Truth be told, when someone said “crudités,” my brain used to go straight to a sad paper plate of raw carrots and celery next to a tub of Kraft ranch dressing. Not exactly thrilling.

But years ago, I went to lunch with my mom at True Food Kitchen in Pasadena—a health-forward, seasonal restaurant that puts a creative spin on wellness dishes—and she insisted, insisted, that I try their crudités platter. I was skeptical. Cold veggies? For lunch? But she was on one of her “just try it, you’ll thank me later” kicks… and she was right

What they brought to the table was stunning. A mountain of vibrant, super-crisp vegetables nestled in crushed ice, surrounding this rich, earthy, deep purple olive dip (because let’s be real, “sauce” doesn’t do it justice). It was briny, savory, garlicky, punchy—in a way I didn’t know vegetables could be elevated. And from that moment, I was converted.

Naturally, I had to recreate it at home.

Why I Love This Fancy Crudités Platter

This is not your average veggie tray. It’s elegant but effortless, snacky but sophisticated. Think: crunchy daikon radish, sweet snap peas, crisp endive, tender blanched asparagus, baby cucumbers, multicolored carrots—all chilled and served with the most drool-worthy kalamata olive spread you’ve ever had.

The Dip That Steals the Show

The dip? It’s the real star here. A briny, bold kalamata olive spread made with garlic, anchovies (don’t skip them—they add this deep, savory umami), a splash of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a generous handful of grated parmesan. The cheese melts into the mix and gives the whole thing a salty, nutty backbone that balances the tang of the olives beautifully.

The result is complex, punchy, and spoon-worthy. I legit keep a jar of this in my fridge to spread on everything from toast to grilled chicken.

A Platter for Any Occasion

This dish is incredibly versatile—whether you’re:

• Hosting a summer brunch
• Setting out a snack board for friends
• Wanting a fresh, light lunch or appetizer
• Or just need something to feel fancy on a Tuesday afternoon

It’s also a dream for meal prep. Keep the dip in the fridge and grab crunchy veg all week.

Veggies That Work Beautifully:

• Daikon radishes (sliced into batons)
• Rainbow carrots (peeled and halved lengthwise)
• Persian cucumbers
• Snap peas
• Endive leaves
• Blanched green beans or asparagus
• Cherry tomatoes
• Watermelon radish
• Sliced fennel
• Jicama

You can build this platter with what you love, what’s in season, or what’s already in your crisper drawer.

Ready to Try It?

If you’ve been burned by sad veggie platters in the past, let this be your redemption story. This fancy crudités platter is the one to try when you want to feel elevated and refreshed. Perfect for warm days, dinner parties, or just treating yourself.

And if you make it? Tag me @lifewithryan.co so I can admire your vegetable artistry.

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