Vegetable Simone
A vibrant vegetable casserole layered with creamy dressing, topped with cheese and croutons, baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery
- 1 c. sliced broccoli ⓘ
- 1 c. cauliflower tops
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 12 oz. sour cream ⓘ
- 12 oz. mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dill weed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 2 c. croutons ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. grated Colby cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice and chop carrots, green pepper, celery, broccoli, cauliflower tops, and water chestnuts.
- Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley flakes, minced onion, dill weed, and celery salt; mix with vegetables and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with croutons and grated Colby cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or covered in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 45 minutes.
- Add cheese 15 minutes before baking is finished.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, such as dill or parsley. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option. If you're short on time, use pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store. Also, feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella, which can add a unique twist to this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vegetable Simone as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Parsley Potatoes for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding a green salad or a light soup. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can shine as a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the vegetable mixture in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For best results, add fresh croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Simone contains roughly 354 calories, with 16g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% 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 make Vegetable Simone ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture and dressing a day in advance. Just mix everything together and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the dish. Bake just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can substitute with chopped jicama or even diced bell peppers for a similar crunch. Both options will maintain the texture of the dish while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Vegetable Simone gluten-free, simply use gluten-free croutons or omit them altogether. You can also add gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with cheese for a similar topping. Always check ingredient labels to ensure all components are gluten-free.
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).