Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Platter

Featured in: Salads

This delightful platter arranges fresh vegetables into dinosaur fossil shapes, using cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, and cherry tomatoes. Vegetables are sliced and shaped creatively, then artistically placed to mimic bones and footprints. Served with a creamy hummus or ranch dip, it’s an easy, eye-catching snack option that requires no cooking. Perfect for entertaining children or guests with a playful presentation that also provides nutritious, vegetarian, and gluten-free bites.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:33:00 GMT
Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités: a colorful veggie platter with hummus, creatively arranged as playful fossils. Save
Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités: a colorful veggie platter with hummus, creatively arranged as playful fossils. | cheerfulchefs.com

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

This platter always delights children and sparks their creativity while enjoying healthy veggies.

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.
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| cheerfulchefs.com

This platter has become a favorite at family gatherings, bringing smiles and laughter as everyone spots their favorite dinosaur shapes.

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

Calories 85 Total Fat 2 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 3 g per serving

Fresh Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités: imagine crunchy carrot bones, broccoli vertebrae, and vibrant bell pepper shapes. Save
Fresh Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Crudités: imagine crunchy carrot bones, broccoli vertebrae, and vibrant bell pepper shapes. | cheerfulchefs.com

This dinosaur fossil crudités platter is both nutritious and entertaining, sure to be a hit at any party.

Recipe FAQs

How do I create the dinosaur fossil shapes?

Use thinly sliced cucumber rounds and carrot sticks for bone shapes, and small knife cuts on peppers to form footprints or bones. Arranging broccoli and cauliflower florets as vertebrae adds detail.

Can the dip be substituted?

Yes, swap hummus or ranch dressing with guacamole, Greek yogurt dip, or any preferred creamy accompaniment.

Are the vegetables used gluten-free and vegetarian?

All vegetables featured are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, suitable for those diets.

What tools do I need to prepare this platter?

A sharp knife, vegetable peeler, cutting board, and serving platter are essential. Small bowls help with dips.

How long can the platter be stored before serving?

Cover and refrigerate the platter if not serving immediately; best enjoyed within a few hours to maintain freshness.

Dino-Mite Dinosaur Fossil Platter

A vibrant vegetable arrangement inspired by dinosaur fossils, perfect for themed gatherings and kids’ parties.

Prep Time
25 minutes
0
Overall Time
25 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Salads

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.

Step 02

Cut Carrots: Peel the carrots and slice them into thin sticks.

Step 03

Slice Cucumber: Cut the cucumber into rounds and halve some pieces to mimic fossil bones.

Step 04

Slice Bell Peppers: Cut bell peppers into strips and optionally carve small shapes resembling dinosaur bones or footprints using a knife.

Step 05

Arrange Florets: Place cauliflower and broccoli florets on a large serving platter to create fossilized bones and vertebrae patterns.

Step 06

Shape Limbs and Ribs: Position sugar snap peas and carrot sticks strategically to represent ribs and limbs.

Step 07

Add Dinosaur Eggs: Distribute cherry tomatoes around the display as dinosaur eggs.

Step 08

Present Dip: Pour dip into a small bowl placed centrally or creatively spread it to form a dinosaur skull or footprint shape.

Step 09

Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate covered until ready to serve.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains sesame if hummus is used.
  • Contains dairy if ranch dressing is used.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 85
  • Fats: 2 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams