Quick Answer: A great veggie tray needs crunchy vegetables in at least five colors, one or two dips in the middle, and a few extras like olives or pickles. Plan on about 3 to 4 ounces of vegetables per person when it's one of several appetizers, or 5 to 6 ounces if it's the main snack. Cut everything the day before and assemble it within an hour of serving.
What to put on a veggie tray
Pick six to eight vegetables across these groups so the tray looks full and tastes varied.
| Job on the tray | Best picks | Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet and crunchy | Carrots, bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), snap peas | Sticks, strips, whole peas |
| Cool and fresh | Cucumbers, celery | Spears or thick coins; celery in 4-inch sticks |
| Peppery | Radishes | Halved, or whole with a bit of stem |
| Juicy | Cherry or grape tomatoes | Whole |
| Hearty | Broccoli and cauliflower | Bite-size florets |
| Extras | Olives, cornichons, marinated artichokes, hummus | In small bowls |
Baby carrots and pre-cut florets save time. Whole carrots cut into sticks taste sweeter and look better, so use them if you have 10 extra minutes.
The dips
Two dips cover most crowds: one creamy, one lighter.
- Creamy: ranch, French onion or spinach dip. See our rankings of the best ranch dip, best French onion dip and best spinach dip.
- Lighter: hummus or tzatziki. See the best store-bought hummus.
Plan on about 2 tablespoons of dip per person, and put the dips in the center or one corner so every vegetable is within reach.
How much to buy
| Guests | Vegetables (side appetizer) | Vegetables (main snack) | Dip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1½ to 2 lb | 2½ to 3 lb | about 1 cup |
| 12 | 2¼ to 3 lb | 3¾ to 4½ lb | about 1½ cups |
| 20 | 3¾ to 5 lb | 6¼ to 7½ lb | about 2½ cups |
| 30 | 5½ to 7½ lb | 9½ to 11¼ lb | about 3¾ cups |
These are weights after trimming. Buy about a quarter more of whole vegetables like peppers and broccoli to allow for stems and cores.
How to arrange it
- Place the dip bowls first. They anchor the tray.
- Add the big groups (carrots, cucumbers, peppers) in long rows or wedges, with contrasting colors side by side: orange next to green, red next to white.
- Fill the gaps with tomatoes, radishes and snap peas.
- Finish with small bowls of olives or pickles and a few herb sprigs.
Rows of color read clearly from across the room and make the tray easy to refill.
Make it ahead
- The day before: cut carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli and cauliflower. Store them in airtight containers lined with a damp paper towel. Keep carrots and celery in a little cold water to stay crisp.
- The day of: cut cucumbers and radishes, which go limp or bleed if cut too early.
- Within an hour of serving: assemble the tray and spoon out the dips.
Like any party food, don't leave cut vegetables and dairy dips out for more than 2 hours. Set out half and refill from the fridge.
Five veggie tray ideas
- Classic ranch tray: carrots, celery, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and peppers around a bowl of ranch.
- Mezze tray: cucumbers, peppers, olives, feta cubes and pita around hummus. Our Mezze Board Plan has the full version.
- Christmas tree tray: broccoli in a tree shape with tomato "ornaments" and a yellow pepper star. See our Christmas tree charcuterie board.
- Rainbow tray for kids: one row per color, with ranch and hummus. See our kids' charcuterie board.
- Veggies plus charcuterie: put the vegetables around the edge of a meat and cheese board. They add color and give guests something lighter.
FAQ
What vegetables go on a veggie tray?
Carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas and radishes. Pick six to eight across different colors.
How much veggie tray do I need per person?
About 3 to 4 ounces of vegetables per person when it's one of several appetizers, or 5 to 6 ounces if it's the main snack.
Can you make a veggie tray the night before?
Yes. Cut sturdy vegetables the day before and store them in airtight containers with a damp paper towel. Cut cucumbers and radishes on the day, and assemble the tray within an hour of serving.
What dip goes on a veggie tray?
Ranch is the classic. Add a second, lighter dip such as hummus or tzatziki for variety.
How long can a veggie tray sit out?
No more than 2 hours, especially with dairy dips. Set out half and refill from the fridge.
