Nothing says “Happy New Year” quite like a show-stopping appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This New Year Gold & Silver Veggie Platter with Hummus Star has been my go-to party starter for years; trust me, it never fails to wow guests! I started making it after one particularly chaotic holiday gathering when I needed something festive, healthy, and (let’s be real) easy to throw together. Now, it’s our family’s tradition. The best part? You get all the oohs and ahhs without spending hours in the kitchen. Just fresh, colorful veggies arranged in a dazzling star over creamy hummus, pure edible confetti for your celebration!
Why You’ll Love This New Year Gold & Silver Veggie Platter
This isn’t just another veggie tray, it’s a celebration on a platter! Here’s why it’s my absolute favorite:
- Festive magic: That golden hummus star with colorful veggies screams “party” without a single sprinkle
- Healthy but happy: Guests gobble it up (even the kids!) because pretty food tastes better
- No-cook wonder: 20 minutes to assemble means more time for champagne
- Totally you: Swap in any seasonal veggies, purple carrots? Rainbow radishes? Yes!
Every year, someone asks for the “recipe”; little do they know the secret is just smart arranging and a big scoop of holiday spirit!
Ingredients for the New Year Gold & Silver Veggie Platter
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your edible fireworks display (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way that eyeballing measurements leads to lopsided stars!):
- 1 cup hummus: smooth and creamy, homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape
- 1 red bell pepper: sliced into thin strips, these will be your star’s boldest points
- 1 yellow bell pepper: sliced to match the red, hello, golden shimmer!
- 1 cucumber: sliced into rounds, nature’s edible confetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: halved, little ruby accents
- 1 cup baby carrots: keep whole for crunch or slice for confetti effect
- 1 cup celery sticks: sliced on the diagonal, adds great texture
- 1/2 cup black olives: pitted, like edible sequins
- 1/2 cup green olives: pitted, their briny pop is everything
- Fresh parsley: for that final “ta-da!” garnish
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No red peppers? No panic! Roasted red peppers from a jar work beautifully. For hummus haters (they exist!), try a Greek yogurt dip with lemon zest. Need it vegan? Double-check your hummus label. Gluten-free friends? You’re golden, just skip any pita garnish. The only real rule? Choose veggies with bold colors that make your star shine!
How to Make the New Year Gold & Silver Veggie Platter
Let’s turn those rainbow veggies into your new favorite holiday tradition! Here’s how I build my showstopper platter every year:
- Start with your canvas: Grab a large round platter and spread that hummus right in the center. Want a perfect star? Use the back of a spoon to shape it, or press a star-shaped cookie cutter into the hummus and carefully lift it away, instant edible art!
- Create the sparkle: Alternate those red and yellow pepper strips to form your star points. I like to lay them slightly overlapping for a fuller look. Pro tip: cut some strips shorter than others for natural-looking variation.
- Add the fireworks: Scatter cucumber rounds and tomato halves around the hummus like little edible gems. This is where the “gold and silver” magic happens; the yellow peppers and white cucumbers give that festive metallic vibe.
- Fill in the sparkle: Tuck baby carrots and celery sticks into any gaps. They add great crunch and make the platter look abundant (plus, they’re perfect for scooping up extra hummus!).
- Finish with flair: Dot with olives like edible confetti and sprinkle parsley over everything for that fresh, festive pop.
Total time from fridge to table? About 20 minutes if you prep all your veggies first, I always do this while my morning coffee brews!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Veggie Star
Here’s my hard-earned wisdom after many New Year’s Eve trial runs: Chill your hummus for 30 minutes before shaping, it holds its form better. Use toothpicks to secure wobbly pepper points if needed (just warn guests!). And whatever you do, pat those cucumber slices dry; soggy veggies slide right off the hummus. Trust me, I learned that the messy way!
Serving Suggestions for Your New Year Platter
This veggie star deserves a proper celebration! I love pairing it with sparkling apple cider for the kids (or prosecco for the adults), those bubbles make everything feel extra festive. For dipping, add some warm pita chips around the edges; they’re perfect for scooping up leftover hummus. Want to go all out? Surround your star with little bowls of tzatziki and baba ganoush for a Mediterranean feast. The best part? Even when the veggies disappear, that golden hummus center stays gorgeous all night!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Here’s how I keep my veggie star fresh-tasting all night long: Those bell pepper points stay crisp under a barely-damp paper towel, just lay it gently over the platter before refrigerating. Hummus? Make it up to 2 days ahead (it actually tastes better!). Wait to assemble until 2 hours before the party. Leftovers? Ha! Like that ever happens, but if it does, just munch away the next day!
New Year Gold & Silver Veggie Platter Nutritional Info
Just a quick note, these numbers are estimates based on my go-to brands (your hummus might vary slightly). Per generous serving, you’re looking at about 120 calories, 4g fiber, and 4g protein. It’s packed with vitamin A from those colorful peppers and carrots, plus healthy fats from the hummus and olives. Basically, it’s that magical unicorn of party food: beautiful, delicious, and good for you!
FAQs About the New Year Veggie Platter
Can I use different veggies? Absolutely! The key is keeping those colors bold, think purple cauliflower, golden beets, or rainbow radishes. Just slice everything uniformly so your star stays picture-perfect.
How early can I assemble this? Two hours max before serving is ideal. Any longer and those crisp peppers might lose their snap. I prep all the veggies ahead and keep them in separate containers, then do my “star-making magic” right before guests arrive. If you need more inspiration for party appetizers, check out Family Tastes.
Is it gluten-free? Yes! Just double-check your hummus label; some brands add wheat. With GF hummus, this platter becomes the perfect inclusive appetizer that everyone can enjoy. For other festive ideas, you might enjoy looking at Christmas Festive Berry Parfaits with Gingerbread Crumble.
Did you put your own spin on this veggie star? I’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag me. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your festive creations. Drop a comment below with your clever twists, too! Every platter tells its own holiday story. If you are looking for more savory holiday appetizers, consider trying the Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Feta.
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“20-Minute New Year Gold & Silver Veggie Platter with Hummus Star”
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive veggie platter arranged in the shape of a star, served with hummus, perfect for New Year celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hummus: smooth and creamy
- 1 red bell pepper: sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper: sliced into strips
- 1 cucumber: sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: halved
- 1 cup baby carrots: whole or sliced
- 1 cup celery sticks: sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives: pitted
- 1/2 cup green olives: pitted
- Fresh parsley: for garnish
Instructions
- Spread the hummus in the center of a large platter to form the base of the star.
- Arrange the red and yellow bell pepper strips in alternating patterns to create the star points.
- Place the cucumber rounds and cherry tomatoes around the hummus for added color.
- Fill in the gaps with baby carrots and celery sticks.
- Scatter the black and green olives around the platter for contrast.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to shape the hummus if desired.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Customize with your favorite veggies for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of platter
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg