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 one of my favorites to prepare during the holidays. Guests always appreciate the creative snowflake shapes and the burst of flavors in each bite.
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.
Save to Pinterest This salad always brings smiles around the table, especially when kids recognize the snowflake shapes and eagerly wait to try one.
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 a delightful appetizer that combines festive looks with fresh flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cucumber cups like snowflakes?
Use a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to carefully cut crosswise cucumber rounds, then hollow out the center to form cups.
- → What can I substitute for sour cream in the filling?
Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative that works well and maintains the creamy texture.
- → Can I prepare these cups ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- → What adds extra crunch to the filling?
Finely diced apple or pear can be folded in to enhance the crunch.
- → Are these cucumber cups gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels to confirm if needed.