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 always a hit at our holiday parties, its unique shape and fresh flavors delight guests every time.
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers: for the cups
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper: adds sweetness and color
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery: adds crunch
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: adds a mild sharpness
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill: herbal freshness
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: creamy base
- 2 tbsp sour cream: tangy creaminess
- 1 tsp lemon juice: brightens flavor
- 1/2 tsp salt: seasoning
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: mild spice
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds: garnish for sweetness and color
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives: garnish for mild onion flavor
Instructions
- Wash and Peel Cucumbers:
- Cut them crosswise into 2-inch thick rounds.
- Cut Snowflake Shapes:
- Using a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut each round into a snowflake shape.
- Hollow Out Cucumbers:
- 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.
- Make Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in Vegetables:
- Gently fold in red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and dill.
- Fill Cups:
- Spoon or pipe the filling into each cucumber cup.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chives.
- Chill:
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Pin it This recipe brings our family together each winter, sharing stories while enjoying these refreshing cups.
Notes
These cups can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated until serving.
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.
Pin it This salad is the perfect elegant appetizer to impress guests and celebrate the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you cut the cucumbers into snowflake shapes?
Slice cucumbers into 2-inch rounds, then use a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to press out delicate, decorative shapes.
- → What is the best way to hollow out the cucumber cups?
Use a melon baller or small spoon to carefully scoop out the center, leaving a 1/4-inch thick base and sides to form sturdy cups.
- → Can the filling be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, mix the creamy filling and refrigerate it until ready to fill the cucumber cups for easier assembly before serving.
- → What ingredients provide the tangy flavor in the filling?
Lemon juice combined with cream cheese and sour cream creates a smooth, tangy base complemented by fresh herbs and diced vegetables.
- → Are there garnish suggestions to enhance presentation and taste?
Pomegranate seeds and finely chopped chives add color, texture, and a subtle burst of flavor to finish the cups beautifully.