Fresh Meadow-Inspired Garden Vegetables

Featured in: Light Herb & Fern-Inspired Plates

These tartines evoke the freshness of a spring meadow with a blend of crisp zucchini, carrots, radishes, and peas tossed in olive oil and lemon juice. Layers of creamy goat cheese mixed with fresh herbs sit atop toasted rustic bread, creating a light yet flavorful dish. Garnished with tender greens and optional edible flowers, they offer a quick, colorful option perfect for light dinners or garden lunches. Simple to prepare with fresh, seasonal ingredients, this dish captures the essence of modern European vegetarian fare.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:50:00 GMT
Fresh meadow-inspired garden vegetable tartines, vibrant with colorful, thinly sliced fresh market veggies! Save to Pinterest
Fresh meadow-inspired garden vegetable tartines, vibrant with colorful, thinly sliced fresh market veggies! | citrusfern.com

A vibrant, open-faced sandwich featuring crisp garden vegetables, creamy herbed cheese, and rustic bread, evoking the freshness of a spring meadow. Perfect for light dinners or garden lunches.

This recipe brings a little taste of spring to my table, reminding me of long garden afternoons and fresh air.

Ingredients

  • Bread: 4 slices rustic country bread or sourdough
  • Herbed Cheese Spread: 120 g goat cheese or ricotta, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, 1 tsp lemon zest, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Garden Vegetables: 1 small zucchini thinly sliced, 1 small carrot ribboned or julienned, 6 8 radishes thinly sliced, 1 cup baby peas (fresh or thawed if frozen), 1 cup mixed salad greens (arugula baby spinach or watercress), 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill mint or basil) roughly torn, Edible flowers (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly.
Step 2:
Meanwhile in a small bowl combine goat cheese Greek yogurt chives parsley lemon zest salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl toss zucchini carrot radishes and peas with olive oil lemon juice salt and pepper.
Step 4:
Spread a generous layer of the herbed cheese mixture onto each toasted bread slice.
Step 5:
Top each tartine with a mound of dressed vegetables and a handful of mixed greens.
Step 6:
Garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers if using. Serve immediately.
Golden toasted bread layered with creamy herbed cheese and fresh garden vegetable tartines. Save to Pinterest
Golden toasted bread layered with creamy herbed cheese and fresh garden vegetable tartines. | citrusfern.com

My family loves gathering around these tartines, sharing stories and enjoying the colorful flavors together.

Notes

Pairs beautifully with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or light herbal tea. Adjust herbs and veggies seasonally to keep this recipe fresh all year round.

Required Tools

Baking sheet Mixing bowls Vegetable peeler or mandoline Spatula or butter knife

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (goat cheese yogurt) Gluten (bread) For gluten-free use gluten-free bread For dairy-free use plant-based cheeseyogurt alternatives Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens

Bright and inviting, these fresh meadow-inspired garden vegetable tartines are perfect for a light vegetarian lunch. Save to Pinterest
Bright and inviting, these fresh meadow-inspired garden vegetable tartines are perfect for a light vegetarian lunch. | citrusfern.com

Enjoy these tartines fresh for the best texture and flavor every time.

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for these tartines?

Rustic country bread or sourdough provides the perfect sturdy base, offering a crisp texture when toasted.

Can I substitute the goat cheese in the spread?

Yes, cream cheese or plant-based cheese alternatives work well for different dietary preferences.

How should the garden vegetables be prepared?

Thinly slice zucchini, carrot ribbons or julienne, radishes, and combine them with peas tossed in olive oil and lemon juice.

Is it necessary to toast the bread before assembling?

Toasting enhances texture and provides a sturdy surface to hold the creamy spread and fresh vegetables.

What herbs are recommended for garnishing?

Fresh dill, mint, or basil add aromatic notes that complement the tartines beautifully.

Are edible flowers required?

Edible flowers are optional but add a delicate visual and flavor touch to the presentation.

Fresh Meadow-Inspired Garden Vegetables

Open-faced tartines topped with fresh garden vegetables, herbed cheese, and rustic bread.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Citrus Fern Wyatt Palmer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern European

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

Bread

01 4 slices rustic country bread or sourdough

Herbed Cheese Spread

01 120 g goat cheese or ricotta
02 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
03 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 1 teaspoon lemon zest
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garden Vegetables

01 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
02 1 small carrot, ribboned or julienned
03 6 to 8 radishes, thinly sliced
04 1 cup baby peas, fresh or thawed
05 1 cup mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, or watercress)
06 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
07 Juice of half a lemon

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, mint, or basil), roughly torn
02 Edible flowers (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Toast bread slices: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and allow to cool slightly.

Step 02

Prepare herbed cheese spread: In a small bowl, blend goat cheese, Greek yogurt, chives, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 03

Dress garden vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine zucchini, carrot, radishes, and peas with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Assemble tartines: Spread a generous layer of herbed cheese mixture over each toasted bread slice.

Step 05

Add vegetables and greens: Top each slice with the dressed garden vegetables followed by a handful of mixed salad greens.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs and edible flowers on top if using. Serve immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Vegetable peeler or mandoline
  • Spatula or butter knife

Allergy Details

Always review every ingredient for possible allergens. If unsure, chat with your healthcare provider first.
  • Contains milk (goat cheese, yogurt) and gluten (bread). Use gluten-free bread and plant-based cheese/yogurt alternatives for dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details provided to help guide you. For health decisions, speak with a professional.
  • Energy (kcal): 210
  • Fat Content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 27 grams
  • Proteins: 9 grams