Garden Vegetable Spread
This fresh and creamy Garden Vegetable Spread is a vibrant blend of colorful veggies and savory cream cheese, making it the perfect appetizer, dip, or sandwich spread. It’s light yet flavorful, packed with crunchy textures and garden-fresh taste. Whether you serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or use it as a spread for wraps and bagels, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cream cheese, softened – 8 oz (225 g)
Mayonnaise – ¼ cup (60 g)
Red bell pepper, finely diced – ½ cup
Carrot, finely grated – ½ cup
Celery, finely chopped – ½ cup
Green onions, finely sliced – 2
Fresh parsley, finely chopped – 2 tablespoons
Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon
Salt – ¼ teaspoon
Black pepper – ⅛ teaspoon
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:
Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Finely dice the red bell pepper, celery, and green onions. Grate the carrot using the fine side of a box grater. If you like a little extra freshness, you can also add a few finely chopped pieces of cucumber or zucchini (just remove excess moisture first). - Soften the base:
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium-sized mixing bowl. If it’s too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or microwave it for about 10 seconds to make it easier to blend. Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and mix with a spatula or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. - Mix in the vegetables:
Add the prepared vegetables—red bell pepper, carrot, celery, and green onions—into the cream cheese mixture. Stir well until all the veggies are evenly coated. The colorful mix of reds, oranges, and greens gives this spread a beautiful presentation. - Season and balance the flavors:
Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir again until combined. For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a light, tangy touch. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Chill for best flavor:
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or airtight container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully and the texture to firm up slightly. - Serve and enjoy:
Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks such as celery, carrots, and bell peppers. It also makes a delicious spread for bagels, sandwiches, or wraps.
Pro Tips
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute with Greek yogurt or light cream cheese. For extra crunch, stir in a few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts right before serving. This spread keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just give it a quick stir before serving again. You can also make it ahead of time for parties or picnics.
