Not all veggie trays are made equal.
Get our ideas for the best trays ever.
Learn how to make a great veggie tray.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Are crudites the same thing as a veggie tray?
Cruditesare fresh vegetables displayed in an array, often with dips to accompany.
Does that sound an awful lot like a veggie tray?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
That’s because it is.
These two are essentially the same thing: fresh vegetables served with a dipping sauce or simple dressing.
Ingredients for a Veggie Tray
Nothing about a veggie tray is fixed.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
you could mix and match the veggies.
it’s possible for you to switch out the dips.
That’s the classic definition of a vegetable tray.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
But consider flavors and textures that will complement the rest of the food, as well as the vegetables.
Keep the dips separate.
“Wet” vegetables like sliced cucumbers should be stored separately.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
you’re able to also make the tray in advance to save yourself some time.
Store up to 24 hours.
Remove from the fridge just before serving, and put the dips in place.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These are excellent:
Ingredients
12oz.broccoli florets
12oz.cauliflower florets
Buttermilk Ranch
Basic Pimiento Cheese
1(1-lb.
)baby carrots
1 (10-oz.)pkg.
assortedcherry tomatoes
8oz.sweetmini bell peppers
8oz.radishes, halved
8oz.snap peas
6celery stalks, cut into 3-in.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
pieces
1largeEnglish cucumber, sliced 1/4-in.
thick
Directions
Blanch broccoli and cauliflower:
Bring a large pot of water to boil.
Meanwhile, fill a large bowl halfway with ice; add water to cover.
Set ice bath aside.
Blanch broccoli and cauliflower for 2 minutes in boiling water.
Remove and plunge immediately into ice bath.
Strain and dry in a salad spinner or with paper towels.
Add dips to bowls:
Place ranch and pimiento cheese in small bowls.
Arrange dips on board:
Arrange dips on either end of a large serving platter.
