Pin Celebrate the season with a playful appetizer that combines crisp freshness and creamy delight. These Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees are not only visually delightful but also refreshing to the palate. Crafted from long, thin cucumber ribbons folded into whimsical evergreen shapes, they bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering. Topped with soft herbed cream cheese, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of seeds, these trees are the perfect bite-sized start to your party.
Pin This appetizer is as fun to make as it is to eat. The delicate cucumber ribbons mimic the shape of Christmas trees, creating a festive and inviting dish. The subtle herb-infused cream cheese balances the bright cucumber flavor, while the cherry tomatoes and optional bell pepper stars add cheerful pops of color. Whether you’re hosting a family celebration or a holiday office party, these little trees are sure to impress and disappear quickly from the platter.
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
Be sure to slice the cucumbers as thinly and evenly as possible to make folding easier and to maintain the delicate appearance of the trees. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp vegetable peeler will help achieve this. Work gently when threading the ribbons onto the pretzel sticks to prevent tearing. Serve immediately after assembly to keep the pretzel sticks crisp and the cucumber fresh.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra brightness, stir a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese. If you prefer a different cheese, goat cheese or ricotta work wonderfully as substitutes. To make a vegan-friendly version, swap the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free pretzel sticks to keep this appetizer allergy-conscious.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange these cucumber ribbon Christmas trees upright on a festive platter for an eye-catching holiday centerpiece. They pair beautifully with other finger foods and dips, making them ideal for holiday buffets or cocktail hours. Garnish further with additional fresh herbs or sprinkle with seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Pin This fresh and festive appetizer is sure to become a holiday favorite. Its combination of texture, flavor, and charming presentation makes it an effortless way to impress guests and celebrate the season with nourishing, colorful bites.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the cucumber ribbons?
Use a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler to slice the cucumber lengthwise into long, thin ribbons, ensuring they are flexible enough for folding.
- → What is a good alternative to cream cheese?
Try goat cheese, ricotta, or plant-based cream cheese for a different flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- → Can this appetizer accommodate gluten-free diets?
Yes, substitute traditional pretzel sticks with gluten-free versions to keep the texture and presentation intact.
- → How should the assembled trees be served?
Arrange the cucumber trees upright on a platter and serve immediately to maintain crispness and prevent pretzel sticks from softening.
- → Are there optional garnishes to enhance appearance?
Star-shaped yellow bell pepper slices and a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds add color and festive appeal to each tree.