Relish trays have graduated from Grandma’s go-to appetizer to a modern crowd-pleaser. Unlike charcuterie boards, which spotlight cured meats, relish trays lean into crisp produce for a lighter spread. Think of them as a no-cook canvas: bright pickles, raw or blanched veggies, a swipe of creamy dip, plus a few wedges of sharp cheese and whole-grain crackers. Everything can be prepped quickly or ahead of time, then arranged just before guests arrive, so you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering or adding color to your holiday buffet, recipes like our Chopped Waldorf Salad Dip and our Cucumber Cream Cheese Rolls deserve a spot on your relish tray this season.
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Chopped Waldorf Salad Dip
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
This easy dip takes all the flavors of a Waldorf salad and transforms them into a scoopable bite. From the crunchy celery and tart apple to the sweet grapes, this dip pairs well with your favorite crackers or cut veggies. Swap the walnuts for another toasted nut like pecans or almonds.
Feta & Cherry-Tomato Appetizer Board
Photographer: Kyle Carpenter, Food: Giovanna Vazquez, Props: Keoshia McGhee
With just a few simple ingredients like feta and cherry tomatoes, this no-cook appetizer is as effortless as it is impressive. The playful checkerboard pattern doesn’t just look fun—it also makes this easy to serve on its own with toothpicks or baguette on the side.
High-Protein Caesar Dip
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
This versatile high-protein dip is the perfect companion for your favorite veggies. Made with strained (Greek-style) yogurt and sour cream and blended with Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce, it’s reminiscent of the flavors in Caesar salad dressing.
Cucumber Cream Cheese Roll
Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Try this refreshing cucumber cream cheese roll as an easy appetizer. We wrap thin slices of cucumber around cream cheese mixed with fresh chives and dill. You can easily swap out the fresh herbs in exchange for your favorites or, for more of a shortcut, just use flavored cream cheese.
Ranch Roasted Chickpeas
Ali Redmond
These ranch-flavored roasted chickpeas are a savory snack that delivers the familiar tangy-herb taste of ranch dressing. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and dried herbs, they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Quick Pickled Beets
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
For these easy pickled beets, you only need to let them marinate in the pickling mixture for about 30 minutes to get great flavor. Marinating them longer just enhances the taste. Try them in place of cucumber pickles as a condiment or as a vegetable side dish for roasted chicken or beef.
Marry Me-Inspired Dip
Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
Tangy sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of acidity and make this creamy bean dip reminiscent of Marry Me Chicken. We use carrots, peppers, radishes and snap peas for dunking, but you can use your favorite crunchy veggies.
Tzatziki Cucumber Slices
Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
These cucumber slices offer a refreshing, quick appetizer with just three ingredients. The crispness of the cucumbers complements the creamy, tangy tzatziki, creating a light and flavorful bite.
White Bean–Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Mini bell peppers are the perfect vessel for delivering creamy bean dip with a crunchy chickpea topping in this easy snack. Crunchy chickpeas are easy to make at home, or you can buy them already prepared.
Cucumber Salmon Bites
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
These 3-ingredient cucumber salmon bites are a tasty appetizer that comes together easily. If you have a bit more time and a few extra ingredients at your disposal, try enhancing the cream cheese with chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives.
Baked Feta & Olive Dip
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
This dip hits all the marks: creamy, rich and a perfect complement to bread, crackers or crudités. The tomatoes burst as they roast and release their juices, which combine with the softened feta, cream cheese and briny mixed olives. Red pepper flakes add a little heat, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dip.
Spiced Roasted Walnuts
Photographer: Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while spices like cinnamon and ginger can further support the anti-inflammatory benefits. These walnuts are not only a flavorful, crunchy snack on their own, but also a great topping for salads.
Pickled Tuna Salad
Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
This pickled tuna salad gets its flavor from chopped dill pickles and uses the pickle brine to enhance the flavor. Serve it on a slice of toasted whole-wheat bread, on crackers or with crisp veggies for an easy snack.
Rosemary-Garlic Pecans
Jennifer Causey
These savory spiced nuts are perfect for snacking, adding to a cheese board or serving as a mini appetizer.
Dill Pickle Dip
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
If you’re a dill pickle lover, this dip recipe is calling your name. It uses both dill pickles and their pickle juice that would normally languish in a jar in your fridge or get tossed. The fresh zing from actual dill makes this dip perfect to serve with veggie chips or straight-up veggies that have been lightly blanched and chilled.
Avocado Hummus
This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn’t be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.
Pizza Pistachios
Jennifer Causey
Nutritional yeast mimics the flavor of cheese, lending a pizza-like flavor to these playful spiced pistachios.
Lemon, Mint & White Bean Dip
EatingWell
This quick, healthy dip is an easy appetizer or snack. If you don’t have cannellini beans, chickpeas work just as well. Serve this tasty dip alongside veggies, crackers, pita or pretzels.
Garlic Hummus
This garlic hummus recipe couldn’t be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away!
Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
Diana Chistruga
Try this satisfying snack instead of nuts. The tasty legumes are lower in calories and packed with fiber.
Easy Black Bean Dip
Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor to this creamy black bean dip.
