Touchdown Veggie Platter

The first Super Bowl party I ever hosted, I spent three hours making fancy appetizers that nobody touched. My friend Sarah walked in with a massive vegetable platter and simple hummus, and within twenty minutes, hers was completely gone while my stuffed mushrooms sat sad and alone. That taught me everything I need to know about what people actually want to eat while cheering at a screen.

Last winter, my neighbor brought this exact combination to our weekly potluck, and I watched three different people ask for the recipe. What they did not know was that she had thrown it together in twenty minutes while her toddler pulled at her leg. Now it is my go-to whenever I need something that looks impressive but actually lets me enjoy my own party.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes: When you cut them in half, they release just enough juice to make each bite perfect
• Baby carrots: No prep needed and their natural sweetness balances the savory hummus beautifully
• Cucumber slices: Choose English cucumbers for thinner skin and better crunch
• Celery sticks: The classic vessel that never gets enough credit for its satisfying snap
• Red bell pepper strips: These bring the brightest color and sweetest flavor to the whole arrangement
• Broccoli and cauliflower florets: Steam them for just two minutes if you prefer them softer
• Snap peas: Eat them whole, no chopping required, and they add a fresh, sweet bite
• Chickpeas: Rinse them thoroughly and remove the loose skins for the smoothest texture
• Tahini: Stir the jar well before measuring, or your hummus will be uneven and bitter
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff here because the flavor really comes through
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed makes a difference you can taste immediately
• Garlic clove: Grate it on a microplane so no one bites into a sharp chunk
• Ground cumin: This earthy spice is what makes homemade hummus taste authentic
• Cold water: The secret ingredient that transforms grainy hummus into silky perfection
• Smoked paprika: Adds a beautiful color and just enough smoky depth
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but that green on top makes everything look finished and intentional

Instructions

Prep your vegetables like you mean it:

Wash and cut everything ahead of time, then arrange them in sections around your largest platter. Think about color placement, grouping red peppers near tomatoes and keeping the green vegetables together for visual impact.

Blend the base:

Start your food processor and add the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Let it run for a full minute before opening the lid to scrape down the sides.

Perfect the texture:

With the motor running, drizzle in the cold water one tablespoon at a time. Watch the hummus transform from thick and grainy to light and airy, stopping when it reaches the consistency you prefer.

Make it beautiful:

Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to create swirls on top. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and scatter parsley if you want that restaurant finish.

Bring it all together:

Place the hummus bowl right in the center of your vegetable arrangement. Step back and appreciate how something so simple can look so impressive.

Save

My brother called me the other day, shocked that his kids were fighting over the last carrot stick with hummus. He had always assumed they only liked the heavily processed kind from the grocery store, but the homemade version won them over completely. Now he makes double batches just to keep up with after school snacking.

Make It Your Own

I have started roasting some of the vegetables, especially the cauliflower and broccoli, for a few minutes before arranging them. The contrast between warm, roasted vegetables and cool, creamy hummus creates this incredible temperature difference that makes the whole platter feel more sophisticated than it really is.

The Art of Arranging

The way you place the vegetables matters more than you might think. I learned this from a caterer friend who told me to think of the platter like a clock, placing items in sections and leaving the center empty for that star dip bowl. When you take the time to arrange things thoughtfully, people are drawn to it before they even realize they are hungry.

Scaling for Crowds

The recipe makes enough for six people, but I always double it without even thinking. There is nothing worse than running out of the main attraction halfway through a party. The hummus keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for almost a week, so leftovers are never a problem.

• Set out small bowls of extra seasonings like zaatar or everything bagel seasoning for people to customize
• Keep some vegetable backup in the kitchen so you can refresh the platter without pulling everything away
• Use multiple smaller bowls of hummus instead of one large one if your party is spread across different rooms

Save

Sometimes the simplest things are exactly what we need, especially when we are surrounded by so much complicated food. This platter has never let me down.

Recipe FAQs

→ What vegetables work best for this platter?

Fresh, crisp vegetables like cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas create a colorful, crunchy assortment.

→ How can I make the hummus creamier?

Adding cold water gradually while blending helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Extra olive oil also enriches the hummus.

→ Can this platter be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hummus and cut the vegetables in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before serving for best freshness.

→ What garnishes enhance the platter’s flavor?

A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and chopped fresh parsley add aromatic and visual appeal.

→ Is this suitable for special diets?

Yes, it's naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for various dietary preferences.