Spiral Cucumber Christmas Trees (Printable)

Crisp cucumber ribbons shaped as festive trees with creamy cheese and fresh herbs—perfect holiday starter.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large English cucumbers
02 - 6 cherry tomatoes

→ Dairy

03 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Herbs & Seasonings

04 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes & Assembly

07 - 12 small pretzel sticks
08 - 12 star-shaped yellow bell pepper slices (optional)
09 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

# Method:

01 - Wash cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler, slice cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons.
02 - In a small bowl, blend cream cheese with dill, chives, salt, and pepper until smooth.
03 - Cut each cherry tomato in half.
04 - Thread one cucumber ribbon onto a pretzel stick, folding it back and forth to form a zigzag tree shape.
05 - Apply a small dollop of herbed cream cheese at the base of each tree.
06 - Top each tree with a cherry tomato half or optional bell pepper star slice.
07 - Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds over the assembled trees, if desired.
08 - Arrange trees upright on a serving platter and serve immediately to maintain texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Fresh, crisp cucumber ribbons provide a light and refreshing base.
  • Herbed cream cheese adds creamy richness and bright flavor.
  • Visually impressive yet easy and quick to assemble.
  • Perfectly festive and suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
  • A fun way to incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables into holiday entertaining.
02 -
  • Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin cucumber ribbons that are easier to fold.
  • Chill the cucumbers beforehand to enhance their crispness.
  • Mix the cream cheese well for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Choose colorful bell pepper stars to add a festive touch as an optional topper.
  • Experiment with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added texture and visual interest.
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