Name: Steamed Vegetable Medley
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup cauliflower florets; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed; 1 cup zucchini, sliced or chopped; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil; Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice; Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Optional: 1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme)

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Steamed Vegetable Medley is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a clean, colorful, and nutrient-packed side dish. Lightly steamed to keep the crunch and natural flavors, this medley is perfect when I want something wholesome and simple to balance out any meal. It’s quick, easy, and always leaves me feeling good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it keeps things uncomplicated while still delivering bright flavor and beautiful presentation. Steaming allows the vegetables to shine without any heavy sauces or frying. It pairs well with just about everything—from grilled meats to rice bowls—and it’s great for meal prep or when I want a fresh side on the table fast. 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 (trimmed)
Zucchini (sliced or chopped)
Salt
Pepper
Optional: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, or fresh herbs for seasoning

Directions

I start by prepping all the vegetables, cutting them into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
I fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer, placing a steamer basket on top.
I add the vegetables to the steamer basket in layers—starting with firmer veggies like carrots and cauliflower, and adding quicker-cooking ones like zucchini near the end.
I cover and steam for 5–8 minutes, checking for tenderness with a fork. I like them tender-crisp, not mushy.
Once steamed, I transfer them to a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice if I want a flavor boost.
I serve immediately while warm, or let them cool for a chilled veggie platter.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 as a side dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5–8 minutes
Total time: Around 15–18 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I toss the steamed veggies in a bit of garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, or add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian twist. I also switch up the vegetables depending on what’s in season—adding snap peas, bell peppers, or asparagus when I have them on hand.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I steam them briefly or warm them in a skillet with a splash of water. I avoid microwaving for too long since that can make them soggy. These are also great served cold with dips or in salads. Steamed Vegetable Medley

FAQs

Can I steam all the vegetables at once?

I can, but I stagger the timing—starting with the firmer ones and adding the softer veggies a few minutes later so they don’t overcook.

What’s the best way to season steamed vegetables?

I usually keep it simple with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil or lemon juice. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme are great too.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes. I steam frozen vegetables straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

How do I keep the colors vibrant?

I avoid overcooking and steam just until fork-tender. If I want extra vibrant colors, I dunk the veggies in ice water right after steaming to stop the cooking process.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. I steam them slightly underdone, cool quickly, and reheat gently before serving so they stay bright and crisp.

Conclusion

Steamed Vegetable Medley is one of my go-to sides when I want something healthy, easy, and naturally flavorful. It’s a flexible dish that complements just about anything I’m cooking, and it always brings a pop of color and freshness to my plate. Whether I’m serving it warm or chilled, it’s a simple and satisfying way to enjoy more veggies.