A cheerful and colorful Thanksgiving veggie tray that’s shaped like a turkey; perfect for kids and adults alike! It’s a light, crunchy, and creative appetizer that brings the whole family together before the big feast.
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There’s something magical about turning everyday vegetables into a festive centerpiece.
This Thanksgiving Veggie Tray is one of my favorite ways to get everyone, even my picky little one, excited about veggies. It’s fresh, easy to assemble, and brings a burst of color to the Thanksgiving table without adding another heavy dish.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Veggie Tray
- Healthy balance: It’s a refreshing, crunchy break from all the rich holiday dishes.
- Kid-approved fun: The candy eyes and turkey design make veggies irresistible to little ones.
- Quick and simple: No cooking required — just slice, arrange, and serve.
- Beautiful presentation: Makes a stunning (and edible!) centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need to build your veggie turkey:
- 2 cucumbers: Slice into rounds. You can swap with zucchini slices if you prefer.
- 2 green bell peppers: Cut into rings for the “feathers.”
- 1 red bell pepper: Use for the wattle and some colorful feather layers.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: The turkey’s “head” and beak. You could substitute orange pepper for a similar color.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Adds brightness and juicy pops of flavor. Grape tomatoes work too.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Perfect for the green feather layer and adds great texture.
- 1 cup celery sticks: Great for the outer layer and gives the tray structure.
- 1/3 cup sour cream or mayonnaise: Acts as edible “glue” for the candy eyes and mouth.
- Candy eyes: Optional, but they make the turkey come to life for kids.
Optional Add-ons:
- Baby carrots or snap peas for extra layers.
- A small bowl of ranch or hummus in the center for dipping.
Tips for Making This Thanksgiving Veggie Tray
- Prep ahead: Slice your veggies the day before and store them in airtight containers. Assemble the tray just before serving.
- Get creative: Mix in other colorful veggies like purple cauliflower or orange cherry tomatoes for extra visual appeal.
- Keep it fresh: If making ahead, lightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Avoid adding dip until serving time to prevent sogginess.
- Kid tip: Let little ones help “build the feathers.” It’s a great hands-on way to get them excited about eating vegetables!
Thanksgiving Veggie Tray FAQs
How far in advance can I make this?
You can prep all the vegetables up to one day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers, then assemble the tray within an hour or two of serving for the freshest look.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrot sticks, snap peas, cauliflower, or baby corn all add color and crunch. Just try to include a rainbow mix for the best presentation.
What dip goes best with this veggie tray?
Ranch, hummus, or a creamy Greek yogurt dip all pair beautifully. For a spicy twist, try a sriracha–lime yogurt dip.
How can I make this more appealing for adults?
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the dip, include some roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes, and serve on a wooden board for a more elegant look.
Can this be part of a toddler’s meal?
Yes — just skip the candy eyes and cut small pieces into safe, toddler-friendly sizes. Serve with a mild yogurt dip instead of sour cream.
Serving Ideas
If you love creative veggie presentations, try pairing this with:
- Roasted Sweet Potato Bites for a warm, hearty contrast.
- Mini Cranberry Turkey Meatballs for a protein-packed appetizer.
- Pumpkin Hummus Dip — smooth, slightly sweet, and perfect for fall.
Thanksgiving Veggie Tray
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the base: Spread a thin layer of sour cream or mayonnaise on a large serving plate to help hold everything in place.
- Create the turkey head: Slice off the base of the yellow bell pepper and position it at the center bottom of your tray.
- Add facial features: Use a dab of sour cream to attach the candy eyes. Add a small strip of orange or yellow pepper (or carrot) for the mouth. Place a thin piece of red pepper as the wattle hanging down.
- Build the feathers:
- Start by arranging broccoli florets in a semicircle around the “head.”
- Next, add a ring of green bell pepper rings.
- Follow with yellow pepper strips above that layer.
- Add cucumber slices next.
- Finish with celery sticks as the outer feathers.
- Fill the gaps: Tuck in halved cherry tomatoes to add color and dimension.
- Final touches: Adjust spacing, and if you like, place a small bowl of dip next to your turkey for easy serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to display.
Notes
- To make this toddler-friendly, omit the candy eyes and cut vegetables into small, soft pieces for easy chewing.
- For a spicier twist, mix a little chili powder into the sour cream or serve with a zesty hummus dip.
- Great for holiday potlucks or classroom parties — it’s a crowd-pleaser that travels well!
❤️ If you try this Thanksgiving Veggie Tray…
Please take a moment to rate or review it! Your feedback helps other readers discover fun, healthy ideas for the holidays — and I’d love to see your turkey trays, too! Tag @YumAndYummer so I can share your beautiful creations.
More Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
- Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Mexican Street Corn Casserole
- Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies