Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités

Featured in: Fresh Citrus Plates

This vibrant vegetable platter transforms fresh cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers into dinosaur fossil shapes. Using simple cutting and arranging techniques, it creates a playful display perfect for gatherings. Cherry tomatoes add egg-like accents, with a central bowl of hummus or ranch dip completing the presentation. Quick to prepare and gluten-free, this creative dish delights both kids and adults alike.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:33:00 GMT
Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités: a colorful vegetable platter with carrot "bones" and vibrant bell pepper shapes, ready to dip. Save
Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités: a colorful vegetable platter with carrot "bones" and vibrant bell pepper shapes, ready to dip. | citrusfold.com

A fun and imaginative vegetable platter arranged to look like dinosaur fossils, perfect for kids parties or themed gatherings.

This unique appetizer always excites the kids and encourages them to eat their veggies in a fun way.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 large cucumber, 2 large carrots, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup cauliflower florets, 1 cup sugar snap peas, 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • Dip: 1 cup hummus or ranch dressing

Instructions

Step 1:
Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
Step 2:
Peel the carrots and cut them into thin sticks.
Step 3:
Slice the cucumber into rounds and halve some for fossil bone shapes.
Step 4:
Slice bell peppers into strips and use a small knife to cut some into dinosaur bone or footprint shapes if desired.
Step 5:
Arrange cauliflower and broccoli florets to resemble fossilized bones and vertebrae on a large serving platter.
Step 6:
Use snap peas and carrot sticks to create rib and limb shapes.
Step 7:
Place cherry tomatoes as dinosaur eggs around the display.
Step 8:
Use the dip in a small bowl at the center or creatively spread in the shape of a dinosaur skull or footprint.
Step 9:
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Freshly cut Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités display, featuring cucumber fossils next to cherry tomato "eggs" and hummus. Save
Freshly cut Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités display, featuring cucumber fossils next to cherry tomato "eggs" and hummus. | citrusfold.com

Our family loves gathering around this platter during parties, sharing laughs and stories about dinosaurs while enjoying healthy snacks.

Required Tools

Sharp knife, Vegetable peeler, Cutting board, Large serving platter, Small bowls for dip

Allergen Information

Contains sesame (if using hummus) and dairy (if using ranch dressing). Check dip ingredients for possible allergens all vegetables listed are typically allergen-free.

Nutritional Information

85 calories per serving, 2 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.

Vibrant Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités arrangement, showcasing cauliflower and broccoli as fossilized bones surrounding the dip. Save
Vibrant Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités arrangement, showcasing cauliflower and broccoli as fossilized bones surrounding the dip. | citrusfold.com

This dino-inspired platter is sure to be a hit at your next gathering bringing fun and healthy snacking together.

Recipe FAQs

What vegetables are best for creating fossil shapes?

Cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers work well due to their shapes and textures.

How can I create the dinosaur bone shapes?

Use thin slices and small cookie cutters to cut vegetables into bone or footprint designs for authenticity.

What dips pair nicely with this platter?

Hummus or ranch dressing complement the vegetables and enhance the fun presentation.

Is this platter suitable for dietary restrictions?

Yes, it is vegetarian and gluten-free, but check dip ingredients for allergens like sesame or dairy.

Can I prepare this platter in advance?

Yes, arrange the vegetables and store covered in the fridge until serving to keep them fresh.

Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités

A colorful vegetable arrangement inspired by dinosaur fossils, ideal for parties and kid-friendly events.

Prep time
25 minutes
0
Total duration
25 minutes
Provided by Lena Brookfield

Recipe group Fresh Citrus Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 6 Serving count

Diet details Meat-free, Contains no gluten

Ingredient list

Vegetables

01 1 large cucumber
02 2 large carrots
03 1 cup broccoli florets
04 1 cup cauliflower florets
05 1 cup sugar snap peas
06 1 red bell pepper
07 1 yellow bell pepper
08 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Dip

01 1 cup hummus or ranch dressing

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.

Step 02

Cut carrots: Peel carrots and slice into thin sticks.

Step 03

Slice cucumber: Cut cucumber into rounds, halving some to resemble fossil bones.

Step 04

Shape bell peppers: Slice red and yellow bell peppers into strips; optionally carve dinosaur bone or footprint shapes using a small knife.

Step 05

Arrange florets: Place cauliflower and broccoli florets on a large platter to mimic fossilized bones and vertebrae.

Step 06

Assemble rib and limb shapes: Use snap peas and carrot sticks to form rib and limb shapes around the platter.

Step 07

Add dinosaur eggs: Scatter cherry tomatoes to represent dinosaur eggs within the arrangement.

Step 08

Position dip: Place hummus or ranch dressing in a small bowl at the center, or spread creatively in dinosaur-themed designs.

Step 09

Serve: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What You Need

  • Sharp knife
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Cutting board
  • Large serving platter
  • Small bowls for dip

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk to your healthcare provider.
  • May contain sesame if using hummus and dairy if selecting ranch dressing.

Nutrition per serving

Provided for informational purposes. Doesn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Calories count: 85
  • Fat content: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 3 g