Save to Pinterest Celebrate the festive season with a delightful appetizer that combines crisp, fresh cucumbers with creamy cheese and vibrant cherry tomatoes. These Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees are as charming as they are refreshing, bringing a playful touch to your holiday table. Perfectly easy to assemble and visually stunning, they make a wonderful starter that everyone will adore.
Save to Pinterest Crafted with simple ingredients, this appetizer lets the natural crunch of English cucumbers shine alongside herbal, creamy cheese and the burst of sweet cherry tomatoes. The playful spiral shape evokes the joyful spirit of Christmas, making it a festive addition to any celebration.
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 dill, chives, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, stir until smooth.
- 3. 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 the herbed cream cheese.
- Pipe or spoon a small dollop 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.
- 7. Sprinkle seeds if desired.
- Use sesame or poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- 8. Serve immediately.
- Arrange the trees upright on a serving platter and enjoy fresh.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra brightness, add a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture. This will enhance the fresh herbal flavors and add a subtle zing to your appetizer.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can swap cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy texture. To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based cream cheese alternatives and gluten-free pretzel sticks if needed.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these cucumber trees immediately to keep the pretzel sticks crunchy. They pair beautifully with a holiday cocktail or sparkling water for a light and festive start to any gathering.
Save to Pinterest With these simple steps and festive flair, your Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees will be the highlight of any holiday spread, impressing guests with their elegance and fresh, vibrant taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the cucumber ribbons?
Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to slice the cucumber lengthwise into long, thin strips that are flexible enough to fold.
- → What cheese works best for the creamy base?
Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with fresh herbs, but goat cheese or ricotta are great alternatives for varied flavors.
- → Can the skewers be prepared ahead of time?
It's best to assemble and serve immediately to keep the pretzel sticks crisp and prevent the cucumber from softening.
- → How can I make this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free pretzel sticks instead of regular ones to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What garnish options enhance the presentation?
Cherry tomato halves and star-shaped bell pepper slices add color and festive charm; sprinkling sesame or poppy seeds adds subtle texture.
- → Is a vegan variation possible?
Yes, substitute the cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and ensure pretzel sticks used are vegan friendly.