Garden Vegetable Spread (Printable Version)
Vibrant creamy spread of cucumber, bell pepper, carrot and herbs - ready in 15 minutes for crackers or sandwiches.
# What You Need:
→ Fresh Vegetables
01 - 1 cup finely diced cucumber, seeded and peeled
02 - 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
03 - 1/2 cup grated carrot
04 - 1/2 cup finely diced celery
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Dairy
06 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
07 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
→ Seasonings
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
# Directions:
01 - Finely dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and celery. Grate the carrot and thinly slice the green onions. Combine all prepared vegetables in a medium mixing bowl and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a spatula or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the Greek yogurt and continue mixing until fully incorporated and lump-free.
03 - Stir the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and dill into the cream base until evenly distributed.
04 - Add the prepared vegetable mixture to the seasoned cream base. Fold gently with a spatula until all vegetables are evenly coated and fully incorporated throughout the spread.
05 - Taste the spread and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired to balance the flavors.
06 - Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in fifteen minutes flat with zero cooking, which means you can make it while your guests are literally walking through the door.
- The texture is somewhere between a dip and a spread, making it the most versatile thing in your refrigerator all week long.
02 -
- Seeding the cucumber is non negotiable because excess moisture will turn your beautiful spread into a watery puddle overnight.
- The spread tastes significantly better after resting in the fridge because the vegetables release their juices into the cream cheese, creating a more cohesive flavor.
03 -
- Salt the diced cucumber lightly and let it sit in a strainer for ten minutes before mixing, then pat it dry with a paper towel to guarantee the spread stays thick and luscious.
- Use a hand mixer on low speed for the cream cheese but switch to a spatula when folding in the vegetables so you preserve those satisfying little chunks of crunch.