Pin 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 winter salad has become my go-to appetizer for holiday parties. Everyone loves the look and the fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 3 large cucumbers, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup finely diced celery, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Dairy: 1/2 cup cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp sour cream
- Pantry: 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds, 1 tbsp finely chopped chives
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.
Pin This salad is often enjoyed during family holiday gatherings where everyone admires the presentation and freshness.
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
Pin This winter salad is the perfect combination of beautiful presentation and fresh taste sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I shape cucumbers like snowflakes?
Use a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to press out shapes from cucumber rounds after peeling and slicing.
- → Can I prepare these cups in advance?
Yes, assemble the cups a few hours before serving and refrigerate to maintain freshness and texture.
- → What is the best way to hollow out cucumber cups?
A melon baller or small spoon helps gently remove cucumber centers, leaving sturdy edges to hold the filling.
- → Are there any suggested substitutions for the filling?
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter filling, and diced apple or pear can add extra crunch.
- → How do I keep the cucumber cups from becoming soggy?
After hollowing, drain cucumber cups on paper towels to remove excess moisture before filling.