Easy Vegetable and Dip Christmas Tree

Ingredients

There are lots of gluten free dips to buy but this 4-ingredient homemade dip is the right thickness to hold the veggies. Remember, the less ingredient labels you're reading, the better you're eating.

• Sour cream & Miracle Whip/mayonnaise - this makes a thick dip needed to hold the veggies

• Green onion & dried dill weed - as simple as it gets

• Broccoli, cauliflower & cherry tomatoes - for the red & green theme

See recipe card for exact amounts.

Instructions

This is so simply you don't need a recipe but a few tips always help.

• Choose a tray with a slight lip to hold the dip, especially if you're taking it somewhere.
• Keep it simple. It's a triangle! My friend tried to make her broccoli tree with branches like you might draw one. Don't over complicate a simple idea.
• This same friend did add a star she made using a cookie cutter and a yellow pepper. That is a cute addition.
• Encourage people to dig in right away! I guarantee they're worried about wrecking your beautiful tray and wondering where the dip is.

Substitutions

Vegetable Dip - Substitute any store bought gluten-free dip that you know is thick enough to hold the vegetables.

Variations

There's nothing like individual portions to ease the concern about cross contact. Show the way by taking a variation of just about anything.

Shot glasses - Vegetable and dip shooters are fun too. Choose a red and green theme for the season and have fun.

Mason jars - Make individual servings in Mason jars for easy transport and assembly.

Martini glasses - I serve this Pear and Pomegranate Guacamole in martini glasses but veggies and dip would be awesome too!

Get The Tools

• A large round glass platter, square or even rectangular tray will work if you're not transporting these veggies.
• An unbreakable holiday tray is ideal for taking your tray to a party. I've been using the metal tray in the photo ever since someone gave it to me with holiday goodies on it.

Tips for Holiday Buffets

Buffets cause anxiety for people with food restrictions. Anything that might be safe when it's set on the table, will be questionable once people start sharing utensils and using their hands. Here are a few tips and ideas for navigating holiday buffets.

• Talk to the host in advance so you know what to expect. Bring the dish you most want to have.
• Be the first at the buffet and take a generous portion because there's no going back.
• Find your party dish and take the same thing all the time to decrease stress and decision making. Pick something you love but don't usually make for yourself.