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How to Build The Ultimate Crudite Platter
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Ever stared at a veggie tray at a party and thought, “This could be so much more?” Same. That’s where crudite comes in. Crudite—that chic French word that sounds like something out of a culinary school syllabus—literally just means “raw vegetables.” But when you do it right? Oh baby, it’s a work of art. It’s a beautiful crudites platter that tells a story: CA GROWN freshness, flavor-forward dips, and eye-popping color.
Let’s Talk Crudite: More Than Just a Fancy French Word
This isn’t your basic grocery store veggie platter. This is a celebration of peak-season produce from the Golden State. Think snap peas, watermelon radishes, baby carrots, mini peppers, Persian cukes, and tender leafy greens. Add a creamy avocado dip or hummus and a few unexpected additions (hello, edible flowers and toasted almond meal!) and you’ve got yourself a showstopper.
And hey, if you’re planning a dinner party or looking to up your potluck game? This crudite board is the fun part of your menu planning—no cooking required. Ready to build something that makes people say, “Wait, you made that?” Let’s go.
The Anatomy of the Ultimate Crudite Platter
A standout crudite platter isn’t just a pile of raw veggies. It’s color, texture, flavor, and a little creative chaos. Here’s what to include:
1. Fresh, Seasonal California Produce 🌿
Head to your local farmer’s market or produce section and look for what’s in season. That’s where the magic lives. Think:
- Snap peas or snow peas (crunchy and sweet)
- Rainbow carrots or baby carrots (color AND crunch)
- Mini sweet peppers (raw or lightly blistered)
- Persian cucumbers (sliced into coins or sticks)
- Watermelon radishes or classic red radishes (peppery bite + visual drama)
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (always a crowd-pleaser)
- Blanched asparagus (pro tip: dip in ice water to keep ’em bright green)
- Green beans (raw or blanched)
- Tender leafy greens (butter lettuce, endive, radicchio)
2. Dips That Make You Double Dip
A crudite platter is only as good as its dips. Your creamy avocado dip (made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh basil) is the star, but don’t stop there:
- Red pepper hummus
- Beet hummus
- Baba ganoush
- Greek yogurt dip with fresh herbs
- Green goddess made with California extra virgin olive oil
Want to keep things simple? Store-bought dips can work in a pinch—but if you’ve got a food processor, homemade is where it’s at.
3. Textures + Finishing Touches
Here’s where things get really fun:
- Edible flowers (pansies, nasturtiums, and herb blossoms add wow)
- Toasted almond meal (see below)
- Chopped pistachios
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Flaky salt
- Fresh herbs (basil, chives, tarragon, mint—use them like confetti)
These little extras? They’re what separates a veggie tray from a vegetable crudite platter that people won’t stop talking about.
Crudite as Edible Art: Inspired by CA GROWN
Looking for a little design inspo? Take a cue from the edible centerpiece movement featured on CA Grown. The idea is simple but powerful: let fresh produce double as your table decor. Think towering stems of rainbow carrots, asparagus stalks poking out from in between tight bunches of leafy greens, and herbs tucked in like wildflowers.
These centerpiece ideas aren’t just beautiful—they’re 100% edible, 100% CA GROWN, and the ultimate conversation starter. Now you can build a matching crudite platter for special occasions or when you really want to wow guests.
Toasted Almond Meal 101
Toasted almond meal is the unexpected addition you didn’t know you needed on your crudite platter. It adds nutty depth, a little crunch, and a whole lot of flavor. Here’s how to make it:
In the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread almond meal in a thin, even layer on a light-colored baking sheet.
- Toast for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant.
- Let it cool completely before using.
On the Stove:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium-low.
- Add almond meal and stir constantly for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Transfer to a plate to cool.
Tips:
- Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Let it cool before adding to your dip or topping your platter.
Bonus Uses:
- Sprinkle over salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or roasted veggies.
- Use as a crust for pies or savory tarts.
- Stir into soups or sauces to thicken and enrich.
Final Tips to Make It a Crudite Masterpiece
- Use a large board or platter: Think cheese board meets charcuterie board. You want space to play.
- Mix shapes and sizes: Coins, sticks, wedges, and whole veggies make the board dynamic.
- Keep things crisp: Store raw veggies in airtight containers with paper towels to absorb moisture.
- Blanch wisely: A quick dip in boiling water followed by ice water helps tougher raw veggies become vibrant and tender-crisp.
- Serve chilled: If you’re prepping in advance, keep your crudite and dips in the fridge until party time.
- Presentation matters: Artfully arrange your veggies around your creamy dip, sprinkle with herbs and nuts, and give it that final chef’s kiss.
Whether it’s for dinner parties, last summer’s patio hangs, or a wholesome alternative to chips at your next get-together, this crudite platter brings the freshest vegetables and best vibes. It’s not just a snack—it’s the whole thing.
So go ahead. Make it bold. Build it beautiful. Build it California fresh. 🌱
NEED A PLAYLIST TO LISTEN TO WHILE CHOPPING? CHECK OUT THIS CA GROWN SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:
BE SURE TO SHARE YOUR CRUDITE MASTERPIECES WITH US BY SNAPPING A PIC AND TAGGING US ON SOCIAL USING #CAGROWN.
Craving more CA GROWN goodness? Follow us on Pinterest for fresh and fabulous recipe inspiration!
The Ultimate Crudites Platter with Creamy Avocado Dip
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 2 ripe avocados pitted
- 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp grainy mustard
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 2 TBSP fresh basil
Toppings:
- ¼ cup toasted almond meal/flour see recipe notes
- ¼ cup toasted pistachios chopped in a fine mince
- 1 TBSP everything bagel seasoning
- Flaky salt to taste
- 2 TBSP Fresh tender herbs and/or edible flower petals Such as tarragon, basil, chives, mint, cilantro, thyme, flat-leaf parsley, pansies, aromatic herb flowers, and savory veggie flowers.
- 4 cups Seasonal veggies Such as sugar snap peas, carrots, cucumbers, mini peppers, broccoli, radish, tender leafy greens, blanched asparagus.
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the yogurt, avocados, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, and salt. Pulse until smooth. Add the basil and pulse until combined.
- Season to taste then spread into a thin layer on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the toasted almond meal/flour over the top of the dip, followed by the minced pistachios, and everything bagel seasoning. Season to taste with flaky finishing salt, be sure to see if your Everything Bagel seasoning has salt in its ingredient list.
- Sprinkle one type or a mix of different types of tender herbs and/or edible flowers across the top.
- Serve alongside crudites or artfully arrange crudites before serving as shown in the images. You can also come up with your own design.
Notes
- Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the almond meal in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast for 5-10 minutes, or until the almond meal is lightly golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before using.
- Skillet/Pan:
- Heat a dry skillet or pan over medium-low heat.
- Add the almond meal to the pan and spread it in a thin, even layer.
- Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the almond meal is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Remove from the heat and transfer it to a cool plate to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely before using.
- Don’t over-toast: Almond meal can burn easily, so keep a close watch and don’t let it get too dark.
- Use a light-colored baking sheet: This helps you better monitor the toasting process and prevent burning.
- Stir frequently: Stirring ensures even toasting and prevents the almond meal from clumping or burning.
- Let it cool completely: Toasted almond meal can continue to cook from its own heat, so let it cool down completely before using or storing.
- Baked goods: Use it in cookies, cakes, muffins, or breads for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Crusts: Create a delicious crust for pies or tarts using toasted almond meal.
- Toppings: Sprinkle toasted almond meal over yogurt, oatmeal, or salads for added crunch and flavor.
- Thickening agent: Add toasted almond meal to soups or sauces for a subtle nutty flavor and to help thicken them.