Save to Pinterest Celebrate the holiday season with a refreshing twist on festive appetizers. Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees bring together crisp, cool cucumber ribbons crafted into whimsical tree shapes, topped with creamy herbed cheese, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This delightful appetizer not only adds a pop of green and color to your party spread but is also an easy, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly option that guests will love.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer brings a playful and elegant touch to holiday gatherings. By using crisp cucumber ribbons as the base and pretzel sticks as the support, it captures the joy of the season in a bite-sized morsel. The creamy herbed cheese pairs beautifully with fresh dill and chives, while the cherry tomato or star-shaped bell pepper topper adds a festive flair.
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. 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 a citrusy brightness, add a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Using a mandoline slicer ensures evenly thin cucumber ribbons, making folding and presentation easier. To keep the pretzel sticks crisp, serve the assembled trees immediately after preparation.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute the cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile. For a vegan alternative, try plant-based cream cheese and gluten-free pretzel sticks to accommodate dietary restrictions. Add your favorite fresh herbs or spices to customize the herbed cheese blend.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these cucumber tree appetizers upright on a festive platter to mimic a Christmas forest. Pair with other light bites or a holiday-themed drink for a cohesive party menu. Garnish with extra herbs or sprinkle additional seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Save to Pinterest With these simple steps and thoughtful touches, your Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees will be the star of your holiday appetizer spread. Enjoy the burst of fresh flavors, the playful presentation, and the delight of sharing a creative, healthful treat with family and friends.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is the best way to slice cucumbers into ribbons?
Use a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler to create long, thin ribbons for easy shaping.
- → Can I substitute cream cheese with another spread?
Yes, goat cheese, ricotta, or plant-based cream cheese work well to maintain creaminess.
- → How do I keep the cucumber ribbons fresh and crisp?
Prepare and serve immediately to prevent the ribbons from wilting or becoming soggy.
- → Are there vegan options for this appetizer?
Use plant-based cream cheese alternatives and gluten-free sticks to accommodate vegan diets.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Cherry tomatoes, star-shaped bell pepper slices, and sesame or poppy seeds add color and texture.