Vegetable Ball
A delightful vegetable ball appetizer featuring crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and crunchy nuts, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it pairs well with crackers and can be prepared ahead for easy serving. A versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed pineapple, grated onion, chopped bell pepper, softened cream cheese, seasoned salt, shredded carrots, and chopped nuts.
- Chill the mixture until firm enough to form into a ball.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the vegetable ball in chopped nuts to coat.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream cheese instead of softened cream cheese. If you're looking to add some spice, a dash of cayenne or paprika can elevate the flavor. You can also substitute chopped walnuts for the nuts if you prefer a milder taste. Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable ball pairs beautifully with crackers, making it an excellent appetizer for gatherings. For a more substantial offering, serve it alongside a fresh veggie platter or some toasted bread. Complement it with a light dip, such as ranch or a yogurt-based dip, for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The vegetable ball can be kept chilled and served directly from the fridge. If you want to serve it warm, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Ball contains roughly 722 calories, with 12g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1914mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the vegetable ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable ball a day in advance. After mixing the ingredients, form the ball and chill it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when served.
What types of nuts work best for this recipe?
Chopped pecans or almonds are great options for this vegetable ball. They add a nice crunch and flavor. However, feel free to use any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as hazelnuts or cashews, for a unique twist.
Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other finely chopped vegetables like celery, zucchini, or even spinach. Just make sure to keep the total volume similar to maintain the right consistency for forming the ball.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).