Save Celebrate the holidays with a fresh twist by creating Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees. These visually stunning appetizers combine the crispness of English cucumbers with the creamy richness of herbed cheese, all adorned with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. Perfect for any festive gathering, these whimsical trees will delight your guests both in appearance and flavor, making your holiday party extra special.
Save Transform simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer that's refreshing and fun. The combination of cool cucumber ribbons and flavorful cream cheese infused with fresh herbs creates an irresistible bite. These delightful trees are not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy and tasty starter that guests will remember.
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.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with dill, chives, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Prepare cherry tomatoes.
- Cut each cherry tomato in half.
- 4. 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. Add herbed 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. Optional topping.
- 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, try mixing a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture before assembling. This subtle citrus note complements the fresh herbs wonderfully and elevates the overall taste profile of the appetizer.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer different cheeses, goat cheese or ricotta can be delicious substitutes for cream cheese. For a vegan alternative, simply use a plant-based cream cheese. Additionally, to accommodate gluten-free diets, opt for gluten-free pretzel sticks to keep the appetizer inclusive.
Serviervorschläge
Present the cucumber trees arranged upright on a festive serving platter. These appetizers pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water infused with fresh herbs. Serve immediately to maintain the crunch of the pretzels and the fresh look of the cucumber ribbons.
Save This delightful appetizer not only brings holiday spirit to your table but also offers a refreshing start to any meal. With simple ingredients and a fun assembly process, it's an ideal recipe to enjoy making and sharing with loved ones throughout the festive season.
Recipe Help
- → How do I create the cucumber ribbons?
Use a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler to slice cucumbers lengthwise into thin, long ribbons for easy shaping.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, goat cheese, ricotta, or plant-based cream cheese work well as alternatives for varied dietary needs.
- → What is the best way to assemble the cucumber ribbons on pretzel sticks?
Thread each cucumber ribbon back and forth onto the pretzel stick to form a zigzag pattern resembling a tree.
- → Are there options for gluten-free or dairy-free versions?
Use gluten-free pretzel sticks and non-dairy cream cheese substitutes to accommodate gluten or dairy restrictions.
- → How to enhance the flavor of the cream cheese mixture?
Add a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese blend for a fresh, tangy boost.