Bring On The Vegetable Tray

The next time you’re invited to a cookout, potluck, or holiday dinner, volunteer to bring the vegetable tray. It’ll ensure you have something healthy to munch on during the party, and you won’t have to worry about what you’re going to do with all that leftover cake.

What can you include in your vegetable tray? I usually include some combination of the following:

• broccoli
• cauliflower
• green, red, or yellow bell pepper
• cucumber
• carrots
• celery
• black or green olives
• tomatoes
• radishes
• green or sliced onions
• fresh mushrooms
• pickles
• vegetable dip

If you have a divided vegetable tray with a lid, when you get to the party, fill the lid with ice. Place the lid full of ice under the vegetable tray to help keep the veggies cool and crisp. If your vegetable tray doesn’t have a lid fill a wide flat pan or plate with ice to place underneath. Or lay dry ice packets (like you use in lunch boxes) flat in a pillow case, or bag under the tray.

I don’t usually fill my vegetable tray too full. I’d rather refill it with cool crisp vegetables from the cooler, or fridge than to let them all wilt in the sun.

What can you do with the leftovers from a vegetable tray?

I love having leftovers from a veggie tray. You can munch on them all week long for a healthy snack. You can also use the broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, carrots, celery, and mushrooms for a vegetable stir fry.

I like to make vegetable soup, and throw all the left over vegetables in a pot with a couple cups of vegetable stock for a healthy meal.

You’ll already have fresh vegetables washed and ready for quick salads during the week.

Image (c) Linette

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