Crudités Platter
Vegetable crudités with dips are a colorful, healthy, and easy-to-prepare appetizer or snack to start the New Year off right! From our chefs to your kitchen, here’s how you can create a stunning platter of this classic dish—perfect for get-togethers or as a healthy snack any time of day.
Ingredients:
Vegetables:
Carrots – peeled and cut into sticks or rounds.
Celery – cut into sticks.
Bell Peppers – assorted colors, sliced into strips.
Cucumber – sliced into sticks or rounds.
Cherry Tomatoes – whole or halved.
Radishes – sliced or left whole for small ones.
Sugar Snap Peas or Green Beans – trimmed.
Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets – blanched lightly (optional).
Asparagus – blanched for tenderness (optional).
Dips:
Hummus – plain or flavored with roasted red pepper, garlic, or lemon. Try our recipe below!
Ranch Dressing – a classic choice for many.
Greek Yogurt Dip – mix plain Greek yogurt with herbs like dill, chives, and parsley, and add lemon juice.
Guacamole – creamy avocado dip.
Baba Ghanoush – roasted eggplant dip.
Pesto Dip – blend basil pesto with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
Spicy Mayo – mix mayonnaise with Sriracha or chili sauce.
Classic Hummus
Hummus is a creamy, savory dip or spread made from blended chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin or paprika. It's a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and is often served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a condiment for dishes like falafel or shawarma.
Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas (or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
2–3 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
1–2 garlic cloves (adjust to taste)
2–4 tbsp olive oil (plus more for garnish)
2–4 tbsp cold water (for texture)
1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
Salt, to taste
Paprika or fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare Chickpeas. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. For extra smooth hummus, peel the skins by gently rubbing them in a bowl of water or between your fingers.
Blend Base. In a food processor or blender, combine tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend for 1–2 minutes until creamy and whipped.
Add Chickpeas. Add chickpeas, olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Blend while adding cold water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
Adjust Seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or garlic as needed.
Serve. Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle paprika or parsley on top, and serve.
Instructions:
Wash and Prep. Thoroughly wash all vegetables and cut them into uniform, easy-to-grab pieces.
Blanching (Optional). For broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or beans, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then shock them in ice water to maintain their vibrant color and crunch
Presentation. Prepare your dips and place them in small bowls at the center or around the edges of a large serving platter. Arrange vegetables around the dips in a visually appealing pattern.
Garnish. Use herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for decoration.
This dish is perfect for parties, picnics, or as a healthy snack for any time of day!
Serves: 4-6
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