The All-Green Crudités Basket is a fresh, vibrant appetizer featuring an array of green vegetables served raw or lightly blanched, paired with your favorite dip. It’s a beautiful, healthy option that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, perfect for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s healthy, fresh, and full of fiber.
No cooking required (except quick blanching for some veggies).
Visually stunning with a vibrant green palette.
Completely customizable with seasonal green vegetables.
Perfect for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
A great make-ahead appetizer.
Encourages guests to eat more vegetables.
A light, palate-cleansing way to start a meal.
Works with a variety of dips.
Easy to assemble and adaptable to any serving dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

String beans or haricot verts, ends trimmed and blanched
Cucumber, cut into sticks
Fennel, sliced into thin vertical slices
Broccoli florets, blanched
Celery sticks
Green pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
Endive, large leaves cut in half vertically

Directions

Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans and broccoli florets by boiling them for 1 minute, then transferring to the ice bath to cool. Drain and set aside.
Cut cucumber, fennel, celery, green pepper, and endive into serving-size pieces.
Choose your presentation vessel: a basket, box, bowl, or platter.
Arrange the vegetables in clusters, nestled tightly to stand upright and create a visually appealing display.
Serve with your choice of dip, such as Blue Cheese Dip or Arugula Basil Dipping Sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (only blanching)
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add green zucchini ribbons or asparagus spears.
Include avocado slices (serve just before serving to prevent browning).
Use sugar snap peas or green heirloom cherry tomatoes.
Add fresh herbs like dill or mint for aroma and decoration.
Offer a trio of dips: hummus, green goddess, and tzatziki.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Blanched vegetables can be prepped a day ahead and kept chilled.
Do not freeze.
Re-crisp wilted vegetables by soaking them in ice water for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

What is a crudités basket?

A crudités basket is a collection of raw or lightly cooked vegetables arranged beautifully and served with a dip.

Can I use other vegetables besides green ones?

Absolutely! You can mix colors or choose a different color theme entirely.

How far in advance can I prepare the vegetables?

You can prepare and store the vegetables up to one day in advance. Assemble the display just before serving.

What dips pair well with this crudités basket?

Great options include blue cheese dip, ranch, hummus, or green goddess dressing.

Do I have to blanch the vegetables?

Blanching is optional but recommended for tough veggies like green beans and broccoli to enhance color and texture.

Can this be made vegan?

Yes, just pair it with a vegan-friendly dip.

How should I serve the crudités?

Use a basket, bowl, or platter. Group veggies in clusters for visual appeal and ease of picking.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, kids often enjoy raw veggies, especially when paired with a flavorful dip.

What if I don’t have endive?

You can substitute with romaine lettuce hearts or omit entirely.

How do I keep the veggies crisp?

Keep them chilled until serving and avoid assembling too early. Ice water baths help maintain crunch.

Conclusion

The All-Green Crudités Basket is an effortless yet elegant way to bring a healthy, eye-catching appetizer to any table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or prepping for a casual get-together, this fresh and flexible veggie display is sure to impress and satisfy. Try mixing it up with seasonal produce and different dips to keep things exciting every time.