Pin it 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.
I love making these snowflake cucumber cups during winter gatherings because they add a fun, festive touch and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers: peeled and cut into thick rounds
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper: fresh and crisp
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery: adds crunch
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: for flavor depth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill: aromatic herb
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: creamy base
- 2 tbsp sour cream: tangy richness
- 1 tsp lemon juice: fresh acidity
- 1/2 tsp salt: enhances flavors
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: mild heat
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds: garnishing jewel-like
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives: fresh herb garnish
Instructions
- Prep cucumbers:
- Wash and peel the cucumbers. Cut them crosswise into 2-inch thick rounds.
- Shape snowflakes:
- Using a small snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut each round into a snowflake shape.
- Hollow out cups:
- 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 veggies:
- 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 the whole family together every winter holiday as we enjoy preparing and sharing these beautiful cucumber cups.
Required Tools
Snowflake-shaped cookie cutter, melon baller or small spoon, mixing bowl, knife and cutting board, piping bag (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream). Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free by checking labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 45 calories, 3 g total fat, 3 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein
Pin it These cucumber cups are perfect for elegant entertaining and can be prepared well in advance for your convenience.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make perfect cucumber cups?
Use evenly sliced cucumber rounds about 2 inches thick, then carefully cut with a small snowflake-shaped cutter. Hollow out the center gently with a melon baller, keeping the sides intact to hold the filling.
- → What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt makes a lighter alternative to sour cream, providing a similar tanginess and creamy texture in the filling.
- → How can I prepare these cups in advance?
Assemble the cucumber cups and filling separately, then refrigerate both. Fill and garnish shortly before serving to maintain crispness.
- → What garnishes complement the flavor?
Pomegranate seeds add freshness and color, while chopped chives bring a mild onion note, enhancing the overall balance.
- → Can I add other fruits or vegetables?
Finely diced apple or pear adds crunch and a touch of sweetness when folded into the creamy filling.