Modern Relish Tray

by

A Modern Relish Tray is a fresh, stylish take on the classic appetizer platter, featuring a vibrant mix of pickled, fresh, and marinated vegetables, along with olives, dips, and gourmet extras. This beautifully arranged tray is the perfect blend of crunchy, tangy, and savory flavors, making it an elegant addition to any gathering.

I first put together a Modern Relish Tray when I wanted a light and refreshing appetizer that felt elevated yet simple to prepare. The mix of briny olives, crisp radishes, marinated artichokes, and colorful peppers created the perfect variety of textures and flavors. Paired with hummus, spicy mustard, or a creamy dip, it quickly became a crowd favorite.

What’s great about a Modern Relish Tray is how customizable it is. You can add nuts, cheeses, or even cured meats for extra variety, or swap in unique ingredients like pickled asparagus or roasted red peppers. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, dinner party, or casual get-together, this updated classic is sure to impress!

Perfect for:

  • Holiday gatherings
  • Dinner parties
  • Casual get-togethers
  • Charcuterie board lovers
  • Health-conscious snackers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Modern Relish Tray will become a staple in your entertaining routine:

  • Beautiful Presentation: The combination of vibrant vegetables and elegant plating makes this tray a visual delight.
  • Endless Customization: Mix and match ingredients based on seasonal produce and personal preferences.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from fresh veggies and nuts.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Appeals to a variety of tastes, from crisp and tangy to creamy and salty.
  • Easy to Prepare: Requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether casual or formal, this tray fits any setting.
  • Great for Snacking: A light and refreshing option that won’t weigh you down.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance for stress-free hosting.
  • Pairs Well with Other Appetizers: Complements cheeses, charcuterie, and dips.
  • Gluten-Free and Vegan Options: Naturally accommodates various dietary preferences.

Preparation and Assembly Time

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Fiber: 5g, Carbs: 18g, Protein: 4g, Healthy Fats: 8g

Ingredients

Fresh Vegetables:

  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber slices
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup radish slices
  • 1 cup celery sticks
  • 1 cup snap peas

Pickled Items:

  • ½ cup dill pickles
  • ½ cup pickled onions
  • ½ cup pickled jalapeños
  • ½ cup marinated olives

Dips and Spreads:

  • ½ cup hummus
  • ½ cup tzatziki
  • ½ cup spicy mustard

Crunchy Additions:

  • ½ cup roasted almonds
  • ½ cup cashews
  • ½ cup seasoned pretzels

Ingredient Highlights

  • Fresh Vegetables: Provide crunch, natural sweetness, and a refreshing contrast to dips.
  • Pickled Items: Add tangy, briny flavors that enhance the overall taste.
  • Nuts and Pretzels: Offer a satisfying crunch and salty balance.
  • Hummus and Tzatziki: Creamy and flavorful dips that complement every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Wash and Slice Vegetables: Rinse all fresh vegetables thoroughly. Slice cucumbers, radishes, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Arrange Pickled Items: Drain any excess liquid from pickles, onions, and jalapeños before placing them in small bowls.
  3. Portion Dips: Spoon hummus, tzatziki, and mustard into separate serving dishes.
  4. Add Nuts and Pretzels: Place almonds, cashews, and pretzels in small sections of the tray.

Assemble the Relish Tray:

  1. Choose a Serving Platter: Select a large wooden board, ceramic platter, or tiered tray for an eye-catching display.
  2. Arrange Vegetables: Place crisp vegetables in groups, alternating colors for visual appeal.
  3. Position Pickled Items: Distribute pickled ingredients evenly across the tray to balance flavors.
  4. Add Dips: Set dip bowls strategically among the vegetables.
  5. Sprinkle Crunchy Additions: Fill gaps with nuts and pretzels for texture contrast.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Present: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a final decorative touch. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Modern Relish Tray:

  • As a Starter: Serve before the main course to whet the appetite.
  • With a Cheese Board: Pair with assorted cheeses for an elevated charcuterie experience.
  • At Brunch: A fresh and light side for breakfast gatherings.
  • For Game Night: A healthier alternative to traditional party snacks.
  • With Crackers: Add whole-grain crackers for extra crunch.
  • As a Picnic Snack: Portable and easy to transport for outdoor dining.
  • For Meal Prep: Pack individual portions for quick and healthy snacking.
  • As a Holiday Side: A festive and colorful addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas spreads.
  • At a Summer BBQ: A cooling contrast to grilled meats and heavier dishes.

Additional Tips

  • Mix Textures & Flavors – Balance crisp, crunchy vegetables with creamy dips, briny pickles, and savory olives for variety.
  • Use Small Bowls – Contain juicy or brined items like olives, pickled onions, or marinated artichokes in small bowls to prevent spreading.
  • Incorporate Unusual Pickles – Go beyond classic cucumbers with pickled asparagus, spicy carrots, or fermented kimchi for a modern twist.
  • Add a Dip or Spread – Offer a complementary dip such as hummus, whipped feta, or a tangy yogurt-based dressing to enhance flavors.
  • Vary the Shapes – Slice some vegetables into spears, others into rounds or ribbons for a visually appealing presentation.
  • Include Roasted or Marinated Veggies – Roasted peppers, balsamic mushrooms, or herbed artichokes add depth and a gourmet touch.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs – A sprinkle of dill, parsley, or microgreens can make the tray look more vibrant and inviting.
  • Offer a Crunchy Element – Add nuts, crispy chickpeas, or seasoned pita chips to contrast with softer textures.
  • Choose a Stylish Serving Board – Use a sleek ceramic platter, rustic wooden board, or tiered tray to elevate the presentation.
  • Keep It Seasonal – Use fresh, in-season produce for the best flavors and colors, like heirloom tomatoes in summer or radishes in spring.

Recipe Variations

  • Mediterranean Mezze – Swap pickles for marinated olives, roasted red peppers, hummus, and tzatziki. Serve with pita chips or warm naan.
  • Spicy & Bold – Add pickled jalapeños, kimchi, wasabi peas, and spicy dilly beans. Pair with pepper jack cheese and hot mustard.
  • Farmers’ Market Fresh – Highlight seasonal veggies like heirloom cherry tomatoes, rainbow carrots, watermelon radishes, and sugar snap peas. Serve with herb-infused yogurt dip.
  • Cheese & Charcuterie Hybrid – Mix in aged cheddar, brie, prosciutto, and salami alongside pickled onions, gherkins, and whole grain mustard.
  • Southern-Style – Include pickled okra, bread-and-butter pickles, deviled eggs, pimento cheese, and boiled peanuts. Serve with buttermilk crackers.
  • Briny & Umami-Rich – Feature caper berries, marinated mushrooms, anchovy-stuffed olives, and fermented vegetables. Serve with dark rye crisps.
  • Sweet & Savory – Balance the saltiness with candied nuts, honey-drizzled goat cheese, fig jam, and pickled peaches.
  • Korean-Inspired – Offer an assortment of kimchi varieties, spicy pickled daikon, seaweed salad, and sesame-roasted almonds.
  • Tex-Mex Twist – Include pickled red onions, roasted corn salsa, guacamole, queso fresco, and tortilla chips for dipping.
  • Scandinavian Smörgåsbord – Arrange pickled herring, cucumber salad, lingonberry preserves, dill-infused sour cream, and crispbread.

Special Equipment

  • Large Serving Platter: For arranging ingredients attractively.
  • Small Bowls: To hold dips and pickled items.
  • Sharp Knife: For precise slicing of vegetables.
  • Tongs or Skewers: For easy serving.
  • Herbs for Garnish: To add a decorative finishing touch.

FAQ Section

  1. What is a modern relish tray?
    A modern relish tray is a fresh take on the classic appetizer platter, featuring an assortment of pickled vegetables, fresh produce, dips, and gourmet accompaniments like olives, nuts, and artisan cheeses.
  2. What are the best vegetables to include?
    Great options include cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, carrots, snap peas, and bell pepper strips. Adding pickled or marinated veggies like asparagus, green beans, and beets enhances the flavor variety.
  3. How do I make my relish tray visually appealing?
    Use a mix of colors, shapes, and textures. Arrange items in small groups, include different heights with small bowls for dips or olives, and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
  4. What dips pair well with a relish tray?
    Classic choices include hummus, tzatziki, ranch dressing, and whipped feta. You can also add tapenade or grainy mustard for a sophisticated twist.
  5. Can I add fruit to a relish tray?
    Yes! Grapes, figs, dried apricots, or sliced apples can balance the salty and tangy flavors of the other components.
  6. How far in advance can I prepare a relish tray?
    You can prep ingredients up to a day ahead. Keep cut vegetables in airtight containers with a damp paper towel to maintain freshness. Assemble the tray just before serving.
  7. What are some unique additions for a modern twist?
    Consider marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, candied nuts, or flavored olives. Adding a small selection of gourmet cheeses can elevate the presentation.
  8. How do I serve a relish tray for different occasions?
    For casual gatherings, serve on a wooden board with rustic bowls.
  9. Can I make a relish tray vegan or gluten-free?
    Absolutely! Stick to fresh vegetables, pickles, olives, and dairy-free dips like hummus or guacamole.

Conclusion

Modern Relish Tray is a fresh and stylish twist on the classic appetizer platter, featuring a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, briny pickles, marinated olives, and flavorful dips. This updated version goes beyond traditional pickles and celery sticks, incorporating gourmet elements like roasted peppers, artisan cheeses, spiced nuts, and fresh herbs for a visually stunning and delicious spread.

This tray is easy to customize—add prosciutto or smoked salmon for a touch of elegance, include hummus or tzatziki for dipping, or mix in seasonal veggies for extra color and variety. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, brunch, or cocktail party, this modern relish tray is sure to impress!

I can’t wait to see how your Modern Relish Tray turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!