How to Make a Summer Checkerboard Platter

It’s summer time, which means I’m always on the lookout for a new, fresh, charcuterie board idea. Jumping off the recent trend of making a checkerboard platter, I put together this summer checkerboard platter full of some of my favorite summer ingredients. Below I’ll share exactly what I used to make this board, but I encourage you to use whatever you have that is fresh as well as some feta and watermelon to make this colorful and delicious board. Serve it for an afternoon snack or a side dish.

Looking for more ideas?

• Summer Charcuterie Board Ideas
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Hi, I’m Gretchen - creator of Amazing Charcuterie Boards. I help home hosts and beginners create beautiful, stress-free charcuterie boards with simple rules, realistic portions, and easy styling techniques.

If you’re planning your next board, you may also find these helpful:
→ Charcuterie Board Portion Calculator
→ How to Design a Charcuterie Board (simple rules & layouts)
→ The Best Charcuterie Board Pairings

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What is a Checkboard Platter?

A summer checkerboard platter is a striking and delicious way to serve seasonal ingredients in a fun, creative layout. Inspired by the pattern of a checkerboard, this platter alternates contrasting foods: such as watermelon cubes and feta, berries and soft cheeses, or colorful vegetables and dips—in a grid-like arrangement.

The result is a bright, eye-catching display that’s perfect for summer picnics, parties, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients for this Summer Checkerboard Platter

As mentioned above, the best ingredients for this are whatever is in season. If possible get your ingredients locally and fresh. I’ve seen some amazing boards with some of the veggies, grilled, but this board is just raw. To prepare this board, start by cutting everything into cubes or rounds.

Here’s what I used for this platter:

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Feta
• Mozzarella
• Blueberries
• Canteloupe
• Olives
• Basil

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How to Assemble a Summer Checkerboard Platter

Watch me Make this Board

1. Prep Ingredients:
   • Cut cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, and cantaloupe into small cubes or rounds of similar size.
   • Cube the feta and slice or halve mozzarella balls to match the other pieces.
   • Wash and pat dry the blueberries and basil leaves.
   • Pit the olives if necessary.
2. Choose Your Board:
   • Use a flat square or rectangular board or platter to best showcase the checkerboard pattern.
3. Arrange in a Grid:
   • Begin laying out your ingredients in a checkerboard pattern. Alternate contrasting colors and textures—for example:
     • Watermelon 🍉 + Feta 🧀
     • Tomato 🍅 + Mozzarella
     • Cucumber 🥒 + Olives
     • Cantaloupe 🍈 + Blueberries
   • Keep rows and columns as even as possible for that bold checker effect.
4. Fill Gaps:
   • Use basil leaves as garnish between some sections or layered under cheese for extra freshness and color.
5. Final Touch:
   • Drizzle lightly with olive oil or balsamic glaze if desired.
   • Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips for Serving a Summer Checkerboard Platter

Keep It Cool
Since many ingredients (like cheese and melon) are best served chilled, prep and store your board in the fridge until just before serving. If outdoors, place the platter over a tray of ice to keep it fresh longer.

Use Toothpicks or Small Forks
Set out toothpicks or mini forks so guests can easily pick up individual items without disturbing the pattern.

Serve with Small Plates
Offer small appetizer plates so people can build their own mini combinations and enjoy each flavor pairing.

Highlight Flavor Combos
Suggest tasty duos like watermelon + feta, tomato + mozzarella + basil, or cantaloupe + blueberries to guide your guests toward delicious bites.

Garnish Just Before Serving
Add delicate basil leaves and any optional drizzles (like balsamic glaze) right before serving so they stay fresh and vibrant.

Choose a Flat Surface
Use a flat, rimless platter or board to make the checkerboard pattern pop and keep ingredients from sliding.

Use Contrasting Colors for Maximum Impact
Place light items next to darker ones—like white feta next to red tomato or green cucumber next to orange cantaloupe—for a bold, eye-catching display.

Refill as Needed
Keep extra ingredients on hand so you can refresh the board as it’s enjoyed throughout the event.