Cubist Deconstruction Appetizer (Print Version)

Colorful geometric-cut vegetables, fresh fruit, and cheese combined for a modern, vibrant appetizer presentation.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small cucumber, peeled
02 - 1 medium golden beet, cooked and peeled
03 - 1 medium watermelon radish, peeled
04 - 1 ripe avocado

→ Cheese

05 - 3.5 oz feta cheese block

→ Fruit

06 - 1 ripe mango, peeled

→ Garnishes & Seasoning

07 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
09 - Flaky sea salt, to taste
10 - Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
11 - Microgreens or fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Slice all vegetables and fruits into varied geometric shapes about 0.4 inch thick, using a sharp knife or small cookie cutters for precision.
02 - Cut feta cheese into geometric cubes or prisms to complement the theme.
03 - Place the vegetable, fruit, and cheese pieces side-by-side on a large flat platter without overlapping, forming a cubist-style mosaic.
04 - Evenly drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the arranged pieces.
05 - Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
06 - Add microgreens or fresh herbs for color and freshness.
07 - Present immediately to maintain crisp presentation and vibrant colors.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It breaks the rules of what appetizers should look like, giving you permission to be creative in your own kitchen
  • Zero cooking required means you can prep this while having a glass of wine and actually enjoying your guests
  • The contrast of flavors—sweet mango against peppery radish, creamy avocado against salty feta—keeps your palate dancing with each bite
02 -
  • The moment you finish assembling this dish is the moment to serve it. Don't prepare it an hour early thinking you're being efficient—the vegetables will begin to weep, the avocado will oxidize, and your beautiful composition becomes sad and soggy.
  • A sharp knife isn't a luxury here; it's non-negotiable. Dull knives create ragged edges and bruised vegetables that look and taste defeated.
03 -
  • Prep all your vegetables ahead of time and keep them separately wrapped in damp paper towels in the refrigerator. Only assemble when guests are arriving—your timing will feel effortless because the heavy lifting is already done.
  • If you're serving this at a buffet or party where assembly time is tight, create your platter design on paper first, like a sketch. Then you can arrange vegetables in minutes.
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