A tray of vegetables can look abundant and still leave people wondering what to put underneath it. A soft base catches the juices and makes the meal easier to eat.
Choose hummus, mashed white beans, couscous, or another grain that fits the vegetables and guests. Season the base independently. Roasted carrots do not automatically give flavor to every spoonful of plain grain beneath them.
Add one fresh or sharp element, such as a lemon dressing or a small salad. Keep the dressing suitable for the whole table, with alternatives clearly identified if needed.
Serve the components in shallow bowls or on a platter that allows people to reach both vegetables and base. Height may look impressive in a photograph, but a modest layer is usually easier to share without sending half the meal onto the tablecloth.