How to Make a Vegetable Tray

Vegetable trays are very popular at family parties, graduation parties, anniversary parties, baby showers, weddings, tailgates and basically any big party.  Here are tips on how to make a vegetable platter that is simple with a couple vegetables and dip or with a variety of vegetables cut in a fancy manner with multiple types of dip.

{Referral links are used in this post}

Easy Vegetable Tray Ideas

I love when vegetable trays are available because I can get my kids to eat plain vegetables that they may not want to eat in other cooked dishes.  Vegetable trays are also great to offer as a snack while people are just arriving.  That way we can all get some fiber and healthy food eaten before filling up on other items.

Tips for Making Vegetable Trays

Here are some tips that we used to make these vegetable trays for a 50th-anniversary party:

-Thoroughly wash all vegetables

-Wash original containers when applicable and return clean vegetables back to their package to save baggies.

-A divided container with a lid like this makes storing and transporting vegetables much easier

-The type of tray or platter doesn’t really matter if you plan to garnish with lettuce

-For an upscale tray place a layer of bibb lettuce on the tray before adding vegetables

-Vegetable dip can be mixed up or purchased.  Ranch dressing can be used for a simple vegetable dip.

-Radishes can be cut in half in a zigzag pattern to make cute edible garnishes for the tray

-The bottom of bell peppers can be cut off to look like a flower, another easy edible garnish

-If space is tight on the food tables, simply use a smaller serving tray and refill more often

-If a large crowd is expected layer vegetable trays by height to add eye appeal

-Display height can be added by putting empty cardboard boxes underneath the tablecloth

Be sure to keep food safety in mind.  If dips need refrigerated, don’t leave them out for more than two hours without ice.

We served the cherry tomatoes in a bowl so we didn’t have to worry about them rolling around.  It really simplified the vegetable table!

Here are a couple other great side dishes that our family likes to make for big parties:  Potluck Pasta Salad and Farmhouse Potato Salad.  We hope you enjoy these ideas and recipes as much as we do!

Printable Vegetable Tray Recipe