Cubist Deconstruction Appetizer (Print Version)

An artistic appetizer of assorted geometric-cut vegetables, fruits, and cheese enhanced with olive oil and herbs.

# 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 block feta cheese

→ Fruit

06 - 1 ripe mango, peeled

→ Garnishes and 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 Make It:

01 - Slice all vegetables and fruits into various geometric shapes (triangles, parallelograms, hexagons, irregular polygons) approximately 0.4 inches thick using a sharp knife or small cookie cutters.
02 - Cut the feta cheese into geometric cubes or prisms to complement the vegetable and fruit shapes.
03 - On a large flat platter, arrange the vegetable, fruit, and cheese pieces closely side-by-side without overlapping, forming a visually striking cubist mosaic.
04 - Drizzle evenly with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the assembled pieces.
05 - Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
06 - Finish with a scatter of microgreens or fresh herbs for color and freshness, then serve immediately to retain crisp lines and vibrant presentation.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It transforms simple, humble ingredients into something that feels gallery-worthy and impressive without any cooking required
  • Each geometric bite offers a different flavor combination, keeping your palate engaged and curious throughout
  • It's the kind of dish that makes people pause and admire before eating, turning a simple appetizer into an experience
02 -
  • The avocado is your time constraint. Prepare it last and serve within ten minutes, or it will oxidize and lose its appeal. If you must prep ahead, toss the cut avocado gently with lemon juice and keep it wrapped until the final moment.
  • A dull knife will destroy the presentation faster than anything else. Spend the two minutes honing your blade before you start. The difference between a dull and sharp knife in this dish is the difference between a work of art and a sad jumble.
03 -
  • Keep your work surface and platter chilled before assembly. Cool surfaces help the ingredients stay crisp and vibrant longer.
  • If you're plating this for a special occasion, practice your arrangement once before guests arrive. You'll feel more confident and the final presentation will feel effortless rather than rushed.
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