Fruit platters are a welcome addition to almost any social gathering. They're elegant enough to serve at a wedding party, but simple and healthy enough to suit a children's party. In this post, I'll walk you through how to assemble the perfect fruit platter complete with two easy-to-make fruit dips.
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Picture this: a vibrant and bountiful platter, brimming with a cornucopia of fresh fruits, ready to take center stage at your party. Platters are like party superheroes, swooping in with convenience and saving the day! With a platter, you can wave goodbye to the stress of individual portioning and focus on the fun of hosting.
The best part? Platters are eye-candy! They're the belle of the buffet, captivating guests with their mesmerizing displays of colorful foods. From crisp veggie platters to Mediterranean mezze grazing boards, to meat and dairy free charcuterie boards, party platters provide an exciting medley of tastes, making sure there's something for everyone.
Platters also adapt to any party style, from casual gatherings to fancy affairs, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. So, let the platter take center stage at your next soirée, and watch as it brings people together and elevates your party to epic heights!
🛒Ingredients For The Fruit Platter
- Strawberries: Strawberries are a no-brainer for a fruit platter. Either remove the stems and cut them in half, or for a more rustic look, leave the stems on and scatter whole berries around your board. For an alternative texture, you could also use dehydrated strawberries.
- Watermelon: If you can find a fresh watermelon that's seedless, that's the best option. You could also use dried watermelon.
- Kiwi Fruit: I used 4 kiwis for this board. Be sure to peel them before slicing them into rounds. I also made a kiwi flower. For instructions on how to make your own kiwi flower see this video.
- Blueberries: I like to put a handful of blueberries in a small dish and also scatter a handful around the fruit platter.
- Melon: I used honeydew melon, but any kind of melon will do. Cantaloupe is a great choice. You can either slice the melon into half moon shapes, or make melon balls using a melon baller.
- Grapes: Have you ever seen a fruit tray without grapes? That's because they're the perfect bite sized fruit and they look so elegant spread across your board. I used both green and purple grapes.
- Pineapple: Be sure to remove the prickly outer skin from your pineapple before cutting it into your desired shape. Half moons work well, as do triangles.
- Fresh Mint: Fresh mint leaves smell wonderful, and they make the perfect color accent. You can also use them to fill in any gaps on your platter.
🛒Ingredients For The Fruit Dip
These are the ingredients you'll need to make the fruit dips that I've used in this fruit platter. Below you'll see further suggestions for vegan dips that would complement this board well.
Creamy Vegan Fruit Dip
- Dairy-Free Yogurt: I used coconut yogurt, but any kind of vegan yogurt will work.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness, which counteracts yogurt's naturally sour flavor.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor. A good quality vanilla extract will really make a difference to the flavor.
Chocolate Hummus Dip
- Chickpeas: A 15 ounce can of chickpeas that have been washed and drained is the easiest way to go. You could, of course, also cook your own chickpeas.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is what I've used. I prefer it to using refined sugar, which can be non-vegan. For information on the suitability of maple syrup for a vegan diet, see this post: Is Maple Syrup Vegan?
- Peanut Butter: Use a creamy, smooth peanut butter. You could also use another nut butter like almond butter. For those that are allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter is a great substitute.
- Vanilla: As with the creamy vegan dip above, vanilla will add depth and complexity to your dip.
- Cocoa Powder: Choose a natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder. As long as it's unsweetened it will work in this recipe.
🍇What Is The Best Fruit To Use?
It probably goes without saying, but fresh fruit that's ripe is what you want to use for the most beautiful fruit platter. Seasonal fruit platters can also be beautiful.
- Figs: Figs are so beautiful and sculptural. They look beautiful cut in half.
- Raspberries: Another delicious berry option, raspberries bring a delicate sweetness and bright red color to your fruit platter. They're visually appealing too.
- Blackberries: With their deep purple hue and juicy texture, blackberries are a fantastic addition to a fruit platter. They have a slightly tart, earthy flavor that complements other fruits.
- Mango: Known for its tropical and juicy nature, mangoes can add a delightful sweetness and vibrant color to the fruit platter. Cut them into cubes or slices for easy consumption.
- Papaya: This tropical fruit has a unique flavor and a beautiful orange hue. Papaya's sweet and slightly musky taste pairs well with other fruits and adds a tropical touch to your fruit tray.
- Dragon Fruit: With its striking appearance, dragon fruit would be a visually captivating addition to any fruit platter.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Sprinkling pomegranate seeds over your fruit tray adds a pop of color and a burst of tangy sweetness. They also provide a delightful crunchy texture.
- Cherries: Whether sweet or tart, cherries are a classic fruit platter addition. Their vibrant colors and juicy texture make them visually appealing and delicious to enjoy.
- Grapefruit: Grapefruit has a tangy, slightly bitter taste that would add a different taste twist to your fruit platter. Serve them segmented or cut into smaller pieces for easy consumption.
🍌Fruits To Avoid
- Apples: Apples tend to brown quickly when exposed to air, so they may not be the best choice for a fruit tray unless you coat them with lemon juice or another acidic liquid to slow down the browning process.
- Bananas: Similar to apples, bananas can brown rapidly when sliced and exposed to air.
- Avocados: Avocados tend to oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. If you include them in a fruit platter, it's best to slice or dice them just before serving, and drizzle them with some lemon juice to slow down the oxidation process.
- Pears: Pears can ripen quickly and become soft or mushy, making them less suitable for a fruit platter unless you choose firm and slightly under ripe ones.
🔪How To Make A Fruit Platter
- Wash all the fruits thoroughly under cold running water.
- Hull and halve the strawberries. For a more rustic look, leave some of the strawberries with the stems on.
- Separate the grapes into small clusters.
- Cut the pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe into bite-sized pieces or cubes, removing the seeds and rinds. I used a melon baller to make melon balls, which I think adds a nice shape element to the fruit platter.
- Peel the kiwis and slice them into rounds.
- Rinse the berries.
- Arrange the fruits on a large platter or tray, creating an appealing display. Be sure to leave some room for your fruit dips, which we'll be making in the next step.
- In a small bowl, mix together the vegan yogurt, maple syrup or agave nectar, and vanilla extract to prepare the creamy vegan fruit dip. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- For the chocolate hummus dip, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, cocoa powder, maple syrup or agave nectar, almond butter or peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish the fruit platter with fresh mint leaves.
- Serve the fruit platter with the creamy vegan fruit dip and chocolate hummus dip on the side.
💡More Fruit Dips
Here's a few ideas for fruit dips that would be perfect for your platter. Choose one or create a variety to cater to different taste preferences.
- Coconut-Lime Dip: For a tropical twist, try a creamy coconut-lime dip. Start by refrigerating a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Once chilled, open the can and scoop out the solid coconut cream into a mixing bowl, leaving the liquid behind. To the coconut cream, add the zest and juice of one lime, along with some agave nectar or maple syrup for sweetness, and a touch of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until creamy and well combined. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. The coconut-lime dip adds a refreshing and tangy flavor to your fruit platter.
- Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip: If you're a fan of peanut butter, this dip is sure to be a winner. In a bowl, combine vegan yogurt (such as almond or soy yogurt) with smooth peanut butter, agave nectar or maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla extract. Whisk or stir the ingredients together until well blended and smooth. Creamy peanut butter pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the fruit. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cinnamon Date Dip: For a naturally sweet and spiced dip, try a cinnamon date dip. Begin by soaking pitted dates in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain them. In a food processor, combine the soaked dates with almond butter or cashew butter, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, ground cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla extract. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, adding more almond milk if needed to reach the desired consistency. The cinnamon and dates create a deliciously sweet and aromatic dip that pairs well with a variety of fruits. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
❄️Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
To make the fruit platter ahead of time, wash and prepare the fruits as specified in the recipe. Cut the larger fruits into bite-sized pieces and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep smaller fruits like grapes and berries in separate containers.
Before serving, arrange the fruits on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves. For the dips, prepare them in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, transfer the dips to serving bowls and place them alongside the fruit platter.
Storing Leftovers
Place the leftover fruit in one container and the dips in separate containers. Seal the containers tightly and put them in the fridge. It's best to consume the leftovers within 1-2 days to ensure the fruits stay fresh and the dips maintain their flavors and textures.
🙋🏻♀️Frequently Asked Questions
Fruits that are overly soft or easily bruised, such as bananas or peaches, should be avoided in a fruit platter to maintain the desired texture and presentation. Additionally, fruits that tend to oxidize quickly, like apples or avocados, are better served separately or treated with lemon juice to prevent browning. Finally, fruits with a short shelf life once cut, such as kiwis or persimmons, should be added to the fruit platter just before serving to maintain their freshness and appeal.
The amount of fruit needed for 30 guests will depend on several factors, including the type of fruits, portion sizes, and whether the fruit is the main focus or one of many food options. As a general guideline, plan for approximately 1-2 cups of mixed fruit per person, which would amount to around 30-60 cups of fruit for 30 guests. Consider the variety of fruits, their availability, and adjust the quantities based on your guests' preferences and the overall menu.
A typical fruit platter includes a variety of fresh and colorful fruits, showcasing a mix of flavors and textures. Common fruits found on a fruit platter may include strawberries, grapes, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, and berries. The selection often includes a combination of sliced or cubed fruits, such as melons and pineapple, along with smaller fruits like grapes and berries that can be served whole.
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📖 Recipe
How To Create A Stunning Fruit Platter {Fruit Tray}
Ingredients
- 1 pint strawberries
- 1 bunch grapes about 2 cups (a combination of different colors looks nice.)
- 1 small pineapple
- ½ small watermelon
- 1 small cantaloupe
- 4 kiwis
- 1 cup berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar optional, for drizzling
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Creamy Vegan Fruit Dip
- 1 cup vegan yogurt such as coconut or almond yogurt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Hummus Dip
- 1 15 ounce can (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Water as needed for desired consistency
Instructions
- Wash all the fruits thoroughly under cold running water.
- Hull and halve the strawberries. For a more rustic look, leave some of the strawberries with the stems on.
- Separate the grapes into small clusters.
- Cut the pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe into bite-sized pieces or cubes, removing the seeds and rinds.
- Peel the kiwis and slice them into rounds.
- Rinse the berries.
- Arrange the fruits on a large platter or tray, creating an appealing display.
- If desired, drizzle maple syrup or agave nectar over the fruits for added sweetness.
- In a small bowl, mix together the vegan yogurt, maple syrup or agave nectar, and vanilla extract to prepare the creamy vegan fruit dip. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- For the chocolate hummus dip, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, cocoa powder, maple syrup or agave nectar, almond butter or peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish the fruit platter with fresh mint leaves.
- Serve the fruit platter with the creamy vegan fruit dip and chocolate hummus dip on the side.
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