Tarragon-Vegetable Medley
A vibrant tarragon-infused vegetable medley featuring cauliflower, carrots, green peppers, olives, and walnuts, perfect as a warm side or refreshing marinated salad. Bright, aromatic, and versatile.
Ingredients
- 2 c. cauliflower florets ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, julienne strips ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, thin wedges ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, 1-inch squares
- 1/3 c. pitted ripe olives, halved ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon, crushed
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- walnut halves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a microwave dish, combine cauliflower florets, julienne carrots, onion wedges, and water.
- Cook, covered, on 100% power for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender, stirring once.
- Add green pepper squares, cover, and cook on High for 1 to 2 minutes more or until green pepper is tender.
- Add halved olives to the mixture.
- Stir together white wine vinegar, sugar, cooking oil, crushed tarragon, and salt to make the dressing.
- Stir the oil mixture into the cooked vegetables.
- Cook, covered, on High for 30 seconds more to combine flavors.
- Garnish with walnut halves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker option, you can use frozen cauliflower and carrot mixes, which cut down on prep time. If you prefer a different flavor, consider substituting dried basil for tarragon. To add some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the dish's flavor profile. Make sure to stir the vegetables halfway through cooking to ensure even tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
This Tarragon-Vegetable Medley pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or over a bed of quinoa for added protein. It can also complement Mediterranean recipes, offering a colorful and nutritious side dish. Garnish with additional walnut halves for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. If reheating on the stovetop, stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tarragon-Vegetable Medley contains roughly 493 calories, with 9g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 679mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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 use other vegetables in this medley?
Absolutely! You can customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Tarragon-Vegetable Medley is entirely plant-based and fits well into vegan recipes. Just ensure that the olives you use are not marinated in any non-vegan ingredients.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the medley more filling, consider adding cooked grains like couscous or brown rice. You can also mix in some chickpeas or lentils for added protein and fiber, making it a hearty main dish.
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).