Pin It This vibrant vegetable tray features an assortment of freshly cut baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, broccoli and cauliflower florets, red bell pepper strips, and celery sticks. At its center lies a creamy ranch dip made by blending sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley, plus seasonings such as garlic and onion powders. The combination offers a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful experience suitable for easy entertaining or healthy snacking.
The first time I brought this veggie tray to a neighborhood gathering, my friend Sarah actually gasped when she saw it. She couldnt believe I didnt just grab something from the grocery store deli section on the way over. Now whenever theres a potluck or party, I get at least three texts asking if Im bringing that ranch dip.
Last summer I set this out on the patio table while waiting for the grill to heat up. Within fifteen minutes, every single carrot and pepper strip had disappeared. My brother-in-law confessed later that he normally skips vegetable platters entirely, but he couldnt stop eating this one.
Ingredients
- Baby carrots: No peeling required, just give them a quick rinse and theyre ready to go
- Cherry tomatoes: Look for ones that feel heavy and have no soft spots
- Cucumber slices: English cucumbers work best since they have fewer seeds and thinner skin
- Broccoli florets: Cut them into uniform pieces so theyre easy to grab and dip
- Cauliflower florets: These stay crisp longer than almost any other vegetable
- Red bell pepper strips: The sweetness balances perfectly with the savory dip
- Celery sticks: Peel the outer strings if you want them more tender
- Sour cream: Full fat gives the best texture and richest flavor
- Mayonnaise: This creates that creamy restaurant-style consistency
- Fresh dill: The fresh herbs make all the difference here
- Fresh chives: Add a mild onion flavor that isnt overpowering
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the whole dip with fresh flavor
- Garlic powder: Use powder instead of fresh garlic for smoother texture
- Onion powder: Rounds out the savory flavors beautifully
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without making it salty
- Fresh lemon juice: Just enough to brighten and cut through the creaminess
Instructions
- Prep all your vegetables:
- Wash everything thoroughly and cut into pieces that can be eaten in one or two bites. Arrange them in sections on your largest platter, grouping colors together for the prettiest presentation.
- Whisk together the base:
- Combine the sour cream and mayonnaise in a medium bowl until completely smooth. This creates the perfect creamy foundation for all those herbs and spices.
- Add all the flavor:
- Stir in the dill, chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Assemble and serve:
- Transfer the dip to a pretty bowl and place it right in the center of your vegetable arrangement. Keep it refrigerated until the moment guests start arriving.
Pin It My daughter has started requesting this for her birthday party every year. Shes not interested in cake or pizza, just an enormous vegetable tray with double the ranch dip. I cant argue with a birthday request that healthy.
Making It Ahead
You can cut all the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance if you store them properly. Keep each type in its own sealed container with a dry paper towel to absorb moisture. The dip actually improves after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors deepen.
Vegetable Swaps
Use whatever looks freshest and most appealing at the market. Sugar snap peas add incredible crunch, while radishes bring a peppery bite that some guests love. Baby bell peppers in multiple colors make the tray even more beautiful.
Serving Suggestions
A large round platter creates the most impressive presentation, but any large vessel works beautifully. I like to put the dip in a small bowl and place it on a raised pedestal in the center.
- Add some pita chips or crackers around the edge
- Garnish the dip with a sprinkle of fresh parsley
- Keep ice on the serving table if its outdoors
Pin It Theres something satisfying about watching a platter of vegetables disappear while people actually seem happy about eating them. This simple tray has become my go-to for every gathering.
