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Garden Vegetable Spread

Garden Vegetable Spread: Creamy, Quick Goodness for Everyone

Prepare a vibrant Garden Vegetable Spread that's creamy, quick, and a healthy alternative bursting with garden-fresh goodness.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Feel free to use any neutral oil if preferred.
  • 3 tablespoons Cream Cheese Low-fat cream cheese can be used, though texture may vary.
  • 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
For the Veggies
  • 1 Finely Chopped Onion Substitute green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 Grated Carrot No substitutions needed.
  • 1 Finely Diced Zucchini Opt for cucumber for a lighter version.
  • 1 Finely Diced Red Bell Pepper Any color bell pepper can be used.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder works as an alternative in a pinch.
For Seasoning
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt Can be reduced for low-sodium diets.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to taste preferences.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning Substitute with individual herbs like oregano or basil.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Paprika Use smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
For the Finish
  • 0.25 cup Finely Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Any soft cheese works as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley Basil or dill can also be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice Vinegars can substitute if needed.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garden Vegetable Spread
  1. Heat the Oil: In a medium skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Stirring occasionally, let the oil shimmer for about 1 minute.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 grated carrot, 1 finely diced zucchini, and 1 finely diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. Season the Mixture: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Cool Down the Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside to cool for about 5 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled vegetable mixture with 3 tablespoons of cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of finely shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
  6. Mix Until Creamy: Using a spatula or a hand mixer, blend the mixture until creamy and well combined, roughly 2–3 minutes.
  7. Chill for Flavor Development: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the cream cheese to sit out for about 30 minutes for easier mixing. Cook vegetables fully but do not brown them.

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