Pin It Celebrate the holiday season with a light and delightful appetizer that combines crisp cucumber ribbons and creamy cheese into whimsical Christmas trees. These Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees bring a refreshing crunch and festive charm to your party spread, perfectly accented with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. Elegant and easy to assemble, they're sure to impress guests while keeping your menu both vegetarian and gluten-free.
Pin It Crafted without any cooking, this recipe showcases the natural crunch of cucumber with a herbaceous cream cheese blend and juicy bursts of tomato. The use of pretzel sticks for stability adds a subtle salty bite while supporting the tree structure. It’s a creative twist on holiday appetizers that brings elegance with minimal effort.
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. 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 trees.
- 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.
- Pipe or spoon a small dollop of the herbed cream cheese on the base of each tree.
- 6. Decorate.
- Top each tree with a half cherry tomato or a star-shaped bell pepper slice for decoration.
- 7. Garnish.
- 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 extra zing, try mixing a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese. This adds a subtle brightness that complements the fresh herbs beautifully. To keep the cucumber ribbons crisp, handle them gently and assemble just before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute the cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy texture. For a vegan version, plant-based cream cheese works well without compromising flavor. Use gluten-free pretzel sticks to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Serviervorschläge
Display these cucumber trees on a festive platter for immediate snacking. They pair wonderfully with light white wines or sparkling beverages, making them a great starter to any holiday gathering.
Pin It With their playful appearance and fresh flavors, Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees are more than just an appetizer—they're a conversation starter and a festive highlight. Encourage guests to enjoy these bite-sized creations immediately to appreciate the crisp textures and vivid colors at their best.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the cucumber ribbons?
Use a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler to slice cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons, ideal for wrapping around the pretzel sticks.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of cream cheese?
Yes, soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta work well and can be mixed with herbs for similar flavor and texture.
- → How do I assemble the cucumber trees?
Thread a cucumber ribbon onto a pretzel stick, folding it back and forth in a zigzag to mimic a tree shape, then add cheese and cherry tomato or bell pepper toppers.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this appetizer?
Yes, swap pretzel sticks for gluten-free alternatives to maintain form without gluten content.
- → What herbs complement the flavors best?
Fresh dill and chives add bright, delicate notes that enhance the creamy cheese and crisp cucumber combination.
- → Can this appetizer be prepared ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately to keep pretzel sticks crisp; however, you can prep components separately in advance.