Mediterranean Veggie Cream Cheese Spread
This Mediterranean Veggie Cream Cheese Spread is a creamy, savory, and colorful appetizer or sandwich spread packed with bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and herbs. It’s perfect for bagels, crackers, veggie wraps, or as a dip for fresh vegetables. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it brings a Mediterranean flair to any table.
Prep Time:
Preparation: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes about 1.5 cups (enough for 6–8 bagels or sandwiches)
Ingredients:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for a lighter texture)
1/4 cup cucumber, finely chopped (peeled and seeded)
2 tbsp red bell pepper, finely diced
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (oil-packed and drained)
2 tbsp kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1 tbsp red onion, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Squeeze of lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
Prep the ingredients:
Finely chop the cucumber, bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Pat dry the cucumber and sun-dried tomatoes with a paper towel to reduce moisture.
Mix the base:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt (if using). Mix until smooth and fluffy using a hand mixer or spatula.
Add the flavor:
Fold in all the chopped vegetables, herbs, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh note if desired.
Taste and adjust:
Adjust seasoning to your liking. For stronger herb flavor, add more parsley or dill.
Chill and serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld (optional but recommended). Serve chilled with bagels, pita, crackers, or as a sandwich spread.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Here are tips and variations to help you customize and perfect your Mediterranean Veggie Cream Cheese Spread:
Tips:
Use softened cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for easier mixing.
Drain excess moisture: Pat chopped veggies (especially cucumber and sun-dried tomatoes) dry with paper towels to prevent a watery spread.
Chill before serving: Let the spread rest in the fridge for 30–60 minutes for better flavor blending.
Use a food processor: For a smoother, more finely blended spread, pulse all ingredients in a food processor for a few seconds.
Double the batch: This spread keeps well in the fridge and is great for meal prep or entertaining.
Variations:
Vegan Version:
Use plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy yogurt or sour cream substitute. Brands like Kite Hill or Violife work well.
Spicy Mediterranean Spread:
Add 1–2 teaspoons of finely chopped pepperoncini or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also stir in a bit of harissa or a dash of hot sauce.
Herbed Cream Cheese Style:
Add more fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives for a garden-fresh version.
Roasted Veggie Twist:
Mix in chopped roasted red peppers, grilled zucchini, or roasted eggplant for deeper flavor.
Extra Tangy Option:
Increase the lemon juice or add a teaspoon of red wine vinegar for more brightness.
Chunky Dip Version:
Stir in extra diced veggies and olives for a chunkier, dip-style consistency—great for scooping with pita chips.
Nutty Mediterranean:
Add 1–2 tablespoons of finely chopped toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This spread actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld together.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze cream cheese spreads, as the texture can become grainy or separate upon thawing.
Q: Can I use low-fat or whipped cream cheese?
A: Absolutely. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese works well, though the texture may be slightly lighter or airier.
Q: What can I serve this with besides bagels?
A: It’s great on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or as a dip for cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, and pita chips.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: The spread itself is gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free crackers or bread if needed.
Nutrition Estimate
(Per 2 tbsp serving, based on standard ingredients)
Calories: 70
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 1.5g
(Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and substitutions.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Veggie Cream Cheese Spread is a versatile, flavor-packed option that adds brightness and richness to any snack or meal. Whether you’re spreading it on a bagel for breakfast, using it in wraps for lunch, or serving it as a colorful party dip, it delivers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory Mediterranean flavors. Easy to make and endlessly customizable—once you try it, it might become a staple in your fridge!