Unique Veggie Tray Ideas For Your Next Get-Together

Veggie trays, also known as crudité platters, are typically served as a starter or appetizer at parties and gatherings. The origins of veggie trays can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where raw vegetables were commonly consumed as a way to supplement the diet with essential vitamins and minerals.

Veggie tray ideas that’ll make your next party a success

Serving veggie trays as an appetizer became popular in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. In recent years, the trend of veggie trays has continued to evolve, with more unique and creative options. From simple veggie tray ideas to unique ones, here are 20 creative ideas to try for your next veggie tray.

1. Classic veggies 

A classic veggie tray is a staple for any party or gathering. Fill a large platter with a variety of raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Serve with ranch dressing or French onion dip on the side.

2. Mediterranean veggies 

Create a Mediterranean-inspired veggie tray by using vegetables that are common in Mediterranean cuisine. Include grape tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts. Serve with a tzatziki dip.

3. Antipasto veggies

An antipasto veggie tray is perfect for a formal event. Include marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and a variety of olives. Add a touch of dynamic flavors by accompanying the veggies with a pesto or balsamic vinaigrette.

4. Mexican-inspired veggies 

Bring a little bit of Mexico to this unique homemade veggie tray idea. Include cooked jicama, cucumber, and radishes on a platter. Top with cilantro and serve with a spicy salsa or guacamole. 

5. Asian-inspired veggies

This veggie tray includes vegetables found in Asian cuisine. Cook sugar snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, and edamame in a pan or wok. Serve warm with a spicy peanut or sesame ginger sauce.

6. Grilled veggies 

Create a grilled veggie tray by grilling vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. Serve with a balsamic vinaigrette or basil pesto dip.

7. Stuffed veggies

Find veggies that you can hollow easily, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Stuff with a variety of fillings. such as quinoa, rice, and meat mixtures and serve on a platter.

8. Marinated veggies

Marinate any of your favorite vegetables overnight in balsamic vinaigrette, lemon juice, or teriyaki sauce. After the vegetables are tender, place them into individual bowls on a tray and have your guest serve themselves using toothpicks.

9. Roasted veggies

Place veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant onto a cooking sheet in a heated oven. Cook until your desired texture is achieved and serve on a heated plate. Add another layer of flavor by drizzling balsamic vinaigrette or basil pesto over top the veggies.

10. Skewered Veggies 

Put a metal or wooden skewer through some bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. Each party-goer can then have their own skewer. Serve with a variety of dips such as ranch, hummus, and tzatziki.

11. Spicy veggies

Spice up your life with this zesty tray idea. Choose vegetables that have a bit of a kick. Include jalapeño peppers, radishes, and serrano peppers. Serve with a side of tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole.

12. Pickled veggies 

Add your favorite pickles, cornichons, and other veggies and place them onto a tray. If you’re feeling even more creative, make a quick pickle creation by mixing vinegar, salt, sugar, and water solution. Add vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots, and let sit in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Once ready, serve with ranch, hummus, and tzatziki.

13. Fried veggies

It doesn’t need to be Friday when you try this unique veggie tray idea. Start by frying vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant in a small amount of olive oil. Serve with anything from ranch to balsamic vinaigrette to pesto.

14. Rainbow-colored veggies

Taste all the colors of the rainbow with this tray idea. Include a variety of different colored vegetables. Some options include purple cauliflower, yellow squash, red bell peppers, and green broccoli. Serve with a yogurt-based dip.

15. Nacho veggies

You won’t miss the tortilla chips when you try this nacho-inspired veggie tray. Thinly slice jicama, bell peppers, and cucumbers and place on a cooking sheet. Heat in the oven at 400°F until desired texture is achieved. Top with salsa, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

16. Charred veggies

Add a smoky flavor to your veggie tray by charring vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, and zucchini. Serve with a creamy dip such as ranch or tzatziki.

17. Veggie wrap tray

Start by taking both cooked and raw vegetables into placing them into tortilla wraps. A few suggestions would be bell peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce. Add hummus or tzatziki to the wraps.

18. Caprese veggies 

Take a trip to Italy and either spread cherry tomatoes and mozzarella on a tray or skewer them. Tear basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

19. Crispy veggies

A little texture can help turn a boring veggie tray into a fun one. Cut some fall vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, beets, and zucchini into “chip” size slices. Air fry or roast in a pan until the veggies are crispy. For a cool contrast of flavors, serve with a ranch or french onion dip.

20. Fruit and veggies

Sometimes you need to have a yin to the yang, and fruit and vegetables always are a great go-to treat. Include a variety of fruits such as grapes, strawberries, and pineapple alongside your carrots, celery, and peppers. Serve with a variety of dips, such as a creamy yogurt dip.

Add variety and creativity to your next veggie tray

These unique veggie tray ideas will add a touch of creativity and surprise to your party or gathering. They are sure to impress your guests and offer them a variety of flavors and textures to enjoy. Let Instacart take the hassle out of finding these vegetables, fruits, and dips, and have our expert shoppers do the work and bring home the perfect combination for your next party.

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