Save 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 is a favorite at our holiday parties because of its unique snowflake shape and refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers: peeled and cut into 2-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper: adds sweetness and color
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery: for crunch
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: sharp flavor
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill: aromatic herb
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened: creamy base
- 2 tbsp sour cream: adds tang
- 1 tsp lemon juice: brightens flavor
- 1/2 tsp salt: seasoning
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: subtle heat
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds: garnish for color
- 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 We look forward to making these cucumber cups every winter because they never fail to impress our family and guests alike.
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 This elegant dish adds a refreshing, festive touch to any occasion and is sure to delight your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you create the snowflake shapes?
Use a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to cut cucumber rounds into delicate snowflake cups, maintaining a sturdy base.
- → What fillings best complement the cucumber cups?
A creamy blend of softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped vegetables, fresh dill, and seasoning balances the crisp cucumber texture.
- → Can the cucumber cups be prepared in advance?
Yes, they can be assembled and chilled a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld while keeping their shape.
- → Are there suggested garnishes?
Pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and subtle sweetness, while chopped chives contribute fresh herbal notes.
- → What alternatives can lighten the filling?
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier texture without compromising creaminess.