Vegetable Tray

The Vegetable Tray is king of quick, easy, and appreciated pick-ups to take to a party or potluck. Since no actual cooking is involved, it is a perfect choice for beginners. While it does cost a few dollars, it is also a relatively frugal option. I find this to be an unusual and much appreciated dish at events I take it to. It is uncommon as I have not seen others bring it often. I have rarely brought
home more than an empty dish.

This also provides an option for vegetarians and vegans who often have to skip most vegetable dishes because of animal based sauces and dressings. If you know vegetarians or vegans will be at the party, use a vegan dip/dressing and clearly mark it as such so that everyone can partake. These should be readily labeled at your store.

This is not a recipe, per se, but more a list of suggestions and guidelines.

First, select the dish or tray you want to use. It is fun and easy to use a tray which is already partitioned into sections and with a place for dip already in the center. If you do not have one, there is no need to go out and buy one. Search your kitchen for a large plate or platter or a large shallow bowl. Put a small bowl in the center for dip then fill the outside with vegetables and you are good to go.

You want to select vegetables which are different from each other in color texture and taste. Also, try to keep in mind what your guests like. For example, when I take vegetable trays to church potlucks, the radishes always come home almost uneaten, so I no longer take radishes.

Some vegetables to consider:

Tomatoes – these are often popular, but be sure to use the small grape variety – cutting up larger ones will cause the juice to run all over.

Celery – popular and cheap. Soak in cold water for a couple hours to ensure that they are nice and crisp and to keep them from curling up.  You can leave the tops out of the water if you are only going to soak for 1/2 an hour, but otherwise cover it all with water to keep the ends from drying out.

Carrots – ubiquitous on vegetable trays. Baby Carrots are ready to go and look pretty on the tray.

Peppers – be sure not to use extremely hot ones. Also, these cannot be put on the tray ahead of time because the taste will spread to the other vegetables. Mixing various colors is pretty.

Radishes – Like Peppers, do not put on the tray ahead of time.

Broccoli – usually fairly cheap and well-received.

Pickles – you can always fill a space with well-drained pickles.

Whatever else you can think of! Anything you like can go here or whatever you have on hand if you are in a hurry or do not want to go to the store – you could even use cubed cheese or meat or slices of hard boiled eggs.

Dip – Ranch is traditional, but use whatever you like. You can always use salad dressing as dip.

You will notice I have two trays in this photo. These are the trays I made for our church Christmas Party. I doubled because many people were expecting out of town visitors and we like our visitors to feel like guests and not feel obligated to bring food.