Save to Pinterest A festive, crisp winter salad served in delicate cucumber cups, shaped like snowflakes and filled with a creamy, tangy filling. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party snack.
This recipe is a holiday favorite that impresses guests with its unique presentation and refreshing taste.
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers: sliced into 2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper: fresh and crisp
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery: adds crunch
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: for mild sharpness
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill: aromatic herb
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: base of filling
- 2 tbsp sour cream: creamy texture
- 1 tsp lemon juice: for tang
- 1/2 tsp salt: seasoning
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: seasoning
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds: garnish
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives: garnish
Instructions
- Wash and prepare cucumbers:
- Wash and peel the cucumbers. Cut them crosswise into 2-inch thick rounds.
- Cut snowflake shapes:
- Using a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter carefully cut each round into a snowflake shape.
- Hollow out cups:
- With a melon baller or small spoon hollow out the center of each snowflake leaving a 1/4-inch thick base and sides to form a cup. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess moisture.
- Make filling:
- In a medium bowl combine cream cheese sour cream lemon juice salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add vegetables and herbs:
- Gently fold in red bell pepper celery red onion and dill.
- Fill cucumber cups:
- Spoon or pipe the filling into each cucumber cup.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chives.
- Chill:
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest This salad has become a staple at our holiday gatherings creating joyful moments around the table.
Required Tools
Snowflake-shaped cookie cutter (small) melon baller or small spoon mixing bowl knife and cutting board piping bag optional
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cream cheese sour cream Check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free if needed
Nutritional Information
Calories 45 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 3 g Protein 1 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This winter salad is the perfect blend of festive presentation and fresh flavors to delight your guests.
Questions & Answers
- → How do you create the snowflake shapes from cucumbers?
Use a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to cut thick cucumber rounds into delicate snowflake forms, ensuring the structure holds as cups.
- → What ingredients add flavor to the filling?
The filling combines cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, diced red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and fresh dill for a tangy, creamy taste.
- → Can these cucumber cups be prepared in advance?
Yes, they can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated, maintaining freshness and flavor before serving.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation and taste?
Pomegranate seeds and finely chopped chives add both vibrant color and subtle bursts of flavor atop the cups.
- → Are there substitute options for sour cream in the filling?
Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream to create a lighter, tangy filling with a similar creamy texture.