Cubist Deconstruction Appetizer (Print Version)

Geometric-cut vegetables, mango, and feta combine with herbs and olive oil for a fresh, artistic starter.

# What to Use:

→ 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 block feta cheese

→ 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 (e.g., basil, cilantro), for garnish

# How to Prepare:

01 - Slice all vegetables and fruits into varied geometric shapes about 0.4 inches thick using a sharp knife or small cookie cutters.
02 - Cut feta cheese into geometric cubes or prisms complementing the theme.
03 - Arrange the vegetable, fruit, and cheese pieces closely without overlapping on a large flat serving platter, forming a cubist-style mosaic.
04 - Evenly drizzle extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the arrangement.
05 - Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
06 - Add microgreens or fresh herbs for visual appeal and freshness.
07 - Present immediately to maintain the defined shapes and vibrant colors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant, but you made it at home in 25 minutes
  • Every single bite is a surprise of different textures and flavors coming together in unexpected ways
  • It feels fancy and intentional, but there's no cooking involved, just creativity and a sharp knife
  • Your guests will take photos before eating, and honestly, that's half the fun
02 -
  • Keep your knife sharp. Dull knives will crush vegetables and compress the beautiful shapes you're trying to create. I learned this the hard way after struggling with soggy cucumber triangles
  • Cutting the avocado last is non-negotiable. It browns quickly, so no matter how tempting it is to prep everything ahead, save the avocado for the final moments before serving
  • The feta absolutely must be a block. Crumbled feta will disappear into the arrangement and you'll lose the geometric element that makes this dish special
03 -
  • The secret to this looking restaurant-quality is keeping your platter and all ingredients cold until the last moment. Chill your serving platter in the fridge for 15 minutes before arranging
  • If you're worried about the avocado browning, toss the cut pieces very lightly in the lemon juice first—it's a small barrier against oxidation that makes a real difference
  • Don't arrange this more than 15 minutes before serving. The presentation is what makes this dish, and letting it sit loses that impact
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