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–+ servings
Garden Vegetable Spread

Creamy Garden Vegetable Spread for Fresh Flavor Lovers

This Creamy Garden Vegetable Spread is a vibrant and customizable dish perfect for fresh flavor lovers, ideal for gatherings and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be substituted with any preferred cooking oil.
  • 0.5 cup Onion Finely chopped; yellow or sweet onions can be used for sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup Carrot Grated; substitute with additional bell pepper or zucchini for similar sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup Zucchini Finely diced; summer squash can be used as an alternative.
  • 0.25 cup Red Bell Pepper Finely diced; feel free to use any sweet pepper.
Flavoring
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; can be replaced with garlic powder (½ teaspoon).
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste as needed.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds warmth; freshly ground pepper is preferable.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning Adds herbal notes; swap for basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Paprika Provides smokiness; smoked paprika elevates flavor.
Creamy Consistency
  • 3 tablespoons Cream Cheese Softened; use dairy-free for a vegan option.
  • 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise Adds richness; swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 0.25 cup Mozzarella Cheese Finely shredded; omit for dairy-free or substitute with another cheese.
Freshness and Brightness
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Finely chopped; substitute with dill or chives.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice Brightens flavors; vinegar can serve as an alternative.

Equipment

  • Medium Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the Olive Oil: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a medium skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add onion, carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
  4. Cool the Mixture: Remove from heat and cool for 5-10 minutes to avoid melting cream cheese in the next step.
  5. Combine the Ingredients: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, parsley, and lemon juice.
  6. Mix Until Creamy: Use a spatula to mix until creamy and well-combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
  7. Chill the Spread: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve with warm pita, toasted baguette slices, or as part of a cheese platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavors. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

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