Deluxe Veggie Medley with Creamy Blue Cheese Dip
Elevate your gatherings with this stunning vegetable platter, accompanied by a rich and tangy blue cheese dip that your guests won't be able to resist. This beautifully arranged veggie tray features a variety of fresh and colorful vegetables, making it not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome and nutritious option. Plan ahead to give the dip time to chill for a minimum of 3 hours—allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The recipe yields enough dip for about 6-8 people, but feel free to double or triple the ingredients if you’re catering to a larger crowd. To enhance your platter, consider adding artisanal cheeses and deviled eggs around the dip bowl for an extra touch of elegance. Remember, the veggie platter can be assembled in advance; just cover it tightly and refrigerate until party time. Your guests will be talking about this delightful appetizer long after the event is over!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sour cream
1 cup (none)
Hellmann's mayonnaise
1/2 cup (do not use salad dressing)
Finely crumbled blue cheese
3 tablespoons (can use more for stronger taste)
Minced yellow onion
1 tablespoon (none)
Minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon (none)
Dry ranch dressing mix
1 tablespoon (none)
Dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
Buttermilk
2 tablespoons (none)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (optional)
Carrot
to preference (peeled and sliced into sticks)
Celery
to preference (cut ribs into 3-inch long sections)
Cucumber
to preference (cut into 1-inch thick slices)
Cherry tomatoes
to preference (leave whole)
White button mushrooms
to preference (leave whole, wipe clean with dry paper towel)
Green onion
to preference (trim to uniform length, clean roots)
Sweet pepper
to preference (cut into strips or rings)
Radish
to preference (cut off stem and root end; accordion cut if large)
Broccoli
to preference (cut into small florets)
Cauliflower
to preference (cut into small florets)
Crusty breadstick
to preference (long crusty breadsticks)
Lettuce leaves
2 large (to be placed under the dip bowl)
Instructions
1
Prepare the blue cheese dip by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, minced onion, minced garlic, dry ranch dressing mix, dill weed, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of Tabasco (if desired) in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth, or process to your preferred consistency.
2
Gradually add the buttermilk, starting with 1 tablespoon, until you achieve the desired creaminess of the dip. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3
Transfer the dip to a round glass serving bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to develop.
4
When ready to serve, take an extra-large serving platter and place 1 to 2 large lettuce leaves in the center. Set the bowl of blue cheese dip on top of the lettuce leaves to create a beautiful presentation.
5
Now, artfully arrange the assorted vegetables around the bowl of dip on the platter. Use the breadsticks to fill gaps and provide a crunchy element to the display, making sure to arrange them creatively for a visually appealing spread.
6
Enjoy your Deluxe Veggie Medley with Creamy Blue Cheese Dip as a delightful appetizer for gatherings or holidays.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Deluxe Veggie Medley with Creamy Blue Cheese Dip?
It is a stunning vegetable platter featuring a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables accompanied by a rich and tangy blue cheese dip.
How long should I chill the blue cheese dip?
The dip should be chilled for a minimum of 3 hours to allow flavors to meld, though it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
How many guests does the standard recipe serve?
The recipe yields enough dip for approximately 6 to 8 people.
Can I scale this recipe for a larger party?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients if you are catering to a larger crowd.
What is the primary base of the dip?
The dip is made using a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise.
Can I use salad dressing instead of mayonnaise?
The recipe specifically recommends using Hellmann's mayonnaise and advises against using salad dressing.
How is the dip prepared?
Combine sour cream, mayo, blue cheese, onion, garlic, ranch mix, dill, Worcestershire, and Tabasco in a food processor and blend until smooth.
How do I adjust the consistency of the dip?
You can gradually add buttermilk, starting with one tablespoon, until you achieve your desired creaminess.
How should the dip be stored before serving?
Transfer it to a round glass serving bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to present the dip on the platter?
Place one or two large lettuce leaves in the center of an extra-large serving platter and set the bowl of dip on top of them.
Can the vegetable platter be assembled ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the platter in advance; just cover it tightly and refrigerate until it is time to serve.
What vegetables are recommended for this platter?
The medley includes carrots, celery, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, green onions, sweet peppers, radishes, broccoli, and cauliflower.
How should I prepare the carrots?
Carrots should be peeled and sliced into sticks.
What is the recommended preparation for celery?
Cut the celery ribs into sections approximately 3 inches long.
How should the mushrooms be cleaned?
Wipe the white button mushrooms clean with a dry paper towel and leave them whole.
How do I prepare the radishes?
Cut off the stem and root ends; if they are large, you can use an accordion cut for better presentation.
What should I do with the cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes should be left whole for the platter.
How should the green onions be handled?
Clean the roots and trim the green onions to a uniform length.
Is there a crunchy non-vegetable item on the tray?
Yes, long crusty breadsticks are used to fill gaps and provide a crunchy element.
What optional ingredients can I add to the dip for spice?
You can add a pinch of Tabasco sauce to the dip if you desire a bit of heat.
Can I adjust the amount of blue cheese?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of finely crumbled blue cheese, but you can use more if you prefer a stronger taste.
How should broccoli and cauliflower be prepared?
Both should be cut into small, bite-sized florets.
What are some ways to make the platter more elegant?
You can add artisanal cheeses and deviled eggs around the dip bowl for an extra touch of elegance.
What type of bowl is recommended for the dip?
A round glass serving bowl is suggested for the best presentation.
What seasoning mix is used in the dip?
One tablespoon of dry ranch dressing mix is included for flavor.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk?
Buttermilk is used to reach the desired creaminess and consistency of the dip.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
How should cucumbers be sliced?
Cucumbers should be cut into 1-inch thick slices.
What kind of onions are used in the dip itself?
The dip uses one tablespoon of minced yellow onion.
What occasions are best for this veggie medley?
It is perfect for general gatherings, holiday parties, or as a healthy appetizer.