Christmas Avocado Pita Tree: Easy and Festive Holiday Appetizer
Celebrate the season with a unique and festive Christmas Avocado Pita Tree. This fun appetizer is quick to prepare and makes a flavorful addition to your holiday table. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and holiday cheer.
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The Christmas Avocado Pita Tree is a simple yet fun appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s easy to put together and a refreshing alternative to traditional holiday snacks.
Creamy avocado is spread over toasted pita wedges and topped with colorful cherry tomatoes to create a festive tree shape. It’s a playful, easy-to-make appetizer that brings holiday cheer to the table. With little effort, this dish adds a fun and unique touch to your Christmas spread.
Ingredients
Pita Bread: Use whole wheat pita for a slightly nuttier taste. If you prefer a lighter version, white pita can be used, but whole wheat offers a more robust base for the avocado spread.
Avocados: The creamy texture of ripe avocados is the star of this recipe, providing a rich, smooth base for the spread.
Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work best for this recipe due to their sweetness and size, making them easy to slice and arrange as “decorations” on the pita trees.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Cut each pita bread into 8 wedges to form triangle shapes resembling tree sections. Lightly toast the pita wedges in the oven at 350℉ for about 5 minutes until they are slightly crisp but not too hard.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, scoop out the avocados and mash them with a fork until smooth. Add the lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and mix until well combined.
Step 3: Spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado mixture on each toasted pita wedge. Top each avocado-covered wedge with halved cherry tomatoes, arranging them to resemble festive tree decorations.
Serve these festive avocado pita tree appetizers immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Expert Tips
- Lightly toast the pita wedges until they’re crispy but slightly soft in the center. Over-toasting can make them too crunchy, which could overpower the delicate avocado spread.
- For a smoother avocado spread, mash it with a fork until it’s creamy and free of lumps. If you prefer a creamier texture, use a food processor or blender. This ensures the spread has a silky consistency that spreads easily on the pita.
- Lemon juice prevents the avocado from browning and brightens the spread’s flavor. Adjust the amount depending on your taste preference.
- If you’re prepping for a party, you can toast the pita, assemble the avocado mixture ahead of time, and store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Just wait to spread it on the pita wedges and top with tomatoes until right before serving to keep everything crisp.
Topping Variations
I love to get creative with the toppings on these Christmas Avocado Pita Trees. While the classic cherry tomato ornaments are always a hit, there are plenty of other ways to elevate the flavor and make this appetizer your own. Here are some fun variations I enjoy:
- Cheese and Nuts: After spreading the mashed avocado pita wedges, top them with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, savory flavor. Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds over the cheese or avocado spread for added crunch and texture.
- Veggies: For a refreshing crunch, you can also top the avocado with thinly sliced cucumbers, red bell peppers, or roasted red peppers. Pickled onions or olives can be added for a tangy bite that pairs well with the creamy avocado.
- Tandoori Chicken Dip: Instead of the avocado, you can use this flavorful tandoori chicken dip as the base on your toasted pita wedges. Spread a generous layer of the creamy, smoky chicken dip and top with your favorite veggies. The rich, spiced flavor of the tandoori chicken adds a bold twist and makes for a unique holiday appetizer.
- Pumpkin Hummus: Swap the avocado spread with this creamy pumpkin hummus for a seasonal touch. Spread a generous layer of pumpkin hummus over the toasted pita wedges, and then top with your favorite nuts or seeds. The earthy, rich flavor of the pumpkin hummus brings a festive touch and complements the crunchy pita perfectly.
If you tried this Christmas Avocado Pita Tree Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 whole wheat pita breads
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
- Cut each pita bread into 8 wedges to form triangle shapes resembling tree sections. Lightly toast the pita wedges in the oven at 350℉ for about 5 minutes until they are slightly crisp but not too hard.
- In a medium bowl, scoop out the avocados and mash them with a fork until smooth. Add the lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and mix until well combined.
- Spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado mixture on each toasted pita wedge. Top each avocado-covered wedge with halved cherry tomatoes, arranging them to resemble festive tree decorations.
- Serve these festive avocado pita tree appetizers immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They make a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
Notes
- Lightly toast the pita wedges until they’re crispy but slightly soft in the center. Over-toasting can make them too crunchy, which could overpower the delicate avocado spread.
- For a smoother avocado spread, mash it with a fork until it’s creamy and free of lumps. If you prefer a creamier texture, use a food processor or blender. This ensures the spread has a silky consistency that spreads easily on the pita.
- Lemon juice prevents the avocado from browning and brightens the spread’s flavor. Adjust the amount depending on your taste preference.
Nutrition
