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relish tray

Create a Stunning Relish Tray for Your Next Gathering

A vibrant relish tray featuring fresh vegetables, cheeses, and pickles, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course appetizers
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • platter
  • - Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

For the Vegetables

  • 1 bunch celery cut into 3–4-inch pieces
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and cut
  • 1 large cucumber sliced into rounds
  • 6 radishes halved if large
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes juicy and sweet
  • 1 cup bell pepper strips
  • 1 cup broccoli or cauliflower florets
  • 4 green onions or scallions

For the Pickles & Olives

  • 1 cup dill pickle spears or chips
  • 1 cup sweet gherkins or bread-and-butter pickles
  • 1 cup cornichons optional
  • 1 cup green olives Castelvetrano or queen olives
  • 1 cup black olives
  • 1 cup pickled peppers, pepperoncini
  • 1 cup pickled onions or okra optional
  • 1 cup marinated mushrooms
  • 1 cup pickled beets

For the Protein & Cheese

  • 1 cup pepperoni or salami optional
  • 2 cups cheese cubes cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss

For Serving

  • 1 whole lemon cut into wedges

Instructions
 

How to Make a Relish Tray

  • Choose your platter: Start by selecting the right base for your masterpiece—a large oval platter, sheet pan, or divided tray will do nicely.
  • Wash and dry: Rinse all your vegetables under cold water, ensuring they are fresh and clean. Pat them dry with a towel, making it easier for your relish tray to shine.
  • Cut the veggies: Slice your vegetables into grab-and-go sticks or spears, keeping them similar in size for uniformity while arranging.
  • Drain pickles and olives: Pour out excess liquid from your pickles and olives, gently patting them dry to avoid sogginess on the tray.
  • Set the dip: Place your chosen dip in a small bowl and position it either in the center or at one side of your platter for easy access.
  • Arrange in sections: Neatly arrange your ingredients in sections, grouping each item in its own little mound around the dip to create an eye-catching layout.
  • Mix for color: Position wetter items toward the edges of the platter, and play around with colors for an attractive and classic look that invites everyone to dig in.
  • Garnish & serve: Add fresh herb sprigs for a pop of freshness and include a small spoon or fork for guests to help themselves to olives and pickles easily.

Notes

Always choose the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Consider adding a variety of dips for more options.
Keyword gathering, party food, relish tray, snack platter, vegetable tray