Save It 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 salad has become a holiday favorite at our family gatherings, impressing guests with its unique look and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers: peeled and cut into rounds
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper: fresh
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery: fresh
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: fresh
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill: aromatic herb
- 1/2 cup cream cheese: softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream: for creaminess
- 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
- Step 1:
- Wash and peel the cucumbers. Cut them crosswise into 2-inch thick rounds.
- Step 2:
- Using a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut each round into a snowflake shape.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Step 5:
- Gently fold in red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and dill.
- Step 6:
- Spoon or pipe the filling into each cucumber cup.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chives.
- Step 8:
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Save It This dish brings smiles as family members gather around the table admiring the snowflake shapes and sharing warm memories.
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 It Enjoy this easy to prepare and visually stunning salad that adds a festive touch to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create the snowflake shapes from cucumbers?
Slice cucumbers into 2-inch rounds and use a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to carefully cut each slice into the decorative shape.
- → What is the best way to hollow out the cucumber cups?
Use a melon baller or small spoon to gently scoop out the center, leaving a 1/4-inch thick base and sides to maintain the cup structure.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the creamy filling can be mixed ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavors before filling the cucumber cups.
- → Are there alternatives to sour cream in the filling?
Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream to create a lighter, tangy filling without compromising texture.
- → How should I store these cucumber cups before serving?
Store filled cucumber cups covered in the refrigerator and chill for at least 10 minutes before serving for best freshness and taste.
- → Can I add extra crunch to the filling?
Yes, finely diced apple or pear can be folded into the filling to add additional crispness and subtle sweetness.