What Is Crudité?

Crudité is one of my favorite ways to bring fresh vegetables to the table in style. Translating to “raw things” in French, crudité is an assembly of fresh raw vegetables served as an appetizer or side dish. It is the perfect combination of healthy, delicious, and visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a party, creating a snack platter, or looking to elevate your family meal, making and serving your own crudité platter is an easy way to serve a starter that’s beautiful, delicious, and that everyone can eat.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of crudité, key ingredients, seasonal variations, preparation tips, and perfect pairings. Plus, I’ll share favorite dip recommendations to make your platter truly unforgettable.

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The Origin of Crudité

Crudité, pronounced “kroo-dee-tay,” originated in France as an appetizer of raw vegetables paired with vinaigrette or dip. This appetizer became popular for its simplicity, highlighting fresh seasonal vegetables and their natural flavors. Over time, the concept has evolved, incorporating global ingredients and a wide variety of flavors, making it a versatile option for gatherings or everyday indulgence.

Today, crudité platters are more than a starter; they are a vibrant display of seasonal produce and can easily double as a conversation piece at any gathering. For me, styling a crudité platter is like arranging flowers. I love to play with color and texture and the finest vegetables and herbs of the season. But as much as I love the beauty of the ingredients, the taste is what matters most. I try to find the freshest and most interesting vegetables of the season, and add either a dip or an additional element that is a little more indulgent. See my seasonal suggestions below.

Traditional and Seasonal Choices for Crudité

A successful crudité platter begins with a thoughtful selection of vegetables. Traditionally, popular choices include carrots, radishes, celery, and cucumbers. For me, a crudité platter is all about showcasing the abundance of the season and highlighting what makes it special. Make each one different by selecting unusual and unexpected additions.

Seasonal Vegetable Variations

Spring

• Snap peas (Try green and purple varieties)
• Asparagus (Try green and purple varieties)
• Multicolored carrots (Try an assortment of colors)
• Radishes (French Breakfast radishes, watermelon radishes)
• Decadent Twist: Radishes Dipped In Butter, Balsamic Strawberries

Summer

• Cherry tomatoes (Try an assortment of varieties)
• Zucchini & Summer Squash sticks (Baby courgettes, Squash blossoms)
• Bell peppers (Try an assortment of sweet peppers)
• Fresh cucumbers (Mini cucumbers, Mexican Gherkins)
• Decadent Twist: Blistered Peppers, Stuffed Squash Blossoms, Grilled Eggplant

Fall

• Sweet bell peppers
• Cauliflower florets (Try multiple colors & Romanesco)
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts (lightly blanched)
• Decadent Twist: Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Delicata Squash

Winter

• Endive leaves & Radicchio
• Winter radishes (Black radishes)
• Fennel slices
• Parsnips (lightly steamed for sweetness)
• Decadent Twist: Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Citrus, Toasted Walnuts

By rotating vegetables according to the seasons, you ensure your crudité platter is as fresh, flavorful, and sustainable as possible.

Favorite Dips To Pair With Crudité

While the vegetables are the focus of crudité, the right dip can become the star of the show and turn a “vegetable platter” into a truly irresistible dish. One of my most requested dips is my Greek Goddess Dip. Bright, creamy, and packed with fresh herbs like dill and parsley, this dip is an ideal companion to the crisp textures of the vegetables. The addition of feta cheese gives it a tangy kick that sets it apart.

Get the Greek Goddess Dip Recipe Here

How to Prepare the Vegetables for a Crudité Platter

The secret to a stunning and appealing crudité platter lies in preparation. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1. Wash and Clean

Thoroughly wash all vegetables to remove any dirt or residue. Use a vegetable brush for root veggies like carrots or radishes.

Step 2. Slice with Precision

Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to make them easy to grab and dip. For example:

• Carrots and cucumbers make excellent spears.
• Peppers and zucchini shine when sliced into matchsticks.
• Radishes can be halved or quartered for a pop of visual contrast. If large enough, like with watermelon radishes, cut them into slices for visual appeal.

Step 3. Blanch and Ice Bath When Needed

Some vegetables can be too fibrous to enjoy raw (like broccoli or snap peas). A quick blanch (30 seconds in boiling water) followed by an ice bath keeps their vibrant color and texture intact while mellowing out bitterness.

Pro Tip: I have learned that to create the most beautiful, and lastingly beautiful vegetables for a crudité platter, giving key vegetables a very quick blanch and ice bath will make make their colors pop. It will stop carrots from turning white, which makes them look old and unappealing. I use this method for carrots, snap peas, asparagus, green beans, and broccoli.)

Step 4. Arrange Thoughtfully & Accent

Create a beautiful platter by arranging vegetables in sections around a dip bowl. I often mirror the sections across the board or platter to create balance. Alternate vibrant colors and shapes for a visually stunning effect.

To make your crudité seem extra special, lush, and abundant, add fresh and unexpected accents. Some favorites are fresh herbs, nasturtium leaves or flowers, edible flowers like chamomile, flowering herbs, or violas/pansies, and peashoots or microgreens.

What To Serve With A Crudité Platter

While vegetable platters are spectacular on their own, pairing them with other offerings can elevate your event setup even more. Here are some suggestions to round out your spread.

• Cheese Boards: Create a balance by serving an assortment of creamy and sharp cheeses alongside your crudité.
• Crispy Bites: Crunchy elements like crostini, crackers, baguettes with butter, or crispy smashed potatoes make great additions.
• Fruits: Add fresh or dried fruits like grapes, figs, blackberries, apples, and orange slices for a touch of sweetness. Better yet, make these seasonal and unusal as interesting tastes.
• Nuts: Sprinkle some roasted or spiced nuts on the platter to offer variety in texture.

Why You Should Make a Crudité Platter

A crudité platter is more than just an appetizer; it’s a showstopping edible arrangement that is a celebration of the season. It brings beauty, incredible flavors, and a health option to the table. By focusing on fresh, seasonal vegetables and pairing them with the right dips and accompaniments, you can craft something that feels elevated yet is completely approachable. Best yet, it is an appetizer that everyone can eat.

If you’ve never made one before, now is the perfect time to give it a shot. Hosting a gathering? Preparing a quick snack? Building a crudité platter can transform any occasion into something extraordinary.

Don’t Want To Do It Yourself?

Order a Seasonal Crudité Platter today. Our collection of Cheese Boards & Grazing are available for delivery throughout Vermont. Not in Vermont but need help? Leave a comment below, send an email, or DM me on Instagram. I’m here to help!

If you try making Crudité be sure to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it goes. And if you do, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see!

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