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Fresh Garden Vegetable Spread

fresh garden vegetable spread - featured image

A quick and easy homemade vegetable spread featuring fresh zucchini, red bell pepper, cucumber, and basil, perfect as a flavorful dip or sandwich spread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium zucchini, roughly chopped (about 1.5 cups)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1.5 cups)
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • About 1 handful fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1 medium garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the zucchini, red bell pepper, and cucumber thoroughly. Chop into roughly 1-inch pieces (about 1.5 cups each).
  2. Pick about a handful of fresh basil leaves, wash and dry gently. Peel and mince one medium garlic clove.
  3. Combine chopped vegetables, basil, garlic, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and juice of half a lemon in a food processor.
  4. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Pulse in 10 to 12 short bursts, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed, until mostly smooth but still textured.
  6. If desired, add 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt and pulse a couple more times for creaminess.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes if desired. Pulse once to mix.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  9. If texture is too thick, stir in a teaspoon or two of olive oil or cold water to loosen.

Notes

Use short pulses to avoid over-processing and maintain texture. Fresh herbs are essential for bright flavor. Chill at least 30 minutes for best taste. Can be stored in fridge up to 4 days or frozen in small portions for up to 2 months. Adjust thickness with olive oil or water as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable spread, fresh vegetable dip, zucchini spread, basil dip, healthy snack, easy appetizer, garden vegetable spread