Tracking PixelLearn how to assemble a delicious vegetable tray without spending a lot of money. This is a sponsored post written by Cheap Recipe Blog on behalf of Litehouse Dressing.

How to create a great veggie platter on a budget.

When you think of a veggie platter, what comes to mind?

A lot of vegetable plates are pretty sad: A variety of bland veggies with an equally bland dip in the middle. A mix of celery, baby carrots, huge pieces of cauliflower and broccoli, and if you’re lucky, some grape tomatoes.

But I’m here to tell you this: Your vegetable platter doesn’t have to be boring.

In fact, you can make a fresh and delicious vegetable platter without spending a lot of money. A platter that your family or party guests will actually love digging into.

Here are some easy ways to create an epic veggie platter on a budget:

1: Choose Budget-Friendly Vegetables

Fill your veggie tray up with delicious and affordable vegetables like:

  • Carrots: Cut whole carrots yourself. Look for pretty rainbow blend carrots that are purple, red, white, and orange.
  • Radishes: Low-cost radishes add some bite and color to your veggie platter.
  • Cucumbers: Make sure to slice cucumbers thick enough. English cucumbers are a great option for vegetable platters. Before adding cucumbers to the platter, blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Sugar snap peas: Sugar snap peas are a veggie platter favorite. They’re sweet, crunchy, and fun to eat.
  • In-season vegetables: Visit a farmer’s market or local grocery store to pick up in-season vegetables that are fresh and affordable. Or shop at a salvage grocery store to find affordable veggies at a major discount.

Most importantly, fill your platter with a variety of colors and flavors. And don’t forget to add some crackers too.

Learn how to create an epic veggie platter on a budget. Don't forget to serve with a delicious chilled dressing!

2: Buy The Best Dressing – And Serve It Cold

Remember: Dressing is the most important part of your platter.

Do your guests a favor and serve fresh veggies with a chilled dressing. Serving fresh vegetables with a warm or room-temperature dip is simply unappetizing.

I served these vegetables with Lighthouse Homestyle Ranch. What I like about this dressing is that it’s delicious, for one. The dressing is so fresh tasting – which is not the case with many ranch dressings, in my opinion. It’s made with real buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs.

The other thing I love about it is that sold in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. It’s sold chilled and served chilled.

Feel free to add some fresh herbs to your dressing like dill, chives or chopped green onion. I added some fresh dill that I couldn’t resist buying at the farmer’s market.

Get a coupon: Look for Lighthouse Homestyle Ranch dressing in the produce section of your grocery store. Grab a coupon for Lighthouse Dressing by signing up for their newsletter.

Learn how to create an epic veggie platter on a budget. Click through for instructions!

3: Save Money By Prepping Your Own Veggies

Ready-prepped vegetables at the grocery store are certainly convenient – but they also cost more. Grocers will price these ready-to-eat veggies at a huge markup. Don’t fall for it!

To save money, purchase whole vegetables and cut/prep them yourself. That means washing the vegetables, peeling vegetables like carrots, and cutting them up to put on your platter.

Pro tip: Cut vegetables into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will help fill up your platter – and is easier for your guests to nibble on.

How To Create An Epic Veggie Tray - On a Budget. You don't have to spend a lot of money to create a delicious platter!

Where To Bring A Veggie Tray

Assemble a budget-friendly veggie tray for your next picnic or potluck. Bring a small tongs to make it easy to grab the vegetables off the platter.

Another fun option? Assemble your vegetables and dip on a charcuterie or grazing board. This is a great option for an indoor gathering where you’re serving appetizers and wine.

One of the great things about a veggie tray is that it can sit out for at least a couple of hours – or more – as long as it’s not too warm in your house (or outside). Remember to refresh the dressing!

This is a sponsored post written by Cheap Recipe Blog on behalf of Litehouse Dressing.