Garden Vegetable Spread (Printable Version)
Creamy, herb-flecked spread packed with fresh garden vegetables, ready in just 15 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dairy & Base
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small carrot, finely grated
04 - 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 cucumber, seeded and finely chopped
06 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
07 - 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
→ Seasonings & Flavorings
09 - 1 clove garlic, minced
10 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
11 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp fresh lemon zest
13 - 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
# How to Make:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Stir vigorously with a spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
02 - Add the grated carrot, chopped bell pepper, cucumber, spring onions, parsley, chives, and minced garlic to the bowl.
03 - Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Fold all ingredients together until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
04 - Taste the spread and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to suit your preference.
05 - Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
06 - Transfer the chilled spread to a serving dish and accompany with crackers, toasted bread, or use as a flavorful sandwich filling.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It takes exactly fifteen minutes and requires zero cooking, which means you can make it while your guests are literally walking through the door.
- The cream cheese and yogurt base is rich enough to feel indulgent but light enough that you will keep coming back for more without feeling heavy.
02 -
- If you skip seeding the cucumber your spread will weep water overnight and turn into a sad puddle in the container.
- Letting it rest in the fridge for the full thirty minutes is not optional because the garlic and herbs need time to release their flavor into the cream cheese.
03 -
- Grate the carrot directly into the bowl to save a dish and catch every bit of juice.
- Use the flat side of your knife to smash the minced garlic into a paste before adding it for a smoother, more even flavor.