These veggie nuggets are so delicious and made with a simple combination of vegetables, oats, and flavorful spices. Everyone loves…
These veggie nuggets are so delicious and made with a simple combination of vegetables, oats, and flavorful spices. Everyone loves them (both kids and adults!), and they’re vegan and easily gluten-free. Dip into a fun sauce and enjoy as a meal or snack!
Why we love this recipe
We are always looking for dinner ideas over here—even as cookbook authors, we’re often stumped on what to make on any given date. Here’s a fun new idea that gets rave reviews at our house: veggie nuggets!
This homemade vegan version of chicken nuggets is made with a simple combination of frozen vegetables, spices, and oats. They’re so easy to whip up (no chopping involved), and they’re such a fun way to eat your veggies while also dipping them into a delicious sauce. They are a great dinner idea for kids and our kids go crazy for them: but I think Alex and I like them even more!
Ingredient notes for veggie nuggets
These veggie nuggets are so fun to make because they are so simple! This is a great project to make with kids because they can easily make them (it’s kind of like playing with play dough). But it’s not a kid-centered recipe either: they’re just as good for adults! It’s a fun way to eat your veggies, nugget-style.
Frozen mixed vegetables: Frozen vegetables are easiest here so no chopping is involved! Grab those bags of corn, carrots, peas and green beans. If you prefer, you can substitute the same volume of sauteed fresh vegetables (but we haven’t tested this).
Canned chickpeas: We recommend canned chickpeas for ease of this recipe: they also have a texture that works well. If you prefer, you can use 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas, but you may need to add a little water if the texture of the dough doesn’t come together. (This recipe is optimized for canned chickpeas).
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper: These seasonings make for a deliciously meaty flavor.
Old Fashioned rolled oats: Instead of flour, these nuggets are held together with oats! Do not substitute steel cut oats; they do not work in this recipe.
Panko: Panko (bread crumbs) make a crispy exterior for these veggie nuggets, which is a nice contrast to the soft interior. If desired, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe fully gluten-free.
Dipping sauces
Veggie nuggets are great on their own but best served with a dipping sauce. This makes the flavor pop and is a nice contrast to the nugget texture. Don’t expect them to taste just like chicken nuggets either: these are veggie-based and need a little sauce to take them to the next level. Here are a few sauce ideas:
Comeback sauce is a delicious combination of condiments that keeps you coming back for more.
These veggie nuggets last well refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop or in the oven until room temperature (they are best when room temperature, not hot because the texture can become mushy).
More dinner ideas
This veggie nuggets recipe is a fun healthy dinner idea we love to eat as a family! Here are a few other dinner ideas:
These veggie nuggets are vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze these veggie nuggets?
You can freeze the baked veggie nuggets for later (though we have not tested this option; attempt at your own risk). Allow them to cool completely before placing them on a parchment lined baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer safe container.
They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350F oven until warmed through.
Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the moisture content of different vegetables may affect the texture of the nuggets. For best results, we suggest using the frozen vegetables specified in the recipe.
Are these veggie nuggets kid-friendly?
Most definitely! The crispy texture and savory flavor of these veggie nuggets make them a hit with kids. You can also involve them in the preparation process for a fun and educational experience.
These veggie nuggets are so delicious and made with a simple combination of vegetables, oats, and flavorful spices. Everyone loves them (both kids and adults!), and they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan. Dip into a fun sauce and enjoy as a meal or snack!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
3 cups(12 ounces)frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas and green beans)
½ cup panko with 1 teaspoon olive oil, for coating (optional, or use gluten-free panko)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Sauté the vegetables, chickpeas, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, kosher salt, and pepper for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and the vegetables are evenly coated in spices.
Add the vegetables and the oats to a food processor. Pulse about 20 to 25 times until chunky but sticky paste forms, scraping down the bowl of the food processor as necessary.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the panko with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Gently form the dough into 1 ½ to 2 tablespoon-sized balls, then toss into the panko. Flatten into a nugget shape, patting so that the panko sticks to the nuggets.
Bake the veggie dippers for 30 minutes, then flip and cook 5 minutes more until golden brown on both sides. Remove to wire rack to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Serve with yogurt tahini sauce, dill dip, comeback sauce, or other dipping sauces if desired. Leftovers last well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Notes
For gluten-free, look for gluten-free panko. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers.
Bacon Wrapped Pickles
More pickles, please! These smoked Bacon Wrapped Pickles are the perfect snack or appetizer for keto, gluten free, or low carb lifestyles. Salty spears stuffed with cream cheese and baked sandwich-style will always be a hit when w…
More pickles, please! These smoked Bacon Wrapped Pickles are the perfect snack or appetizer for keto, gluten free, or low carb lifestyles. Salty spears stuffed with cream cheese and baked sandwich-style will always be a hit when wrapped in smoky meat slices. Easy Bacon Wrapped Pickles AKA Pickle Fries This Bacon-Wrapped Pickles recipe may be…
This vegan chickpea salad sandwich (no mayo!) is the perfect tuna salad alternative. Served with avocado and roasted carrots, it’s a great meal prep idea that’s full of tangy flavor. Gluten-free, oil-free, super easy. We’re going back to basics today,…
This vegan chickpea salad sandwich (no mayo!) is the perfect tuna salad alternative. Served with avocado and roasted carrots, it's a great meal prep idea that's full of tangy flavor. Gluten-free, oil-free, super easy. We're going back to basics today, folks. Like, really basic. Because after all, the only thing your heart and soul wants is a...
Here are all our top veggie tray ideas for a next level party platter! These tasty dips and vegetables go…
Here are all our top veggie tray ideas for a next level party platter! These tasty dips and vegetables go beyond the ordinary carrots and celery to make a colorful, flavorful tray that will impress everyone.
Why we love this recipe
Want to make a veggie tray but tired of the same old thing? As two cookbook authors, we’ve put together a few of our top veggie tray ideas for a crowd-pleasing party platter! Every time we bring a variation on this tray to parties, everyone goes crazy over the bright colors and tasty dips.
Here’s the thing: there’s not too much needed to take those ordinary carrots and celery from blah to amazing. Our 3 best tricks? Play up the vegetable color and texture contrasts, make our dill dip recipe that takes just 5 minutes, and go for steamed broccoli instead of raw: it makes everyone happy!
Veggie tray ideas: best vegetables to use
Sure, everyone knows carrots and celery. But what are some veggie tray ideas that make for a next-level tray? Use as many colors as possible. Here are some tips that we follow every time we build a tray:
Carrots: Avoid baby carrots. Peel and slice medium to large carrots for the best flavor. Use rainbow carrots if you can find them for brightly colored look!
Broccoli: Use steamed broccoli or blanched broccoli, lightly salted, which makes a more tender texture and sweet flavor. It also makes a beautiful bright green color. Everyone always raves when we do this trick!
Bell peppers: Use red, orange, yellow or a combination for the best look. Mini sweet peppers also look nice.
Cucumber: We like using English cucumber, which has the best flavor and bright green color. The peel is less bitter and the seeds are smaller than a standard cucumber.
Snap peas: Snap peas are always a favorite, with their sweet flavor and crunch. Avoid snow peas here, which are thinner and less sweet.
Celery: Celery still works, when surrounded by these colors and textures.
Cherry tomatoes: Use multi-colored tomatoes if you can find them.
Radishes: Using radishes brings in a nice bright pink color contrast! We like slicing them for easy eating.
What to avoid on a veggie tray? Raw cauliflower is often a popular choice, but we find its flavor is very strong and it can be hard to digest. We avoid it on a veggie tray, or you could make steamed cauliflower first.
More vegetable ideas
There are lots more vegetable ideas for a veggie tray! Here are a few more ideas:
Our favorite dip idea for a veggie tray is our simple dill dip! This recipe requires just 5 ingredients in comes together in 5 minutes. It’s nice to use at least two dips, which provides some contrasting flavors and makes for a more interesting veggie tray.
Here are all of our top dip ideas, and a little bit about why we love them:
Dill dip: This classic Dill Dip uses mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and big fill flavor. Alternative options are Ranch Dip, Veggie Dip, or Vegan Ranch.
Half the fun of a veggie tray is making it look beautifully enticing (we eat with our eyes, right?) As two cookbook authors and food photographers, we’ve spent years trying to perfect this art. Here are a few things we’ve learned:
Start with the dips in low, small bowls. Place the dips onto the tray first.
Place piles of vegetables around the dips, playing up contrasts in textures and colors. Place different colored vegetables next to each other, and make different patterns with the shapes.
Garnish with herbs. We like adding a little fun with fresh herbs like basil or thyme sprigs to add interest.
Storing leftovers and make ahead tips
A veggie tray is easy to make in advance. Here are a few of our tips:
Wash and cut the vegetables in advance (including steaming or blanching the broccoli or green beans).
Store cut vegetables up to 3 days refrigerated.
Make the dips in advance and store up to 1 week refrigerated.
This veggie tray is vegetarian and gluten-free, and dairy-free and vegan with vegan dips like hummus or the options noted above.
Frequently asked questions
What are some unique vegetable options for a veggie tray besides the usual carrots and celery?
Consider adding colorful and interesting vegetables like snap peas, radishes, bell pepper strips, jicama sticks, kohlrabi, blanched asparagus, or even roasted vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted sweet potatoes.
What are some healthy dips to pair with a veggie tray?
Hummus, guacamole, tzatziki, black bean dip, and white bean dip are all delicious and nutritious options. You can also try making your own yogurt-based dip with herbs and spices.
How can I keep vegetables fresh on a veggie tray?
To keep vegetables fresh, store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you’re preparing the tray in advance, consider using a damp paper towel to cover the vegetables and keep them from drying out. You can also wrap individual vegetables in damp paper towels and store them in a sealed container until ready to assemble.
Here are all our top veggie tray ideas for a next level party platter! These tasty dips and vegetables go beyond the ordinary carrots and celery to make a colorful, flavorful tray that will impress everyone.
Tortellini pasta salad is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a salad that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. This recipe brings together tr…
Tortellini pasta salad is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a salad that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. This recipe brings together tri-color cheese tortellini, salami, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, creating a vibrant…
Oven roasted corn with chili lime butter. The sweet corn and spicy butter makes the perfect summer side dish. Summer = all things sweet corn. One of my fond memories of summers past was getting sweet corn from my grandpa’s garden. And if he didn&…
Oven roasted corn with chili lime butter. The sweet corn and spicy butter makes the perfect summer side dish. Summer = all things sweet corn. One of my fond memories of summers past was getting sweet corn from my grandpa’s garden. And if he didn’t have enough, we’d drive down the road a mile or…
Refrigerator Dill Pickles
This easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles recipe is the perfect way to preserve your raw cucumbers. So simple to make with fresh dill, garlic, and plenty of spices, these spears are crispy and crunchy and have a delicious tangy tast…
This easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles recipe is the perfect way to preserve your raw cucumbers. So simple to make with fresh dill, garlic, and plenty of spices, these spears are crispy and crunchy and have a delicious tangy taste. Pucker up, pickle fans! Our Refrigerator Dill Pickles are filled with fresh flavor and taste so…
Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
This easy Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad summer side has it all – it’s healthy, flavorful, and filled with pretty pops of color. Loaded with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, sliced onions, feta…
This easy Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad summer side has it all – it’s healthy, flavorful, and filled with pretty pops of color. Loaded with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, sliced onions, feta crumbles, and tossed in a light and refreshing dressing, a cool salad recipe this simple should be required at every warm weather…
Fried Green Tomatoes
Bring the tangy, tart, traditional taste of Southern Fried Green Tomatoes to your own home without traveling down-state. What could be better than tomato slices seasoned, battered, and fried until golden brown so they’re cris…
Bring the tangy, tart, traditional taste of Southern Fried Green Tomatoes to your own home without traveling down-state. What could be better than tomato slices seasoned, battered, and fried until golden brown so they’re crispy on the outside and tender in the middle? Not from the South? Me neither! I’ll show you how you can…
Jennifer Anistons Salad
Learn how to make the lettuce-less viral Jennifer Anistons Salad recipe that’s been trending on TikTok. Filled with quinoa, cucumber, pistachios, chickpeas, feta, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a light lemony dressing, thi…
Learn how to make the lettuce-less viral Jennifer Anistons Salad recipe that’s been trending on TikTok. Filled with quinoa, cucumber, pistachios, chickpeas, feta, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a light lemony dressing, this gluten free salad is packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats and tons of nutrition. This Friends star knows how to fuel…
Prep Time: 15 minutes 
Yield: 4 servings 
Print Recipe
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
