Cubist Deconstruction Appetizer (Printable)

A vibrant appetizer with geometric-cut produce and feta arranged for a modern, artful presentation.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 feta cheese (block, not crumbled)

→ Fruit

06 - 1 ripe mango, peeled

→ Garnishes & Seasoning

07 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon 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

# Steps:

01 - Slice all vegetables and fruits into varied geometric shapes approximately 0.4 inches thick, using a sharp knife or small cookie cutters for precision.
02 - Cut feta cheese into geometric cubes or prisms to complement the vegetable and fruit shapes.
03 - Place vegetable, fruit, and cheese pieces closely side-by-side on a large flat platter without overlapping to form a cubist-style mosaic.
04 - Evenly drizzle extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the assembled pieces.
05 - Sprinkle flaky sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste.
06 - Decorate with microgreens or fresh herbs to enhance color and freshness.
07 - Present immediately to maintain the clean lines and vivid presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like edible modern art but takes just 25 minutes to create
  • Every single bite offers a new flavor combination because nothing is touching or blending together
  • It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, which means everyone at your table gets to enjoy it without modifications
  • The precision and geometry make you feel like you're creating something genuinely special, not just assembling ingredients
02 -
  • Overlap ruins the concept—keep every shape visible and separate so diners experience each flavor on its own terms first
  • Cook your beets the day before, not the hour before. They need time to cool completely or your cuts will be ragged and the juice will bleed everywhere
  • Cut the avocado last, literally right before you drizzle the oil and lemon. Three minutes matters when you're dealing with oxidation
  • The thickness of your cuts matters as much as the shape. Too thin and everything becomes fragile; too thick and it stops feeling like art
03 -
  • A really sharp knife changes everything—dull blades crush vegetables instead of cutting them cleanly, and crushed edges blur your geometric precision
  • Buy your golden beets already cooked if your market has them. Saves 45 minutes and they're honestly just as good as homemade
  • If you're nervous about shapes, start with triangles and squares. You don't need cookie cutters to create geometry; a good knife and intention are enough
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