Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter

Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter Recipe - Mexican Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter is a colorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a healthy snack. This platter features a variety of fresh vegetables served with a delicious guacamole dip.

History

The Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter is a modern take on traditional vegetable platters, which have been a popular appetizer or side dish for many years. This recipe adds a fun and flavorful twist with the addition of guacamole, giving the dish a Mexican-inspired flair.

Ingredients

1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup jicama sticks
1 cup carrot sticks
1.5 cups whole radishes
0.5 cup small whole mushrooms
0.5 cup sour cream
1 cup guacamole

Guacamole

2 ripe california avocados, seeded and peeled
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
2 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
chopped jalapeno pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Arrange the prepared vegetables on a serving platter, along with the guacamole in a dipping dish or lettuce cup.

Guacamole

Combine all the ingredients and mash to the desired consistency.

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to the vegetable selection.
Use Greek yogurt or salsa as an alternative dip for the platter.
Sprinkle feta cheese or chopped nuts on top for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly before arranging them on the platter.

- You can customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or what is in season.

- To make the guacamole extra creamy, use ripe avocados and mash them well.

- Serve the platter with a variety of dipping sauces or dressings for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter as an appetizer at a party or as a healthy snack for a family gathering. Pair it with tortilla chips or pita bread for added crunch.

Cooking Techniques

The Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter is a no-cook recipe, making it quick and easy to prepare. Simply wash, chop, and arrange the vegetables on a platter, and mix the guacamole ingredients together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or what is in season. You can also use store-bought guacamole if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and guacamole ahead of time and assemble the platter right before serving. Keep the vegetables and guacamole refrigerated until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the vegetables in a colorful and appealing way on a serving platter. Use different shapes and sizes to create visual interest. Serve the guacamole in a separate dish or lettuce cup for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a fruity cocktail. It also goes well with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover vegetables and guacamole in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The vegetables may lose their crispness if stored for too long, so it is best to consume them within a day or two.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 60% of daily value per serving

Vitamin A: 25% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

This recipe contains avocado and may not be suitable for individuals with avocado allergies.

Summary

The Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

The Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter is a vibrant and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a variety of fresh vegetables and a flavorful guacamole dip, this platter is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this colorful and delicious dish as a healthy snack or appetizer at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a warm summer day when I stumbled upon the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter recipe in an old cookbook that I had borrowed from a friend. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients that were listed in the recipe. As someone who has always enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new dishes, I knew that I had to give this recipe a try.

I remember gathering all the ingredients I needed for the dish - bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and avocado. I carefully chopped and diced each vegetable, savoring the fresh and crisp textures as I worked. The colors of the vegetables mingled together on the cutting board, creating a beautiful rainbow of hues that made my mouth water in anticipation.

As I mixed the vegetables together in a large bowl, I couldn't help but think about the different flavors and textures that each ingredient would bring to the dish. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the crunch of the cucumbers, the creaminess of the avocado - it was a symphony of tastes and textures that promised to delight the senses.

Next, I prepared the dressing for the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter. A simple combination of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and cilantro, the dressing added a zesty and refreshing kick to the dish. I drizzled the dressing over the vegetables, tossing them gently to ensure that each piece was coated in the flavorful mixture.

As I plated the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter and garnished it with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction wash over me. The dish looked like a work of art, a colorful and appetizing masterpiece that I couldn't wait to dig into.

When I finally sat down to taste the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter, I was blown away by the burst of flavors and textures that greeted my taste buds. The sweetness of the tomatoes paired perfectly with the creamy avocado, while the crunch of the cucumbers provided a refreshing contrast. The tangy dressing tied everything together, adding a bright and zesty finish to the dish.

I couldn't believe how simple and yet how delicious this recipe was. It was a perfect combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that showcased the beauty of seasonal produce. I knew right then and there that this Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter would become a staple in my recipe repertoire, a dish that I would make time and time again to share with my loved ones.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time I prepare the dish, I am transported back to that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe in that old cookbook. The joy and excitement of trying something new and delicious never fails to bring a smile to my face.

As I pass down this recipe to future generations, I hope that they will experience the same sense of joy and satisfaction that I have found in creating and sharing the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body - it is also about nourishing the soul, bringing people together, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And for me, the Fresh Fiesta Vegetable Platter will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the power of good food and good company.