Save Embrace the holiday spirit with these Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees, a festive and refreshing appetizer that's sure to brighten any holiday gathering. Crisp ribbons of cucumber are artfully shaped into whimsical Christmas trees, adorned with creamy herbed cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make, gluten-free, and vegetarian dish offers a light and elegant start to your holiday party, combining fresh flavors and delightful presentation in every bite.
Save These charming cucumber trees aren’t just a feast for the eyes—they bring freshness and a delightful herbaceous touch to your appetizer table. The cool cucumber ribbons paired with creamy, dill-infused cream cheese make every bite a refreshing holiday treat. Plus, the ease of assembly means you can enjoy both the making process and the party itself.
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. Prepare cucumber ribbons
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline or a vegetable peeler, slice the cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons.
- 2. Make herbed cream cheese
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with dill, chives, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Prepare tomatoes
- Cut each cherry tomato in half.
- 4. Assemble the trees
- Gently thread one cucumber ribbon onto a pretzel stick, folding it back and forth to create a zigzag, tree-like shape.
- 5. Add cream cheese base
- Pipe or spoon a small dollop of the herbed cream cheese on the base of each tree.
- 6. Decorate the trees
- Top each tree with a half cherry tomato or a star-shaped bell pepper slice for decoration.
- 7. Final touches
- Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- 8. Serve
- Arrange the trees upright on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an added burst of flavor, incorporate a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture. This elevates the freshness and gives your appetizer a bright, citrusy note that complements the cucumber perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To vary the cheese component, substitute cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta if preferred. For those seeking a vegan twist, plant-based cream cheese works wonderfully without compromising taste or texture. Additionally, use gluten-free pretzel sticks to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping the fun presentation intact.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these cucumber Christmas trees immediately to maintain the crunch of the pretzel sticks and the freshness of the vegetables. They make excellent finger food on a festive platter alongside other holiday appetizers and can be paired with light white wines or sparkling beverages for a refreshing holiday toast.
Save With a perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and crisp textures, these Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees offer a unique and delightful way to kick off your holiday celebrations. Their charming appearance and easy preparation make them a standout appetizer, sure to impress guests and bring festive cheer to your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What tools are needed to create cucumber ribbons?
A mandoline slicer or a sharp vegetable peeler works best to create thin, even cucumber ribbons needed for shaping.
- → How do I prevent cucumber ribbons from becoming soggy?
Serving immediately after assembly keeps ribbons crisp and prevents them from softening, especially due to pretzel sticks.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese with other spreads?
Yes, soft cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or plant-based cream cheese alternatives work well for creamy texture and flavor.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Use gluten-free pretzel sticks to maintain this as a gluten-free-friendly dish without compromising on crunch.
- → How can I add more flavor to the cream cheese mixture?
Incorporating a pinch of lemon zest or freshly chopped herbs enhances the freshness and depth of the creamy base.