Name: Steamed Vegetable Medley
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Global
Ingredients: 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup cauliflower florets; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup green beans or snap peas; 1 cup zucchini or yellow squash, sliced (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1–2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or zest (optional); 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley or thyme, optional)

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This Steamed Vegetable Medley is a vibrant, healthy side dish that brings together a colorful mix of vegetables, lightly seasoned to highlight their natural flavors. It’s simple, wholesome, and pairs perfectly with just about any main course. Whether I’m serving it with grilled chicken, fish, or rice, this medley always adds balance and freshness to my plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and customizable this dish is. Steaming keeps the vegetables crisp-tender and preserves their bright colors and nutrients. With minimal ingredients and clean flavor, it’s a great way for me to add more veggies to my meals without a lot of effort. Plus, I can change the vegetables depending on what I have in the fridge—there’s always a version that works. Steamed Vegetable Medley

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Broccoli florets
Cauliflower florets
Carrots (sliced)
Green beans or snap peas
Zucchini or yellow squash (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
Fresh lemon juice or zest (optional)
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional garnish)

Directions

I start by washing and chopping all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they steam evenly.
I bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket over it, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket.
I add the vegetables—starting with the ones that take longer to cook, like carrots and cauliflower—and cover the pot.
After about 3–4 minutes, I add the quicker-cooking vegetables like broccoli and zucchini, then continue steaming for another 4–5 minutes until everything is just tender.
I remove the vegetables from the steamer, season them with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil or melted butter.
I finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped fresh herbs if I have them.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings as a side dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: around 20 minutes

Variations

I love switching up the vegetables depending on what’s in season. Brussels sprouts, asparagus, corn, or even small potatoes (pre-steamed a bit longer) work well. For a flavor boost, I sometimes toss the medley in a garlic herb butter or sprinkle on some parmesan. And when I want a little spice, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of balsamic vinegar before serving.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a steamer or a skillet with a splash of water to gently warm the veggies without overcooking. I avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make them mushy. Steamed Vegetable Medley

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, I use frozen vegetables when I’m short on fresh ones. I just reduce the steaming time slightly since frozen veggies soften faster.

How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?

I steam them just until they’re crisp-tender, not mushy. I also avoid overcrowding the steamer so the steam can circulate evenly.

What’s the best way to season steamed vegetables?

I keep it simple with salt, pepper, and olive oil, but I also like lemon juice, fresh herbs, garlic, or even a light sprinkle of seasoning blends like Italian or lemon pepper.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I steam the vegetables ahead and reheat them gently before serving. I wait to season until just before serving to keep the flavors fresh.

Do I need a steamer basket?

It helps, but if I don’t have one, I place a metal colander or sieve over a pot with boiling water and cover it with a lid—it works just as well.

Conclusion

This Steamed Vegetable Medley is a simple yet delicious way for me to enjoy more vegetables. It’s versatile, quick to make, and works with any meal. Whether I’m cooking for a weekday dinner or serving guests, this colorful mix always adds a fresh, nutritious touch to the table.