Every year when Halloween comes around, I like to challenge myself with something more than just candy bowls. Last year, I decided to make a Halloween fruit and veggie platter that was both fun and healthy—and honestly, it was the biggest hit of the night.

Watching the kids reach for “strawberry monsters” and the adults laughing at the “kiwi zombies” was priceless. What I loved most was how easy it was to put together, even though it looked like something straight out of a Pinterest board.

This platter has become my go-to for parties because it brings that spooky, festive vibe without being heavy or overly sugary. It’s colorful, creative, and a conversation starter that makes everyone smile before they even take a bite.

Trust me—if you make this platter, you’ll be asked to bring it every Halloween from now on!

🎃 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun for All Ages
Kids love the silly faces, while adults appreciate the creative detail. It’s a platter that gets everyone talking and reaching for snacks.
Healthier Halloween Option
Instead of a sugar overload, you’re serving fresh fruit and veggies disguised as spooky characters—perfect balance of festive and nutritious.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact
You don’t need anything fancy—just everyday fruits, veggies, pretzels, and a pack of candy eyes can transform into something magical.
Customizable & Creative
Don’t have strawberries? Use apples. Not a fan of kiwi? Swap with cucumbers. This recipe is flexible and allows for fun personalization.
Make Ahead Friendly
You can prep most items the night before, saving time on the day of the party while still delivering a show-stopping platter.

🛒 Ingredients

Mini sweet peppers (red, orange, yellow) – for ghost peppers
Strawberries – for monsters
Kiwi fruits – for mummies/zombies
Tangerines or clementines (peeled) – for pumpkins
Carrots – for ghost slices
Cantaloupe or papaya – for gravestones
Green grapes – for eyeballs
Pretzel sticks – for broom handles
String cheese sticks – for broom bristles
Candy eyeballs – store-bought or homemade
Dark chocolate (melted) – for RIP lettering, faces, and details

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Ghost Peppers

Slice mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise.
Attach candy eyes with melted chocolate or peanut butter.

2. Strawberry Monsters

Cut a small mouth opening into strawberries.
Fill with melted dark chocolate or cream cheese.
Add almond slivers or white chocolate “teeth.”
Stick on candy eyes.

3. Kiwi Mummies

Peel kiwis halfway, leaving some fuzzy skin as “hair.”
Stick on candy eyes.
Draw stitches or mouths with melted chocolate.

4. Gravestones

Slice cantaloupe or papaya into flat ovals.
Write “RIP” with melted chocolate using a toothpick or piping bag.

5. Carrot Ghosts

Slice carrots thinly into ghost shapes.
Use a knife or straw to cut small eyes and mouths.

6. Tangerine Pumpkins

Peel whole tangerines.
Insert a tiny celery stick on top for a stem (optional).

7. Grape Eyeballs

Dip grapes halfway in melted chocolate.
Press on a candy eyeball before it sets.

8. Cheese Broomsticks

Cut string cheese into 2–3 pieces.
Slice ends into fringe for bristles.
Insert pretzel stick as broom handle.

🎨 Assembly

Place tangerines at the top as pumpkins.
Arrange strawberries and peppers on one side.
Place cantaloupe gravestones and carrot ghosts in the center.
Add kiwi mummies and grape eyeballs to the other side.
Fill the bottom with pretzel cheese broomsticks.
Scatter a few extra candy eyeballs around for spooky effect.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading with chocolate: Keep chocolate accents minimal so the platter stays fresh and light.
Making it too early: Fruits like strawberries and kiwis can get soggy if cut too far in advance. Prep no more than a day ahead.
Skipping contrast: Use a mix of colors (orange, green, red) so the platter looks festive, not dull.
Forgetting edible glue: Candy eyes need something sticky (like chocolate, peanut butter, or cream cheese) to stay in place.

⭐ Expert Tips

Use cookie cutters: They make perfect ghost shapes from carrots or melons.
Dry fruit before decorating: Helps chocolate and eyes stick better.
Mix textures: Combine crunchy carrots, juicy strawberries, and creamy cheese for variety.
Serve chilled: A cold platter keeps fruits crisp and refreshing.
Add a dip: Yogurt, chocolate sauce, or hummus can make the platter even more fun.

❓ FAQs

1. Can I make this platter the night before?
Yes, but keep strawberries and kiwis for the last minute since they release juice quickly. Store everything covered in the fridge.

2. What can I use instead of candy eyeballs?
Make your own with white chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips, or use small dots of cream cheese and raisins.

3. How long does this platter last?
Best enjoyed within 24 hours, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

4. Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely. Skip almond slivers and use small marshmallows or white chocolate for teeth.

5. How do I transport it to a party?
Assemble on a sturdy tray, cover with plastic wrap, and keep chilled. Add eyes or delicate details right before serving.

6. Can I make a savory version?
Yes! Swap fruit with cheese cubes, olives, and veggie sticks while keeping the Halloween theme with eyes and shapes.