of vegetables. | snacksplat.com

This dish always brings smiles at family gatherings and is a hit with children who love its playful design.

Required Tools

Sharp knife , Cutting board , Toothpicks , Small serving bowl

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt , sour cream). Check packaged ingredients for allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 80 , Total Fat 2 g , Carbohydrates 13 g , Protein 4 g (per serving)

Beautifully arranged Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités, served alongside a flavorful, creamy herb dip, ready to enjoy. Save
Beautifully arranged Slow & Savory Turtle Crudités, served alongside a flavorful, creamy herb dip, ready to enjoy. | snacksplat.com

Serve immediately for best freshness and visual appeal.

Recipe Guide

How do you assemble the vegetable turtles?

Slice cucumber rounds for shells and use bell pepper and zucchini wedges as turtle legs and heads, securing them with toothpicks.

What ingredients enhance the herb dip flavor?

The dip combines Greek yogurt, sour cream, fresh dill, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a creamy, fresh taste.

Can the dip be made vegan?

Yes, substitute Greek yogurt and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly dip.

What vegetables are used besides the turtles?

Cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli florets, and snap peas surround the turtles for a vibrant crudités spread.

How long does preparation take?

The entire preparation takes about 25 minutes, with no cooking required.

Slow Savory Turtle Crudités

Fresh vegetables shaped like turtles served with a creamy herb dip, perfect for gatherings and snacks.

Prep duration
25 min
0
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll need

Vegetables

01 1 large cucumber
02 1 green bell pepper
03 8 cherry tomatoes
04 1 small zucchini
05 12 baby carrots
06 1 cup broccoli florets
07 1 cup snap peas

Herb Dip

01 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
02 1/4 cup sour cream
03 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
04 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
05 1 clove garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon lemon juice
07 Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes & Assembly

01 8 black olive slices (for eyes)
02 8 toothpicks

Method

Step 01

Prepare cucumber shells: Slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch thick rounds to form turtle shells.

Step 02

Cut vegetables for limbs and heads: Trim the green bell pepper and zucchini into small wedges to use as legs and heads.

Step 03

Assemble turtle figures: Attach four vegetable wedges around each cucumber round using toothpicks as legs, and fix a smaller wedge as the head.

Step 04

Attach olive eyes: Use a small amount of herb dip to adhere black olive slices onto the head wedges as eyes.

Step 05

Arrange the platter: Place cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli florets, and snap peas decoratively around the assembled turtles.

Step 06

Prepare herb dip: Combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, dill, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix thoroughly.

Step 07

Serve: Present the vegetable turtles alongside the herb dip for dipping.

Kitchen tools

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Toothpicks
  • Small serving bowl

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy ingredients: Greek yogurt and sour cream.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 80
  • Fats: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 4 g