Pin This Celebrate the festive season with Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees, a delightful appetizer that combines crisp cucumber ribbons shaped into whimsical Christmas trees with creamy herbed cheese, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This refreshing and visually charming starter is perfect for holiday parties, impressing guests with both taste and presentation while keeping it light and healthy.
Pin This These cucumber trees offer a creative way to elevate simple ingredients into a holiday conversation starter. The combination of crisp cucumber and creamy herbed cheese paired with a pop of color from cherry tomatoes or star-shaped bell pepper slices highlights the festive spirit without any baking or cooking required.
Ingredients
- Vegetables
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 6 cherry tomatoes
- Dairy
- 100 g cream cheese, softened
- Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnishes & Assembly
- 12 small pretzel sticks
- 12 star-shaped yellow bell pepper slices (optional, for tree toppers)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly.
- Using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler, slice the cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons.
- 2. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with dill, chives, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Cut each cherry tomato in half.
- 4. To assemble each tree, gently thread one cucumber ribbon onto a pretzel stick, folding it back and forth to create a zigzag, tree-like shape.
- 5. Pipe or spoon a small dollop of the herbed cream cheese on the base of each tree.
- 6. Top each tree with a half cherry tomato or a star-shaped bell pepper slice for decoration.
- 7. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- 8. Arrange the trees upright on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For added flavor, mix a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese to brighten the taste. Use a mandoline slicer carefully to ensure evenly thin cucumber ribbons for easier folding and a neat appearance.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute goat cheese or ricotta for cream cheese to vary the flavor and texture. For a vegan option, use plant-based cream cheese and gluten-free pretzel sticks. The optional star-shaped bell pepper slices add a festive touch but can be omitted or replaced with other colorful veggies.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange the assembled cucumber trees upright on a decorative serving platter, ideal for holiday parties or as a refreshing appetizer before a main meal. Serve immediately to maintain the crunch of the pretzel sticks and fresh cucumber ribbons.
Pin This This delightful appetizer brings holiday festivities to life with simple, fresh ingredients arranged in a fun and creative way. Whether for a casual gathering or a more formal celebration, Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees offer a healthy and charming start to your meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the cucumber ribbons thin and even?
Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp vegetable peeler to slice the cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons for easy folding and assembly.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese with a different spread?
Yes, goat cheese or ricotta work well for a creamy base, and plant-based cheese can be used for a vegan version.
- → What garnishes complement the cucumber trees?
Cherry tomatoes, star-shaped bell pepper slices, and a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds add appealing colors and textures.
- → How do I keep the pretzel sticks from softening?
Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the crispness of the pretzel sticks and overall texture.
- → Are there adjustments for dietary restrictions?
Use gluten-free pretzel sticks for gluten sensitivity and plant-based cheese alternatives for dairy-free needs.