How to Make a Vegetable Tray
A vegetable tray can also be called a vegetable platter or a veggie plate.
A veggie platter is definitely a healthy treat for your family, friends and guests.
Any holiday or occasion would benefit from the addition of a healthy vegetable tray. Chances are good that your guests will eat the entire vegetable tray so its always smart to make an extra veggie tray.
Items that you'll need :
* Chopped pieces of fresh vegetables
* Dipping Sauces
* Large serving plate
* Small serving bowls for dips and sauces
* Knife (to cut vegetables)
Step 1
Prepare your vegetables by washing them thoroughly under warm water while scrubbing them with your hands.
Any signs of dirt should be rinsed and scrubbed away. Soak unusually dirty vegetables in warm water for 5 minutes to loosen any remaining dirt, if necessary. Then thoroughly rinse the vegetables again using warm water.
Vegetables will be served raw on a serving plate so they need to be extremely clean. Which can be accomplished after a long rinsing and scrubbing process. This cleaning process is essential due to the high amounts of chemicals that are used to grow store bought veggies.
Cut the vegetables into bite sized pieces that will be easy for people to eat and handle. Leave little handles when cutting broccoli and cauliflower. Celery and carrots should be cut into 2 and 1/2 inch long pieces. This will allow guests to grip the veggies and dip them into a sauce.
Set vegetables aside for later use.
Step 2
Vegetables that you might consider using for a vegetable tray include :
* Broccoli pieces
* Cauliflower pieces
* Carrot pieces
* Celery Pieces
* Whole grape tomatoes
* Snow Peas (Edible Pods)
* Green bell pepper pieces
* Raw whole green beans
* Radishes
* Black Olives, etc.
Think of your vegetable tray as a salad bar without any lettuce.
Step 3
Prepare your vegetable dips and sauces.
Regular ranch salad dressing or any vegetable dip will do.
Step 4
Place your vegetable dipping sauce into the individual serving bowls.
Step 5
Place the serving bowls of vegetable ranch dressing dip in the middle of the serving plate.
Step 6
Artistically arrange your vegetables onto the serving plate. Each type of vegetable should be color coded and separated into a design.
Try arranging the veggies in a color wheel pattern. Placing the different colors and types of veggies in the shape of a slice of pie.
Regardless of which way you arrange your vegetables, a vegetable platter will be a huge hit at any party or get together.
Garnish if desired.
Step 7
Serve immediately or store each ingredient in a separate airtight container, inside of a refrigerator for up to one week.
Serving suggestions :
* Serve as an Hors d'œuvre at a special event or party.
* Serve at any holiday event or party.
* Serve to your family on a hot summer day.
* Serve to encourage your loved ones to eat healthier.
* Serve at a picnic.
* Place ingredients in sandwich bags and plastic containers and take anywhere such as when your family is vacationing, camping, taking a road trip or going on any a long car ride. Always bring towels to clean up any dipping sauce that may spill.