The Cubist Deconstruction (Print Version)

Geometrically cut vegetables, fruit, and feta arranged artfully with olive oil and fresh herbs.

# Components:

→ 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

→ 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

# Method:

01 - Slice all vegetables and fruits into a variety of non-standard geometric shapes about 0.4 inch thick using a sharp chef’s knife or small cookie cutters for precision.
02 - Cut feta cheese into geometric cubes or prisms aligning with the visual theme.
03 - Place vegetable, fruit, and cheese pieces side-by-side on a large flat platter without overlapping, creating a cubist mosaic effect.
04 - Evenly drizzle extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the arranged pieces.
05 - Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste over the platter.
06 - Top with microgreens or fresh herbs for color and freshness, then serve immediately to maintain vibrant presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually takes just 25 minutes.
  • Every single bite surprises you with a different flavor and texture combination because you're exploring the plate geometrically.
  • It proves that vegetarian food can be just as visually stunning and crave-worthy as any meat-centered dish.
02 -
  • Your knife sharpness is non-negotiable. A dull knife will crush delicate vegetables and makes geometric cuts look jagged. Invest in sharpening, or use a professional service before making this.
  • The beet must be completely cooled before cutting or it'll be too soft and fall apart. I learned this the very first time I made this dish, and my beautiful geometric beet turned into beet mush.
  • Avocado oxidation is real. Cut it last and assemble immediately. Some people use lemon juice on every piece, which works beautifully.
03 -
  • Keep your knife wet and wipe it between cuts when working with the beet. This gives you cleaner lines and prevents color transfer to lighter ingredients.
  • If you're cutting geometric shapes and want them to be more uniform, save one cookie cutter in each shape you want and use it as a template. This takes the guesswork out and makes your arrangement feel intentional.
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