Lite Vegetable Spread
A creamy, flavorful vegetable spread combining fat-free cream cheese, cottage cheese, carrots, and green peppers, perfect as a dip or cracker topping for healthy snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together in a food processor.
- Spread on crackers or use as a dip with raw vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the spread longer until smooth. You can substitute the fat-free cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you prefer a sweeter spread, add a tablespoon of honey. Feel free to experiment with other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers to suit your taste. This spread also works well as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable spread is perfect for gatherings and can be served with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper sticks. It pairs beautifully with My Favorite Fruit Dip for a delightful snack platter. Consider adding it to a charcuterie board for a colorful and tasty addition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing the spread, as the cream cheese can become grainy upon thawing. When ready to use, give it a quick stir to refresh the flavors before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lite Vegetable Spread contains roughly 224 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spread can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, giving you a more flavorful spread when you're ready to serve it.
Is this spread suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Lite Vegetable Spread is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients (aside from dairy). It's a great addition to any vegetarian recipes or snack options for gatherings.
What can I use instead of nuts in this recipe?
If you need a nut-free version, you can substitute the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. You can also enhance the texture by adding more finely grated vegetables or using seeds for crunch without the allergens.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).