Do you cut cucumbers for a veggie tray?
Folks are more likely to dig into your veggie tray if the vegis trimmed and cut for easy eating. Trim the strings off snap peas, slice cucumbers, cut carrot sticks, etc. If you’re in a hurry, cut cucumbers and carrots on the diagonal and call it good.
Do you have to Peel cucumbers before cooking?
If you serve English cucumbers, there is no need to peel them first. Cut the cucumber in half across its diameter and slice each half length-wise into quarters or thirds, depending on the circumference of the cucumber. If the seeds are very large or watery, scoop them out with a spoon before slicing into spears.
How do you peel cucumbers for garnishing?
The sturdiness of cucumbers makes them good garnishes. Use a vegetable peeler to cut long, thin strips down the sides of whole, unpeeled cucumbers.
How do you serve cucumbers and carrots on a tray?
Slice carrots and cucumbers on an angle. Arrange on a tray with other whole veggies (mini carrot sticks, sugar snap peas, mini sweet bell peppers) if using and serve. Ok, maybe it’s not required, I love adding a dip to my veggie trays.
Should cucumbers be peeled for a vegetable tray?
You can arrange your tray a few hours in advance, just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge. Should you peel cucumbers for a veggie tray? English cucumbers (the long, skinnier kind that are sold wrapped in plastic) don't need to be peeled.
How do you cut cucumbers for a veggie tray?
Use a vegetable peeler to cut long, thin strips down the sides of whole, unpeeled cucumbers. Soak the ribbons in ice water and arrange them in flowing patterns to garnish salads and crudites trays, or put them in stemmed cocktail glasses and hold the sculpted creations in place with cocktail toothpicks.
How do you keep vegetables fresh in a veggie tray?
Wash and dry, then cut large veggies into small pieces. Store in air-tight container or arrange platter. Arrange platter. If arranging the day before, cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
How far ahead can you cut vegetables for a veggie tray?
If you want to prepare a vegetable platter in advance, I recommend preparing it up to 1 day in advance (the earlier the better). Store the prepared tray covered with plastic cling wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Should you peel a cucumber?
It is usually not necessary to peel a cucumber or remove the seeds if you plan to eat it raw. If the cucumber skin has been waxed (to make it look shiny) or if you plan to cook the cucumber, remove the skin with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Some large cucumbers have hard seeds.
Do you cut the skin off of a cucumber?
1. Although it's not necessary to remove the skin from a cucumber, if your recipe calls for peeled cucumber, use a vegetable peeler to remove the waxy skin. 2. Then slice or dice the cucumber according to your recipe.
What vegetables are good for a veggie tray?
The Best Veggies for a Vegetable TrayRed bell peppers.Tomatoes.Radishes.Carrots.Orange bell peppers.Yellow bell peppers.Baby corn.Celery.More items...•
How do you cut cucumbers for Crudite?
1:252:50How to make cucumber crudite - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you want to do is you want to make razor thin slices. Through the cucumber. But not goingMoreSo what you want to do is you want to make razor thin slices. Through the cucumber. But not going through to the end.
How do you cut peppers for veggie tray?
0:121:33How To Cut Peppers For Veggie Trays And Dip Platters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then cut them in sticks. And then cut out the inside. Like this bam and then cut these intoMoreAnd then cut them in sticks. And then cut out the inside. Like this bam and then cut these into strips the tops you could just use in another recipe. Sometimes i'll kind of dice them up.
How long can a veggie tray sit out?
If it is left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, throw it away. Remember: To prevent foodborne illness, buy good-quality fruits and vegetables, store them properly and wash them thoroughly.
How do you prepare celery for a veggie tray?
0:020:44How to cut celery into sticks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut into half split the stock lengthwise into halves. Once again cut in half again lengthwise celeryMoreCut into half split the stock lengthwise into halves. Once again cut in half again lengthwise celery sticks ready to serve in your vegetable tray or with your favorite dips enjoy.
How do you cut green onions on a veggie tray?
2:114:19HOW TO: Prep Green Onions - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you slice it on an angle it just gives it a whole different I appeal to your dishes.MoreWhen you slice it on an angle it just gives it a whole different I appeal to your dishes.
Skin Appeal
Cucumber skin gets some of its rich green color from lutein, an antioxidant carotenoid associated with eye health. Your body uses lutein – along with zeaxanthin, another carotenoid -- to protect the lenses and retinas of your eyes from ultraviolet light.
Whole Vs. Peeled
You’ll get right around 16 calories, 3.8 grams of carbohydrates and just over half a gram of protein from a 1-cup serving of sliced cucumber with skin. You’ll also get just over half a gram of dietary fiber along with modest amounts of potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, C and K.
Other Considerations
While you may find yourself peeling cucumbers simply because it’s how you’ve always eaten them, there are bona fide reasons to avoid the skin.
Clean Cucumbers
Gently scrub cucumbers with a vegetable brush under cool running water to remove dirt and as much bacteria as possible. Washing nonorganic, wax-coated cucumbers won’t remove all of the pesticide residues or the wax, which is why you may want to peel the vegetable before you consume it.
The Veggie Tray is a Conversation Hub
Where does everyone mill about at a party or gathering? Many times, it’s the veggie tray. The fresh, crunchy nibbles get the jaw moving and inspire lively conversation. This might explain why cut-up vegetables are such a popular appetizer. Read on to learn how to prepare a veggie tray that will wow your guests and be the hit of the party.
Before You Begin, Consider Eye Appeal
You should offer several different vegetables on the platter, at least three or four, and preferably six or seven kinds.
Popular Vegetable Choices and Preparation
Note: storage times are given for ideal conditions. Try to prepare the veggies as close to the serving day as possible.
Exotic Vegetable Choices
Add interest to your veggie tray with some more unusual vegetable choices. Try blanched whole green beans, pea pods, or asparagus spears. Consider trendy vegetables like jicama, or add fresh or marinated mushrooms.
Tie It All Together
Your guests want to dip those veggies in something! Provide a thick dip for them; dill or ranch are the most popular choices. If you don’t have the time to make a dip or run to the store, try using ranch dressing in a pinch.
Practical Cuts
For easy dipping and eating, cut cucumbers into wedges. If you serve English cucumbers, there is no need to peel them first. Cut the cucumber in half across its diameter and slice each half length-wise into quarters or thirds, depending on the circumference of the cucumber.
Fancy Cuts
Cut unpeeled cucumbers into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick slices. Use miniature cookie cutters to cut the centers of the slices into various shapes such as stars, flowers cloverleafs and diamonds.
Garnish Cut Cucumbers
The sturdiness of cucumbers makes them good garnishes. Use a vegetable peeler to cut long, thin strips down the sides of whole, unpeeled cucumbers.
Sculptures
Purchase the biggest, most uniformly shaped cucumber available and transform it into a food sculpture. Turn it into an exotic bird or a biplane with long, thin carrot planks for wings, attached to each side with toothpicks; use cherry tomatoes, jumbo black olives or other carved vegetables for the bird's head or the pilot in the cockpit.
What is a vegetable crudités platter?
Crudités is a french term for raw seasonal vegetables served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce. Basically it’s a fancy name for a veggie tray.
Fun veggie tray dip options
Ok, maybe it’s not required, I love adding a dip to my veggie trays. Here are a fun few popular choices:
Tips for making this super easy veggie tray
It’s super easy to make a veggie tray that looks delicious and invites folks to dive in. One of the tricks is to source good quality produce and arrange it in a pretty way. Here are some tips to help you do that:
What is on a veggie tray?
A veggie tray can be whatever vegetables you want to include as long as they are vegetables that are enjoyed raw. Your choices include:
How do you keep a vegetable tray fresh?
Once you’ve assembled your veggie tray, wrap it well with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. If your party or buffet will last longer than two hours, set the platter into a roasting pan filled with ice to keep the vegetables cool.
Can I make a veggie tray the night before?
To save time before an event, make your veggie tray the night before. Some vegetables, such as cucumber slices may last longer if stored separately.
How long does a veggie tray last?
A prepared vegetable platter is good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered.
How do you make a veggie tray?
Start by collecting an assortment of vegetables of different sizes, colors and textures. Arrange the veggies in a decorative pattern on a board or platter. Spoon some dips of your choice into bowls, and nestle the bowls among the veggies. Garnish with fresh herbs, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for the perfect platter
You can scatter your vegetables around the platter, or serve them upright in glasses for a different look.
What veggies are good for a veggie tray?
Any vegetable that tastes good either raw or lightly blanched will make a good addition to a veggie tray! You can even use a combination of raw, cooked and pickled vegetables to change things up a bit. Here are some of my favorite options.
How long will a veggie platter stay fresh?
A veggie tray will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 hours. You can refrigerate your platter for up to 3 days, although the cut vegetables will dry out a bit over time. I recommend enjoying your crudites within 24 hours for the best result.
Can you make a vegetable platter in advance?
You can prepare your platter up to 4 hours before you plan to serve it. Store your tray covered in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Dip Options
There are so many great dips to pair with your veggies! Ranch and hummus are classic choices, but here are some other options.
Veggie Tray
This homemade veggie tray is an assortment of colorful vegetables paired with a variety of flavorful dips. A crudite platter is a must-have for any party or gathering, it's always a big hit with both kids and adults alike!
Community Q&A
If I'm making a recipe that asks me to cut the cucumber into "cuts" for a drink, would I just chop it up?
Tips
If you don't want the cucumber skin on the sliced cucumber pieces, you can use a potato peeler in order to get rid of the cucumber rind.
About This Article
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