Guacamole & Veggie Platter (Best Healthy Party Snack!)

When it comes to hosting a party or gathering, one dish that always wins over guests is a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed Guacamole & Veggie Platter. This dish offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes, combining the creamy richness of guacamole with the crunchiness and freshness of raw vegetables. It’s healthy, colorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in a snack for yourself, a veggie platter served with a side of homemade guacamole is the perfect way to kick things off.

People love this recipe not only for its ease but also for its versatility. It caters to various dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide array of guests. The creamy guacamole serves as the ideal dip, enhancing the flavor of fresh, crisp veggies like carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Moreover, this dish offers endless variations, allowing you to customize it with your favorite veggies and add-ins, from jalapeños to cilantro or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something wholesome and delicious, this Guacamole & Veggie Platter is an excellent choice. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Why You Will Love This Recipe

One of the best things about making a Guacamole & Veggie Platter is its simplicity and flexibility. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create something that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a first-time host, this platter is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for all skill levels.

The guacamole itself is made from ripe avocados, which are naturally creamy and rich in healthy fats. Combined with the zesty kick of lime, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the freshness of cilantro, this guacamole becomes a perfect partner for the crunchy veggies that accompany it. What’s more, it’s an incredibly satisfying snack or appetizer that doesn’t feel heavy—just light, refreshing, and loaded with nutrients.

This recipe is also fully customizable. Don’t like a particular vegetable? Swap it out for another! Want your guacamole to have a spicy twist? Add some finely chopped jalapeños! It’s all about making it your own while keeping the dish as fun and fresh as possible.

Ingredients

To create the perfect Guacamole & Veggie Platter, here’s a simple list of ingredients you will need:

For the Guacamole:

• 3 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, deseeded and diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1-2 jalapeños (optional), finely chopped for a spicy kick

For the Veggie Platter:

• 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds or sticks
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), sliced into strips
• 1 bunch of carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or left whole
• 1 cup radishes, sliced into rounds
• 1 small cauliflower, broken into florets
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds or sticks
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Guacamole:

Start by cutting your ripe avocados in half. Remove the pits and scoop the flesh out into a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado to your desired consistency—some prefer a smooth guacamole, while others like it a little chunkier.

Add the Vegetables and Seasoning:

Finely chop your red onion, tomato, and cilantro. Add them to the mashed avocado along with the lime juice. The lime not only adds flavor but helps prevent the guacamole from browning too quickly.

Spices and Optional Heat:

Sprinkle in garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, now is the time to add finely chopped jalapeños. Stir everything together gently so that all the ingredients are well combined.

Adjust Seasonings:

Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more lime juice, salt, or pepper depending on your personal preference.

Prepare the Veggie Platter:

While your guacamole is resting, prepare the veggies. Slice the cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, and radishes into bite-sized pieces. Peel the carrots and cut them into sticks or rounds. Break the cauliflower into small florets. Arrange all the vegetables on a large serving platter or tray, keeping the colors grouped together for a beautiful visual effect.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once everything is ready, place the guacamole in a small bowl in the center of the platter, or alongside the veggies. Garnish with extra cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results

• Use ripe avocados: To make your guacamole super creamy, ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy.
• Freshness is key: For the best-tasting veggies, choose the freshest, crunchiest vegetables you can find. Organic produce is often a great choice for flavor and quality.
• Customize it: Feel free to swap out any vegetables based on what’s in season or what your guests prefer. You can even add a few chips on the side for those who want an extra crunch with their guacamole!
• Make ahead: You can prepare the guacamole a few hours ahead, but be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Creative Variations

Guacamole is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe to suit your taste:

• Add fruit: Mango or pineapple can be a surprising and sweet addition to your guacamole, giving it a tropical twist.
• Swap the veggies: Try adding snap peas, celery, or roasted beets for a unique flavor experience. You can also throw in some roasted sweet potato cubes for a heartier addition.
• Add a creamy element: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or even sour cream for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

The Guacamole & Veggie Platter is a great standalone dish, but it can also be served alongside other party favorites. Here are some ideas:

• Serve with chips: Pair it with tortilla chips, pita chips, or even rice crackers for added crunch.
• As a dip for sandwiches or wraps: Use the guacamole as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or even burgers.
• Alongside a main course: This platter works wonderfully as a side dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tacos.

Storage Tips

• For the guacamole: Guacamole is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container.
• For the veggies: Vegetables can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container or wrapped in damp paper towels in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, they’re best enjoyed within a few hours for maximum crunch.

The Bottom Line

This Guacamole & Veggie Platter is a fantastic addition to any party, snack time, or casual gathering. Not only is it delicious and nutritious, but it’s also easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your guests’ preferences. The creamy guacamole, paired with the fresh crunch of the veggies, is a combination that never fails to impress. Whether you’re a home cook looking for a fresh recipe or a party host aiming to create something special, this platter is sure to be a hit.

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