Healthy Garden Herb Spread

The Fresh Garden Spread You'll Want to Put on Everything.  

There is something incredibly satisfying about walking into your garden, picking handfuls of fresh herbs, and turning them into something that instantly transforms an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are packed with magnesium, zinc, iron, plant protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They help make this spread extra creamy while adding valuable minerals.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast adds a delicious cheesy flavor while contributing plant protein, fiber, and several B vitamins. Many fortified brands are also an excellent source of vitamin B12.

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that have been widely studied for supporting cardiovascular health and helping reduce oxidative stress.

Lemon

Fresh lemon brightens the flavor while adding vitamin C and natural antioxidants.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds freshness and balances the richness of the walnuts while contributing natural organic acids that enhance flavor.

Together, these ingredients create a spread that's packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and countless beneficial plant compounds.

Healthy Garden Herb Spread

Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 min. Yield: Approximately 300 ml (about 1¼ cups)

Ingredients:

• 300 g fresh thyme (leaves only, any variety such as lemon thyme)
• 2 cups loosely packed fresh oregano leaves
• 2 large bunches fresh basil
• 1 cup walnuts
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 5 garlic cloves
• ½–1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Remove the leaves from all herb stems. Discard any thick or woody stems.
2. Add the walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and nutritional yeast to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add the fresh herbs a little at a time, pulsing between additions until everything fits into the processor.
4. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, sea salt, and cayenne pepper.
5. Blend until a thick, creamy spread forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
6. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice if desired.
7. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.
8. Spread it on toast.  I served my with cucumber, red cabbage, pickle onion and sesame seeds. 

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 week.

For longer storage, spoon the spread into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Simply thaw a cube whenever you want a burst of fresh herb flavor in your meals.

My Favorite Ways to Use It

• Spread on sourdough toast
• Stir into warm pasta
• Spoon over roasted potatoes
• Mix into mashed potatoes
• Toss with roasted vegetables
• Add to bean salads
• Stir into quinoa or rice
• Spread inside wraps and sandwiches
• Top grilled tofu or tempeh
• Mix into salad dressings
• Serve with crackers
• Dollop onto soups
• Spread over baked sweet potatoes

It truly elevates almost any meal with fresh garden flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different herbs?
Absolutely! Parsley, cilantro, all work well.  Keep in mind the flavor will be different then my recipe. Feel free to mix and match depending on what's growing in your garden.

Can I make it nut-free?
Yes. Replace the walnuts with extra pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Can I make it oil-free?
You can substitute the olive oil with a little water for blending. The texture will be lighter, but it will still be delicious.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freezing it in ice cube trays is one of my favorite ways to preserve fresh garden herbs for the winter.