Snow Pea Holiday Wreath Recipe
Introduction
This Snow Pea Holiday Wreath is a festive and fresh appetizer perfect for any holiday gathering. With crisp snow peas arranged around a creamy, flavorful dip, it’s both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound fresh snow peas, strings removed
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the snow peas and cook, uncovered, until they are crisp-tender and bright green, about 1-2 minutes. Drain the snow peas and immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Place the bowl in the center of a serving platter.
- Step 3: Arrange the blanched snow peas around the bowl in a wreath shape. Scatter grape tomatoes around or within the snow pea circle to complete the festive look.
Tips & Variations
- For added color, include sliced red or yellow bell peppers along with the tomatoes.
- Use flavored cream cheese, such as herb or chive, to add extra depth to the dip.
- Serve with crackers or pita chips for more dipping options.
- Be sure to blanch the snow peas briefly so they stay crisp and vibrant green.
Storage
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the snow peas and tomatoes separate to maintain their freshness and crispness. The arranged platter is best served fresh but can be prepared a few hours ahead if covered tightly and chilled. Reheat is not recommended for this dish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen snow peas for this recipe?
Frozen snow peas can be used, but fresh snow peas provide the best texture and appearance after blanching. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly before arranging.
What can I substitute for seasoned salt?
If you don’t have seasoned salt, a pinch of regular salt mixed with a bit of garlic powder and paprika works well as a substitute.
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Snow Pea Holiday Wreath Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Snow Pea Holiday Wreath is a fresh and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Crisp-tender snow peas paired with juicy grape tomatoes surround a creamy, garlicky seasoned cream cheese dip, creating a visually stunning and flavorful centerpiece that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to display.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 pound fresh snow peas, strings removed
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
Dip
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
- Blanch the Snow Peas: In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the snow peas and cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender. Immediately drain and transfer the snow peas to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Drain again and gently pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Dip: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and seasoned salt until smooth and well combined. Place this bowl in the center of your serving platter.
- Assemble the Wreath: Arrange the blanched snow peas in a circular wreath shape around the bowl of cream cheese dip. Fill in gaps and form the wreath by surrounding it evenly with grape tomatoes, creating a colorful and appealing holiday presentation.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcook the snow peas; they should remain crisp with a bright color.
- Seasoned salt can be substituted with a pinch of sea salt and a dash of onion powder if desired.
- This recipe can be prepared a few hours in advance; keep the assembled platter covered and refrigerated until serving.
- To make it vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
- Adding fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley to the cream cheese can enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Snow pea wreath, holiday appetizer, cream cheese dip, festive appetizer, grape tomatoes, vegetable dip platter, easy appetizer
