Save to Pinterest Celebrate the season with a light and whimsical appetizer that dazzles both the eyes and the palate. These Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees bring festive cheer with crisp, refreshing cucumber ribbons elegantly shaped into miniature pine trees. Complemented by creamy herbed cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, they make an inviting starter that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat.
Save to Pinterest Beyond just an appetizer, this recipe is a canvas for creativity—letting you play with herbs, garnishes, and presentation. The subtle herbaceousness of dill and chives melds perfectly with the cool cucumber and creamy cheese for a balanced bite every time.
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 6 cherry tomatoes
- 100 g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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. Mix the cream cheese with herbs and seasoning.
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese with dill, chives, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Prepare cherry tomatoes.
- Cut each cherry tomato in half.
- 4. Assemble each cucumber tree.
- Gently thread one cucumber ribbon onto a pretzel stick, folding it back and forth to create a zigzag, tree-like shape.
- 5. Add herbed 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 with a half cherry tomato or a star-shaped bell pepper slice.
- 7. Add optional seeds.
- Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- 8. Serve presentation.
- Arrange the trees upright on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For added flavor, incorporate a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture to brighten the taste. Make sure to serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the pretzel sticks and prevent sogginess. Using a mandoline slicer ensures even, delicate cucumber ribbons for the best visual effect and texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a dairy-free or vegan option, swap cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. Goat cheese or ricotta can be used as substitutes for a different tangy flavor profile. To accommodate gluten-free diets, use gluten-free pretzel sticks as a base. The star-shaped yellow bell pepper slices are optional but add a festive touch to each tree.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these charming cucumber trees as part of your holiday appetizer spread. Pair them with sparkling water, crisp white wine, or festive cocktails. They also make excellent finger food for cocktail parties or buffet tables and are sure to entice guests of all ages with their playful presentation.
Save to Pinterest These Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees are more than just a festive appetizer; they’re a chance to bring something fresh, colorful, and truly unique to your holiday table. Their effortless elegance and vibrant flavors will charm guests and make your celebrations even more memorable.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I create cucumber ribbons for this dish?
Use a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler to slice cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons for easy shaping.
- → What type of cheese works best with the cucumber ribbons?
Soft cream cheese blended with fresh dill and chives adds a creamy and herby flavor that complements the cucumbers well.
- → Can I make this appetizer gluten-free?
Yes, substitute pretzel sticks with gluten-free alternatives to maintain the shape without gluten.
- → How should the cucumber trees be served?
Arrange upright on a serving platter and serve immediately to keep pretzel sticks crisp and the cucumbers fresh.
- → Are there garnish options to enhance presentation?
Top the trees with halved cherry tomatoes or star-shaped bell pepper slices, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for added texture.