Garden Vegetable Spread Recipe
This Garden Vegetable Spread is a fresh, colorful, and creamy blend of sautéed garden vegetables combined with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and mozzarella. Perfect as a versatile spread for sandwiches, crackers, wraps, and snack boards, it offers a vibrant and savory flavor that is both comforting and light, ideal for quick dinners or special gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups, serving 6-8 as a spread 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup grated carrot
- ½ cup finely diced zucchini
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Dairy and Herbs
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¼ cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Additional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil to prepare for sautéing the vegetables, ensuring even cooking and flavor development.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add chopped onion, grated carrot, diced zucchini, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and excess moisture evaporates.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried Italian seasoning, and paprika. Continue cooking for 1 more minute to release their aromas and integrate the flavors.
- Cool the mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the cooked vegetable mixture to cool slightly to prevent melting the dairy when combined.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the cooled vegetables into a mixing bowl, then add softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
- Mix until creamy: Thoroughly mix all ingredients together until achieving a smooth, creamy, and well-combined spread with a lightly chunky texture.
- Chill before serving: Cover the spread and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up for optimal serving.
Notes
- For a thicker texture, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
- Low-fat cream cheese can be used but may yield a thinner spread.
- Adjust vegetables based on what’s available in your garden or fridge for versatility.
- This spread stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing is not recommended as the dairy components may separate upon thawing.
- The spread is served cold or at room temperature; no reheating is needed.
- To add heat, incorporate chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
Keywords: garden vegetable spread, creamy vegetable spread, vegetable dip, cream cheese spread, easy appetizer, healthy spread, sandwich spread, snack board dip
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/garden-vegetable-spread-recipe/
