Zesty Italian Vegetable Medley
Elevate your vegetable experience with this Zesty Italian Vegetable Medley, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a colorful side dish. Featured in the Oct/Nov 2003 edition of Light and Tasty magazine, this recipe brilliantly combines the flavors of reduced-fat Italian dressing with a blend of frozen California vegetables, allowing you to enjoy a dish that is not only low in calories but also packed with flavor. Feel free to swap in fresh vegetables for an even more vibrant boost. Suitable for healthy eating, this dish provides a tasty way to enjoy your greens while keeping fat and calories to a minimum.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
California-blend frozen vegetables
20 ounces (frozen)
Water
1/4 cup (none)
Reduced-fat Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, combine the frozen California-blend vegetables and water.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
4
Uncover the skillet and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the majority of the liquid has evaporated.
5
Stir in the reduced-fat Italian salad dressing, salt, basil, and oregano. Mix well to ensure even coating.
6
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors are well combined. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Italian Vegetable Medley?
It is a flavorful side dish featuring a mix of California-blend vegetables seasoned with Italian dressing and herbs.
Where was this recipe first featured?
This recipe was originally featured in the Oct/Nov 2003 edition of Light and Tasty magazine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The ingredients include 20 ounces of frozen California-blend vegetables, water, reduced-fat Italian dressing, salt, dried basil, and dried oregano.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can swap in fresh vegetables for an even more vibrant boost.
How much water is needed for the cooking process?
You will need 1/4 cup of water to cook the vegetables in the skillet.
How long do the vegetables need to cook while covered?
The vegetables should cook covered for 10-12 minutes over medium heat.
What is the suggested cooking method?
The vegetables are combined with water, brought to a boil, then simmered covered before adding seasonings.
Do I need to drain the water after boiling the vegetables?
No, you should continue cooking uncovered after the initial simmer until the majority of the liquid has evaporated.
When should I add the Italian dressing?
The dressing should be stirred in after the vegetables are crisp-tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
What kind of Italian dressing is recommended for health?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of reduced-fat Italian salad dressing to keep the dish low in calories.
How much salt is used in this medley?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What dried herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/8 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is this dish considered low-calorie?
Yes, it is specifically described as a low-calorie way to enjoy your greens.
Is this recipe quick to prepare for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What typically makes up a California-blend of vegetables?
A California-blend usually consists of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
What should the final texture of the vegetables be?
The vegetables should be cooked until they reach a crisp-tender consistency.
How much additional time is needed after adding the seasoning?
Once the dressing and herbs are added, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for healthy eating diets?
Yes, it is designed for healthy eating by keeping fat and calories to a minimum.
Can I use regular Italian dressing if I do not have reduced-fat?
Yes, you can substitute regular Italian dressing, though it will increase the fat and calorie content.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are entirely plant-based, making this a vegetarian dish.
How much frozen vegetable mix is required?
The recipe requires one 20-ounce package of frozen California-blend vegetables.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
The instructions recommend serving the vegetable medley warm.
What is the initial heat setting used to start the recipe?
The mixture should first be brought to a boil over medium-high heat.
What is the heat setting for the simmering stage?
The heat should be reduced to medium once the mixture reaches a boil.
Is this dish a main course?
While it can be a light meal, it is primarily categorized as a side dish or vegetable dish.
Are the vegetables thawed before cooking?
No, the instructions specify adding the vegetables to the skillet while they are still frozen.
Can I add other spices?
Yes, you can adjust the basil, oregano, or salt levels to suit your personal flavor preference.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, by using reduced-fat dressing and frozen vegetables without added butter, it remains a low-fat option.