The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn born and raised on the beautiful island of Crete, where food has always been more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring people together. I still remember my grandmother arranging fresh vegetables from our garden on big platters whenever guests visited. She used to say, “When the colors are bright, people smile before they even take a bite.”
So, when Halloween comes around, I can’t resist bringing that same colorful joy to the table with a spooky twist! That’s how this Skeleton Veggie Platter came to life. It’s a fun, creative, and healthy way to celebrate Halloween without all the sugar overload. Picture a skeleton made entirely of crisp veggies bell pepper ribs, cauliflower bones, and celery arms all gathered around a bubbling hummus dip cauldron.
Whether you’re hosting a kids’ party, a fall potluck, or just love playful food presentations, this recipe is for you. The best part? You don’t need to be an artist to make it. Just a few fresh vegetables, a little creativity, and you’ll have the ultimate spooky showstopper that’s as healthy as it is hauntingly beautiful.
In this recipe, I’ll show you how to assemble your Skeleton Veggie Platter step by step, how to serve it for maximum “wow” factor, and how to make your hummus dip taste like pure magic.
Ingredients
For the Skeleton Body:
- 1 large head of cauliflower (bones and skull)
- 1 red bell pepper (ribs)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (ribs)
- 2 long celery stalks (arms)
- 1 cucumber (spine and legs)
- 10 baby carrots (fingers and toes)
- 6 cherry tomatoes (joints)
- 1 handful of black olives (eyes)
- 1 bunch of broccoli florets (shoulders and hair)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (decorations around the skeleton)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Hummus “Cauldron” Dip:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1–2 tbsp water (as needed for texture)
- Paprika or chili flakes for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry all your vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers lengthwise for the spine and legs, cut the celery into long pieces for arms, and slice bell peppers into rib-like strips. Halve cherry tomatoes for joints and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets for bones.
Tip: Keep the shapes fun and imperfect skeletons aren’t supposed to look perfect anyway!
Step 2: Make the Hummus Cauldron
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cumin. Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon of water if it’s too thick. Spoon into a small black bowl or mini cauldron for a Halloween touch. Sprinkle paprika or chili flakes on top for that “bubbling potion” look.
Step 3: Assemble the Skeleton
Start with the head use a large cauliflower floret and add black olive slices for eyes.
Lay cucumber strips down the center of your platter as the spine. Arrange bell pepper strips across to form ribs. Celery sticks become arms, and cucumber halves or carrots make the legs. Use cherry tomatoes or olives to form joints, and baby carrots for fingers and toes.
Finally, surround the skeleton with colorful broccoli “hair” and grape tomatoes for decoration. Place your hummus “cauldron” near one hand, as if the skeleton is about to dip in!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Chill the platter for 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps the veggies stay crisp and vibrant. Serve with extra hummus or your favorite dips like ranch, tzatziki, or spicy feta.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser the kids will giggle, and adults will appreciate the healthy balance amid all the candy.
Serving Suggestions
This Skeleton Veggie Platter looks incredible on a large wooden board or black serving tray for that eerie effect.
For an extra touch:
- Add small LED lights under the platter for a spooky glow.
- Use mini pumpkins or plastic spiders as table decorations.
- Pair with themed appetizers like “Mummified Brie” or “Bat-Wing Drumettes” for a full Halloween spread.
You can even make smaller versions in individual plates if you’re serving a group of kids a fun way to make healthy eating magical!
Conclusion
Halloween doesn’t have to be all sweets and sugar. This Skeleton Veggie Platter is proof that healthy can be spooky, too! It’s creative, fun, and full of fresh flavors that bring everyone together around the table just like my grandmother’s colorful platters back in Crete.
Every time I make this dish, it reminds me that cooking is more than food it’s art, laughter, and love shared with the people who matter most.
So go ahead, get those veggies, shape your skeleton, and bring some deliciously spooky fun to your next Halloween celebration. 🎃
100-Word Story Version (for recipe card or excerpt)
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! This Skeleton Veggie Platter is one of my favorite spooky Halloween appetizers a healthy, colorful way to celebrate the season. I learned from my grandmother that food should make people smile before they even take a bite. This platter does exactly that! Shaped like a skeleton with crisp veggies and a creamy hummus “cauldron,” it’s easy, festive, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun snack board, this recipe turns simple vegetables into something unforgettable. Cooking should always be this fun!