Looking for a festive, fuss-free snack that even picky eaters will love? This Jack-o-Lantern Veggie Tray is spooky-cute, totally customizable, and ready in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or bringing a dish to share, this colorful tray adds a healthy, playful twist to any party spread
Table of Contents
A Not-So-Spooky Way to Eat Your Veggies
Halloween may be known for candy overload, but you can sneak in some goodness without killing the vibe. This jack-o-lantern shaped veggie platter is all about fun shapes, bold colors, and crunchy freshness. It’s got that wow-factor when it hits the table, but it’s so easy you can throw it together while your little goblins are still putting on their costumes. Bonus: it’s allergy-friendly and kid-approved. Want to complete your snack table? Pair it with this spooky-good Halloween Garlic Bread for an irresistible bite of everything

What You’ll Need
Fresh Veggies for the Pumpkin Face
Baby carrots
Mini bell peppers (orange, yellow, red)
Cucumbers
Broccoli florets
Celery stalks (for the pumpkin stem)
Optional Swaps & Add-Ons
Black olives
Radish slices
Cherry tomatoes
Purple cauliflower (for a pop of creepy color)
Dips (DIY or Store-bought)
Greek yogurt herb dip
Classic hummus
Ranch or tzatziki
Serve it alongside this smooth and savory Creamy Pumpkin Hummus for a vibrant appetizer duo

How to Assemble Your Jack-o-Lantern Veggie Tray
Shape the Pumpkin Base
Start with a large round tray or cutting board
Layer baby carrots in a full circular shape to form your pumpkin
Keep the edges smooth and pile the carrots to make them pop
Add a Playful Veggie Face
Cut mini cucumbers into rounds and shape a big, cheeky smile
Scoop dips into two small round bowls and place them as eyes
Use a bright bell pepper triangle for the nose
Black olives make perfect eyebrows or spooky accents
Final Touches & Presentation Tips
Stick a celery stalk or two at the top for the “stem”
Add broccoli around the edges for a leafy frame
Serve fresh, and keep it chilled if prepping in advance

Fun Ways to Customize Your Tray
Let your imagination go wild
Use a skeleton platter or pumpkin-shaped tray
Make silly or scary faces depending on the mood
Want it extra gory? Add cherry tomatoes for “eyeballs” or carve mini radishes for fangs
Let the kids build their own mini jack-o-lantern faces from the veggie spread fun, interactive, and keeps them snacking
Serving Tips & Make-Ahead Advice
You can slice and prep all your veggies a day ahead
Keep them crisp by storing in airtight containers with a damp paper towel
Assemble the tray just before guests arrive to keep it looking its best
Leftovers? Wrap them up and toss into tomorrow’s lunch boxes or pasta salad
Why This Jack-o-Lantern Tray is a Hit
It’s colorful, crunchy, and makes veggies the star of the table
Kids actually want to eat it (and help make it)
No need to stress about gluten, dairy, or meat just pure plant-powered fun
Perfect for potlucks, school parties, or any October gathering
FAQ
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, just slice everything the day before and assemble right before serving for best freshness
Is it kid-safe?
Absolutely just avoid super hard or small choking-hazard veggies for toddlers
What if I need a dairy-free dip?
No problem. Opt for hummus, guacamole, or a simple olive tapenade
Ready to build your own Jack-o-Lantern Veggie Tray? Snap a pic and tag us we’d love to see your spooky masterpiece
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Jack-o-Lantern Veggie Tray
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 veggie tray
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for a festive, fuss-free snack that even picky eaters will love? This Jack-o-Lantern Veggie Tray is spooky-cute, totally customizable, and ready in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or bringing a dish to share, this colorful tray adds a healthy, playful twist to any party spread.
Ingredients
- Baby carrots
- Mini bell peppers (orange, yellow, red)
- Cucumbers
- Broccoli florets
- Celery stalks (for the pumpkin stem)
- Optional: Black olives
- Optional: Radish slices
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes
- Optional: Purple cauliflower
- Dips: Greek yogurt herb dip, Classic hummus, Ranch or tzatziki
Instructions
- Start with a large round tray or cutting board.
- Layer baby carrots in a full circular shape to form your pumpkin.
- Cut mini cucumbers into rounds and shape a big, cheeky smile.
- Scoop dips into two small round bowls and place them as eyes.
- Use a bright bell pepper triangle for the nose.
- Add black olives for eyebrows or spooky accents.
- Stick a celery stalk or two at the top for the “stem.”
- Frame with broccoli florets around the edges.
- Serve fresh and chilled if prepping ahead.
Notes
Let the kids build their own mini jack-o-lantern faces for a fun, interactive experience. Prep all veggies a day ahead and store them in airtight containers with a damp paper towel for max freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tray
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg