Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This festive dish features colorful vegetable sticks including carrot, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip, marinated with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and rosemary. Arranged to mimic sleigh rails, the veggies roast to tender, caramelized perfection. Garnished with crumbled feta and fresh parsley, it offers a vibrant, flavorful addition to holiday spreads. Suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free diets, it pairs well with yogurt-herb dips or hummus, making festive entertaining simple and delicious.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:53:00 GMT
Roasted Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: colorful, tender vegetables arranged as festive holiday appetizer. Pin
Roasted Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: colorful, tender vegetables arranged as festive holiday appetizer. | potfuljoy.com

A festive, fun appetizer featuring colorful roasted vegetables arranged to resemble sleigh rails&mdashperfect for holiday gatherings.

I always enjoy making these veggie rails because they brighten up our holiday table and are a healthy, tasty starter.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 4-inch sticks, 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips, 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips, 1 small zucchini, cut into 4-inch sticks, 1 small parsnip, peeled and cut into 4-inch sticks
  • Marinade: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
Step 3:
Add the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and parsnip sticks to the bowl. Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
Step 4:
Arrange the vegetable sticks on the prepared baking sheet in parallel pairs to resemble sleigh rails, alternating colors for a festive look.
Step 5:
Roast in the oven for 20&ndash25 minutes, turning once halfway, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 6:
Transfer the roasted veggie rails to a serving platter. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Golden Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: A delicious vegetarian appetizer with glistening roasted vegetable "rails." Pin
Golden Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: A delicious vegetarian appetizer with glistening roasted vegetable "rails." | potfuljoy.com

Our family loves gathering around these festive veggie rails while sharing stories during the holidays.

Required Tools

Chefs knife, Cutting board, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Mixing bowl, Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (feta cheese). Omit or substitute for a dairy-free alternative if necessary.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 115, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 2 g per serving

Warm Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: Sizzling parsnips, carrots, and peppers create a unique holiday appetizer Pin
Warm Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails: Sizzling parsnips, carrots, and peppers create a unique holiday appetizer | potfuljoy.com

Enjoy this vibrant and healthy appetizer to kick off your festive feast with flavor and flair.

Recipe Q&A

What vegetables are used for the sleigh rails?

Carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip sticks create colorful rails.

How is the marinade prepared?

A blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper coats the vegetable sticks.

Can I make a vegan version of this dish?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute a plant-based alternative.

What is the roasting temperature and time?

Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once midway for even caramelization.

What are good beverage pairings?

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complement the vibrant flavors well.

How should I serve the veggie rails?

Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with feta and fresh parsley.

Christmas Sleigh Veggie Rails

Vibrant roasted vegetables arranged in festive rails, perfect for holiday entertaining and easy to prepare.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
45 min

Category Vegetarian Picks

Difficulty Easy

Origin International

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Vegetables

01 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 4-inch sticks
02 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
03 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
04 1 small zucchini, cut into 4-inch sticks
05 1 small parsnip, peeled and cut into 4-inch sticks

Marinade

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
03 ½ tsp dried thyme
04 ½ tsp dried rosemary
05 ½ tsp sea salt
06 ¼ tsp black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional)
02 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 03

Coat Vegetables: Add the carrot, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnip sticks to the bowl and toss well to evenly coat with the marinade.

Step 04

Arrange Vegetables: Place the vegetable sticks on the prepared baking sheet in parallel pairs, alternating colors to recreate the appearance of sleigh rails.

Step 05

Roast Vegetables: Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 06

Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Required equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains dairy due to feta cheese; omit or replace for dairy-free consumption.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 115
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 12 g
  • Protein: 2 g