Pin It This vibrant veggie platter features an array of crisp, fresh vegetables including cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, arranged for an appealing presentation. The centerpiece is a creamy, smooth hummus made from blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Drizzled with olive oil and smoked paprika, and optionally garnished with parsley, this flavorful spread offers a fresh and wholesome snack ideal for gatherings or game days. Its vegan and gluten-free profile makes it widely appealing and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes.
The last Super Bowl party I hosted, I spent hours making fancy appetizers while this veggie platter sat on the counter. By halftime, the complicated stuff was barely touched but the hummus bowl was scraped clean. Now I know better—people want food they can grab with one hand while cheering at the TV.
My sister-in-law actually asked for the hummus recipe instead of the main dish last Thanksgiving. Now it shows up at every family gathering, birthday, and Tuesday night when we need something quick but satisfying.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet bursts that balance the earthy hummus, halved so they dont roll off the platter
- Baby carrots: Naturally sweet and perfect for scooping, no prep needed
- Cucumber slices: Refreshing crunch that lightens up each bite
- Celery sticks: The classic hummus vessel, adds satisfying crunch
- Red bell pepper strips: Colorful sweetness that makes the platter gorgeous
- Broccoli and cauliflower florets: Hearty dippers that hold up well on the platter
- Snap peas: Eat the whole pod, sweet and crisp
- Chickpeas: The creamy foundation, rinse them well for smoother hummus
- Tahini: Dont skip this, it gives hummus that signature nutty richness
- Extra virgin olive oil: Makes it luxuriously smooth and adds fruity depth
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything and cuts through the richness
- Garlic clove: One is enough, it mellows as the hummus sits
- Ground cumin: Adds warm earthiness that makes it taste authentic
- Cold water: The secret to fluffy, not heavy, hummus
- Smoked paprika: Adds beautiful color and subtle smokiness on top
- Fresh parsley: Makes it look like you put in way more effort
Instructions
- Prep your vegetables:
- Wash and cut everything into similar sized pieces so they look uniform and inviting on the platter.
- Blend the base:
- Combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt in your food processor.
- Get the texture right:
- Drizzle in cold water while the motor runs until it turns impossibly smooth and creamy.
- Make it beautiful:
- Swirl the hummus into a bowl, drizzle generously with olive oil, and dust with smoked paprika.
- Arrange and serve:
- Place the hummus bowl in the center and surround it with all those gorgeous prepared vegetables.
Pin It My kids actually argue over who gets to scrape the hummus bowl clean. Thats when you know youve made something good.
Making It Your Own
Roasted red peppers blended into the hummus make it feel fancy without much extra work. A swirl of pesto on top turns it into something entirely new.
Vegetable Swaps
Use whatever looks fresh at the market. Radishes add pretty color and peppery bite, while blanched green beans bring satisfying crunch even in winter.
Party Perfect Tips
Double the hummus recipe because it disappears faster than you expect. Arrange vegetables in rainbow sections around the bowl for maximum visual appeal.
- Keep cut vegetables cold until serving
- Set out small bowls for toothpicks and napkins
- Refill the vegetables before they look sparse
Pin It The best recipes are the ones that bring people together around the table, or in this case, around the coffee table during the big game.
Recipe Q&A
- → What vegetables work best for this platter?
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Use crisp, colorful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, red bell pepper strips, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas for a vibrant and crunchy experience.
- → How is the hummus made creamy?
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Blending chickpeas with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices creates a smooth, creamy texture. Adding cold water gradually helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- → Can I customize the garnish on the hummus?
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Yes, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle smoked paprika, and add fresh parsley for added flavor and appeal. You may also experiment with spices for a different touch.
- → Is this platter suitable for special diets?
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Absolutely. This dish is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
- → How should the platter be served and stored?
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Arrange the vegetables attractively on a large platter with hummus centered. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
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Serve with pita chips or toasted baguette slices for extra crunch. It pairs well with crisp wines or citrusy beers to enhance the experience.
