If you love the bright flavor of fresh vegetables but want something a little more indulgent than a traditional salad, this Garden Vegetable Spread is the perfect middle ground.
Creamy, colorful, and packed with finely chopped vegetables, this easy spread is wonderful on crackers, toasted bread, bagels, sandwiches, or crisp fresh vegetables. It's also a convenient way to turn a handful of everyday produce into something everyone can enjoy.
Whether you're preparing a party appetizer, a light lunch, or a snack for the refrigerator, this recipe is simple, versatile, and easy to make ahead.
Why You'll Love This Garden Vegetable Spread
There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe handy:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Creamy and crunchy at the same time
- Packed with colorful vegetables
- Great for parties and gatherings
- Easy to customize
- Delicious served cold
- Perfect for crackers, bread, and sandwiches
- Can be prepared ahead of time
The secret to its appeal is the contrast between the smooth creamy base and the little bursts of crunch from the vegetables.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped radishes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
You can adjust the vegetables depending on what you have available.
How to Make Garden Vegetable Spread
1. Soften the Cream Cheese
Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator ahead of time and let it soften.
Soft cream cheese is much easier to mix and creates a smoother finished spread.
If you're short on time, cut the cream cheese into small cubes to help it soften faster.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
