Save to Pinterest Festive and colorful veggie cubes stacked to resemble holiday gift boxes—a healthy, eye-catching snack perfect for parties and gatherings.
This recipe has become a favorite at our holiday events because it is both fun to make and visually stunning.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 medium cucumber, 2 large carrots, 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large yellow bell pepper, 1 medium zucchini, 1 small beet cooked and peeled, 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Cheese & Garnishes: 1 cup feta cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or firm mozzarella), 2 tbsp chives or green onions finely chopped, 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Ties & Decoration: 12 fresh chive stalks (or thin strips of bell pepper)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
- Step 2:
- Slice cucumber, carrots, zucchini, and beet into 1/2-inch thick slabs then cut into even 1/2-inch cubes.
- Step 3:
- Cut bell peppers into 1/2-inch wide strips then dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Step 4:
- Halve cherry tomatoes if large leave whole if small.
- Step 5:
- Arrange cubes of vegetables and cheese in colorful stacked layers (3 cubes each) alternating colors and flavors.
- Step 6:
- Secure each stack with a chive stalk or a thin strip of bell pepper tying gently to resemble a gift box ribbon.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the stacks.
- Step 8:
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Making these cubes has brought our family together each holiday season as everyone helps stack and decorate the veggie gifts.
Notes
For best presentation use a sharp knife for clean-edged cubes and serve with a side of hummus or yogurt dip for extra flavor.
Required Tools
Sharp chefs knife, cutting board, vegetable peeler, small serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta or mozzarella cheese) Sesame seeds may cause allergic reactions For allergies use dairy-free cheese and omit sesame seeds Always check product labels
Save to Pinterest
This simple but striking appetizer guarantees to impress guests with its fresh flavors and festive appearance.
Questions & Answers
- → What vegetables are used in the veggie cubes?
The cubes include cucumber, carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, cooked beet, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful mix.
- → How are the veggie cubes assembled to look like gift boxes?
Vegetables and cheese are cut into uniform cubes and stacked in layers of three, then gently tied with chive stalks or thin bell pepper strips to resemble ribbons.
- → Can the cheese be substituted for a vegan alternative?
Yes, firm tofu cubes can replace feta or mozzarella for a vegan-friendly option without changing the texture much.
- → Are the veggie cubes served cooked or raw?
All vegetables except the cooked beet are served raw, maintaining freshness and crunchiness for a light snack.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor of these stacked cubes?
Chopped chives or green onions and optional sesame seeds are sprinkled on top to add subtle herbaceous and nutty notes.
- → How should these veggie cubes be served for best presentation?
Arrange the tied stacks on a platter immediately after assembling to keep the cubes intact and the colors vibrant.