Garden Vegetable Spread 🌿🥕🥒
This is a fresh, vibrant, and versatile spread made from garden vegetables. It works perfectly as a dip, sandwich spread, or topping for crackers and toast.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
-
1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
-
1 cup zucchini, chopped
-
1 small bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), chopped
-
½ cup onion, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 Tbsp olive oil
-
¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
-
2 tsp lemon juice
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Optional herbs: parsley, dill, or chives
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Cook the vegetables
-
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
-
Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
-
Add carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper, cooking 5–7 minutes until tender but not mushy.
-
Let cool slightly.
-
-
Blend into a spread
-
Transfer cooked vegetables to a food processor.
-
Add mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs.
-
Blend until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on preference.
-
-
Adjust seasoning
-
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
-
-
Serve
-
Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
-
Serve with crackers, bread, sandwiches, or raw veggies.
-
🌟 Pro Tips
-
Roasted flavor: Roast vegetables in the oven instead of sautéing for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
-
Make-ahead: Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
-
Texture: For chunkier texture, pulse vegetables lightly instead of fully blending.
-
Extra zing: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
🔄 Variations
-
Mediterranean: Add roasted red peppers, olives, and a touch of feta cheese.
-
Herb-forward: Use fresh basil, thyme, or oregano.
-
Spicy: Add roasted jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
-
Vegan: Use a plant-based mayo or avocado instead of regular mayonnaise.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
-
Spread on sandwiches or wraps
-
Dip for crudités or pita chips
-
Topping for grilled chicken or fish
-
Spread on toast for breakfast or snacks
I can also make a “super creamy, no-cook garden vegetable spread” version that’s raw, fast, and keeps all the nutrients intact.