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–+ servings
Garden Vegetable Spread

Creamy Garden Vegetable Spread for Fresh Flavorful Snacking

This Creamy Garden Vegetable Spread is a healthy and customizable dip perfect for snacking, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with any neutral oil if desired.
  • 1 Finely Chopped Onion Yellow or white onion works best.
  • 1 Grated Carrot Can swap with finely chopped celery.
  • 1 Finely Diced Zucchini Substitute with cucumbers for a lighter twist.
  • 1 Finely Diced Red Bell Pepper Other bell pepper colors also work beautifully.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Adjust for less intensity.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Freshly ground is highly recommended.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can elevate flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika Consider using smoked paprika.
For Creaminess
  • 8 ounces Softened Cream Cheese Full-fat is preferable.
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative.
  • 1 cup Finely Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Can be omitted for a lighter spread.
For Fresh Zing
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Substitute with dill or chives.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Lime juice can provide a zesty alternative.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • electric mixer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 grated carrot, 1 finely diced zucchini, and 1 finely diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat and cool the vegetable mixture for about 5 minutes. Then transfer to a mixing bowl.
  4. Add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice into the mixing bowl. Blend until smooth and well-combined.
  5. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve with fresh veggies, pita bread, or crackers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes after preparing.

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