Yes, cones. But instead of sweet ice cream, weâre turning them savory, filling them with creamy potato salad, zesty avocado cream, and topping them with either smoked salmon or a plant-based alternative. Finished with edible flowers, these little cones are colorful, elegant, and ridiculously easy to make.
Perfect for brunch, a light lunch, or a party appetizer, theyâre the kind of dish that makes your guests think you spent hours crafting themâwhen really, you whipped them up in less than half an hour.
â± Quick Snapshot
- Prep Time: 25â30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best For: Lunch, brunch, or entertaining
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly (vegan variation included)
đž Why Mini Cone Baskets Work So Well
The idea of turning an ice cream cone into a savory basket may sound unusual, but it makes so much sense when you try it:
- Crispy + Creamy Contrast: The crunchy cones pair perfectly with creamy potato and avocado layers.
- Portable + Fun: No utensils neededâjust pick one up and enjoy.
- Visually Stunning: Edible flowers, green avocado, and colorful toppings make them look like tiny edible bouquets.
- Customizable: Swap smoked salmon for a plant-based version, use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones, or add your favorite herbs.
In short: these are appetizers that double as table decor.
đ Shopping List
Hereâs everything youâll need:
- Savory cones (plain ice cream cones, trimmed into mini baskets)
- Boiled potatoes (Yukon Golds or russets work great)
- Ripe avocado
- Fresh lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Smoked salmon (or a plant-based alternative like carrot lox or smoked tofu strips)
- Olives (green or black, your choice)
- Edible flowers (pansies, marigolds, or rose petalsâsafe for eating!)
- Salt and pepper
đ„ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Potato Salad Base
- Dice boiled potatoes into small cubes.
- Toss with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Keep it simpleâthis is your hearty, starchy base.
2. Whip Up the Avocado Cream
- Mash ripe avocado until smooth.
- Add lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- For extra creaminess, you can blend it with a splash of olive oil.
3. Prepare the Cones
- Take plain ice cream cones and trim them into mini baskets (cutting off the pointed bottom works).
- If you prefer, you can bake or toast them slightly for extra crunch.
4. Assemble the Cones
- Spoon potato salad into the cone first.
- Add a generous layer of avocado cream.
- Top with smoked salmonâor keep it vegetarian with a plant-based alternative.
- Finish with half an olive on top.
5. Garnish with Edible Flowers
- Place an edible flower petal or two on the edge.
- This final touch transforms the dish from simple snack to artful centerpiece.
đ± Plant-Based Variations
If you follow a vegetarian diet but choose to avoid fish, or if you adhere to a fully vegan lifestyle, you donât need to miss out on this delicious recipe. In fact, with just a few thoughtful substitutions, you can easily adapt it to meet your dietary preferences without compromising on flavor or texture. There are many ingredients in traditional versions that can be swapped out with plant-based alternatives, and doing so can even introduce new tastes and nutritional benefits. For instance, proteins that typically come from fish or animal products can be replaced with legumes, tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives. Similarly, dairy components can be substituted with a wide variety of non-dairy options such as almond milk, soy yogurt, or coconut-based creams. By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a dish that is entirely free of animal products while still being satisfying and full of flavor. Below, youâll find a list of practical substitutions and ideas to guide you in transforming this recipe into a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version:
- Carrot âloxâ: Thinly slice carrots, marinate with soy sauce, liquid smoke, and a touch of maple syrup, then roast or steam. They mimic the smoky, silky texture of salmon.
- Smoked tofu strips: Slice firm tofu, marinate in tamari and smoked paprika, and pan-sear until golden.
- Chickpea salad topping: Mix mashed chickpeas with vegan mayo, dill, and lemon juice for a protein-rich option.
đ Serving Ideas
These mini cone baskets are versatile and fit into almost any occasion:
- Brunch Party: Place them on a tiered stand next to fruit platters and mimosas.
- Holiday Gathering: Add them to a grazing table for a festive, colorful touch.
- Kidsâ Lunches: Make a fun, veggie-packed version with hummus and cherry tomatoes.
- Date Night: Serve alongside a crisp white wine and a fresh salad.
Because theyâre bite-sized, they also make fantastic conversation starters at eventsâyouâll have people asking, âWait⊠are those ice cream cones?â
đ§âđł Tips for Success
- Use firm cones: Thin, delicate cones may crack under the filling. Look for sturdier waffle-style cones.
- Keep avocado green: Add extra lemon juice to prevent browning if preparing in advance.
- Prep ahead: You can boil the potatoes and make the avocado cream a few hours aheadâjust assemble right before serving for maximum crunch.
- Play with colors: Purple potatoes, red radishes, or golden cherry tomatoes can add extra vibrancy.
- Balance flavors: If your cones are slightly sweet, the salty toppings (olives, smoked salmon, or tofu) balance them beautifully.
đ« Why Youâll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: No complicated cookingâjust mix, mash, and layer.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Looks like something from a boutique café, but you made it at home.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with veggies, healthy fats, and customizable proteins.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat, easy to hold, and sneakily nutritious.
These cones arenât just foodâtheyâre a little culinary experience.
đŒ Nutritional Snapshot (per cone, approx.)
- Calories: 140â170 (depending on topping choice)
- Protein: 3â6g
- Healthy fats: From avocado + olive oil
- Fiber: Around 2â3g
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C, potassium, and folate
If you swap salmon for a plant-based topping, you can keep it fully vegetarian or vegan without losing nutrition or flavor.
đ Pro Tip: Where to Find Edible Flowers
Edible flowers arenât nearly as difficult to find as many people might think at first. In fact, over the past several years, they have become increasingly popular in both home cooking and professional kitchens, so availability has improved a lot. Many larger grocery stores now carry a variety of edible flowers, often found in the fresh herb section alongside basil, cilantro, and parsley. Depending on the season, you might find options like nasturtiums, pansies, calendula, or violets neatly packaged and ready to use. Spring and summer tend to be the peak times for finding these blooms because they are in season and easier to cultivate.
Beyond supermarkets, farmersâ markets are another excellent source for edible flowers. Local growers often bring freshly picked blooms that are organically grown and free from chemical pesticides, which is particularly important since youâll be consuming them directly. Visiting a farmersâ market also gives you the opportunity to ask the vendors about the different varieties, their flavors, and the best ways to use them in cooking or baking. Some markets even have flower specialists who can recommend pairings for salads, desserts, teas, or even cocktails.
For those who enjoy gardening, growing your own edible flowers is another rewarding option. Many popular edible flowers, such as marigolds, chive blossoms, and lavender, are relatively easy to cultivate in home gardens or even in containers on a balcony. This way, you have a continuous supply throughout the growing season, and you can harvest them fresh just before use to ensure maximum flavor and visual appeal.
In addition to availability, edible flowers are gaining recognition for their aesthetic and nutritional benefits. They can add vibrant color, delicate fragrance, and subtle flavor to a wide range of dishes, from simple salads to elaborate desserts. Some flowers, like nasturtiums, have a peppery bite similar to arugula, while others, like pansies or violets, provide a gentle sweetness that can enhance both savory and sweet recipes. Their growing popularity means that more people are experimenting with them, so youâll find a wealth of recipes and ideas online for how to incorporate these blooms into your cooking.
Ultimately, whether youâre buying them at a grocery store, sourcing them from a local farmersâ market, or growing them yourself, edible flowers are more accessible than ever before. With a little exploration and experimentation, anyone can enjoy the unique flavors and visual appeal they bring to everyday meals.
Always double-check that the flowers are food-grade and pesticide-free. Common safe-to-eat varieties include:
- Pansies
- Nasturtiums
- Marigolds
- Roses
- Chamomile blossoms
They not only make your cones gorgeous but also add subtle, floral notes that elevate the flavor.
đŽ Beyond Cones: More Quick Vegetarian Ideas
If these mini cones inspire you, here are a few other quick vegetarian meals you can whip up in under 30 minutes:
- Mediterranean Pita Pockets: Stuff pita bread with hummus, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and feta.
- Caprese Salad Skewers: Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Avocado Toast Upgrade: Layer with roasted chickpeas and pickled onions.
- Veggie Sushi Rolls: Nori, rice, avocado, cucumber, and carrotsârolled in minutes.
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: A light, fresh pasta swap ready in under 15 minutes.
These, along with the savory cones, give you a full arsenal of vegetarian recipes that are quick, flavorful, and visually stunning.
đ Final Thoughts
Whether youâre throwing a brunch, hosting a holiday dinner, or just looking for a quick weekday meal, these gourmet mini cone baskets check all the boxes:
- Quick to prepare
- Packed with flavor
- Vegetarian (with easy vegan swaps)
- Visually striking
Theyâre proof that vegetarian meals donât have to be complicatedâor boring. In fact, with just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create something that looks restaurant-worthy and tastes even better.
So the next time you want to impress guestsâor simply treat yourselfâskip the usual sandwiches or salads and give these cones a try. Theyâre fun, elegant, and almost too pretty to eat. Almost. đ
Try them today and see how a simple idea can turn into your new go-to vegetarian dish. đŒđ„
â Ready to give it a try? Grab some cones, boil a couple of potatoes, mash an avocado, and youâre halfway there. Quick, tasty, and vegetarianâjust the way we like it.