How to Make the Best Vegetable Platter with Fresh Veggies

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Invited to a party or hosting a get-together? A vegetable platter is an easy addition to any gathering. You can throw together a vegetable tray made with your favorite raw vegetables in no time. All it takes is a quick trip to the grocery store and a few minutes of your time. 

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What do you call a Vegetable Platter?

A veggie platter is like a charcuterie board full of your favorite vegetables and homemade dips, but it’s officially referred to as a crudite. Crudite is a French term and it sounds so fancy for something so simple. In actuality, a vegetable crudite platter can be dressed up and made into beautiful boards of cut vegetables. This stunning fresh vegetable platter takes the concept of a classic veggie tray to new heights, presenting an assortment of vibrant and flavorful vegetables in an artful arrangement that will impress your guests at your next gathering. 

This homemade veggie tray includes crisp and colorful vegetables, carefully selected and prepared to provide a medley of textures and tastes. You can use all types of fresh veggies in your vegetable platter, but the key is to also make it visually appealing. 

How to Make a Vegetable Platter

Start by picking a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables. Choose a variety of colorful options, such as crunchy celery stalks, fennel root, tangy radishes, refreshing cucumber slices, or English cucumbers, sweet strips of red peppers, carrot sticks or baby carrots, and cherry or grape tomatoes.  

Feel free to get creative and add any fresh vegetables that may not be listed but would always work on your veggie tray. Such as but not limited to snap peas, green beans, or even fresh fruit. A good vegetable platter doesn’t have to be limited to any specific veggies.

Ingredients for Vegetables

• 1/2 fennel root
• 1 carrot
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 cucumber
• 4-5 radishes
• 1 avocado
• 4-5 cherry tomatoes
• 2 small bell peppers 
• 1/3 cup mixed olives and olive oil (garnish) 

Ingredients for Dips

• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. grain mustard
• Greens, coarse salt

How to Prepare a Veggie Platter

Slice the bell peppers to remove the seeds and cut them into strips. 

Cut the celery stalks into thin strips. 

Remove the skin and pit from the avocado and slice. Drizzle the avocado slices with a bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to prevent browning. 

Slice the fennel root long ways (as pictured above).

Cut the cucumber into slices and half slices.

Peel the carrots and cut them with a shaped knife. If you are using baby carrots then they are already ready to go. 

Next, prepare some tempting dipping sauces to complement the vegetables. Think healthy, plain yogurt sauces, rich and tangy hummus varieties, or homemade mayonnaise. These rich sauces will add an extra layer of flavor and indulgence to an already delightful vegetable plate. Combine minced garlic with sour cream, or mayonnaise with the mustard. Of course, if you are short on time you can always grab some pre-made ranch dip or veggie dip from the store.

You can also find an abundance of homemade healthy veggie dip recipes online. I think I’m going to try this one next: Healthy Veggie Dip!

How to Arrange a Vegetable Platter 

Now let’s put together a vegetable plate. Take a large, stylish platter or rustic wooden board and arrange the different veggies with an artistic eye, or similar to how you would arrange a cheese board. Consider colors, shapes, and sizes to make it look like something special. 

Group vegetables together, creating small groups or lines, and leave plenty of room for dipping sauces. layout large vegetables first, then supplement with smaller ingredients.

Garnish the platter with green and black olives, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Don’t forget to sprinkle a dash of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper for that final burst of flavor.

Voila! Your Vegetable Crudité Platter is ready to be savored. Serve it as an appetizer or a delightful centerpiece at your next party, and watch as your guests indulge in the vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness.

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