Save Celebrate the holiday season with these charming Spiral Cucumber Ribbon Christmas Trees, a refreshing and festive appetizer that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Crisp cucumber ribbons are artfully folded around pretzel sticks to mimic Christmas trees, adorned with smooth, herbed cream cheese, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill and chives for a burst of flavor. Perfect for entertaining, this vegetarian and gluten-free starter brings a touch of whimsy and cheer to your holiday party table.
Save This appetizer requires no cooking, making it ideal for busy holiday preparation. The assembly process is straightforward yet yields an eye-catching display that guests will admire and enjoy. Using simple ingredients, you can easily adapt the flavors or presentation to your personal preferences or dietary needs.
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. 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 extra brightness, add a pinch of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture. This elevates the flavor with a subtle citrus note without overpowering the fresh herbs. Always serve the trees immediately after assembling to maintain crispness and prevent the pretzel sticks from becoming soft.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If desired, substitute cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy texture and flavor. For vegan variations, opt for plant-based cream cheese alternatives and gluten-free pretzel sticks to accommodate dietary preferences.
Serviervorschläge
Arrange the cucumber trees on a festive serving platter, anchoring them upright for a delightful holiday centerpiece. These bite-sized appetizers pair wonderfully with other vegetable platters, dips, or an assortment of cheeses to round out your party spread.
Save With its whimsical presentation and bright flavors, this appetizer makes holiday entertaining both simple and stylish. Its quick prep and no-cook method let you enjoy more time with guests while serving something fresh, fun, and festive.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you create cucumber ribbons?
Use a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler to slice cucumbers lengthwise into thin, long ribbons for easy shaping.
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Cream cheese is ideal for its smooth texture and mild flavor, but goat cheese or ricotta can be great substitutes.
- → Can this appetizer accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, swap regular pretzel sticks for gluten-free ones and use plant-based cream cheese for dairy-free or vegan options.
- → How should the cucumber trees be assembled?
Thread cucumber ribbons back and forth on pretzel sticks to form zigzag tree shapes, then top with herbed cheese and garnishes.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Cherry tomato halves, star-shaped bell pepper slices, and optional sesame or poppy seeds add festive color and texture.