I can’t get enough of fresh, colorful and delicious charcuterie boards in the summer. This board was the perfect early summer board for a family birthday party and I loved adding some colorful fruit and flowers to really make the ingredients pop!
This colorful summer charcuterie board is easy to make and there are countless ways to adjust for your own preference or food sensitivities. Take away the meat to make it a vegetarian board, or leave off the cheese to make it dairy free!
Contents
Ingredients for this Colorful Summer Charcuterie Board
For this board I chose fresh summer ingredients that were full of flavor and color. Here’s exactly what I used to make this board:
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Water Crackers
- Honeydew Melon
- Prosuitto
- Brie Cheese
- Peaches
- Cheddar Cheese
- Wheat Thins
- Cherries
- Salami
- A local soft cheese
- Roses and Lavendar (or other edible flowers for garnish)
Assembling this Colorful Summer Charcuterie Board
To assemble this summer board, start by cutting all your fruit into easy to eat and bite sited pieces. You can either leave things like cherries and strawberries whole or cut them into smaller pieces.
Cut cheese into small bite size pieces or include a small knife or cutting the cheese directly on the board.
Lay out all the ingredients in groups of rows on the board starting with the larger items and working down to the smaller things. Try to separate colors, sizes, flavors and textures to add interest to the board. Garnish with flowers.
This board is best served immediately while the fruit is still cool. You can serve this with toothpicks and/or small napkins or plates to make it easier to eat and enjoy.
General Tips for Gorgeous Summer Boards
Incorporate Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables:
- Add bright, fresh produce like strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. These not only add color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the meats and cheeses.
Use a Variety of Cheeses:
- Include cheeses with different textures and colors. Opt for a mix of soft, hard, and semi-soft cheeses such as brie, cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese. Consider cheeses with vibrant hues like cranberry-infused goat cheese or herb-covered varieties.
Add Colorful Meats:
- Choose cured meats with rich colors, like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. Roll or fold them into interesting shapes to add visual appeal and texture to your board.
Incorporate Dips and Spreads:
- Offer an assortment of dips and spreads in small bowls. Hummus, pesto, beet dip, and vibrant red pepper spread can add pops of color and different flavors.
Garnish with Edible Flowers and Fresh Herbs:
- Decorate your board with edible flowers like nasturtiums, pansies, and marigolds for a whimsical touch. Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint can add both color and aroma, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Colorful Summer Charcuterie Board Recipe
Colorful Summer Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- Medium Charcuterie Board
- Cutting Board and Knife
- toothpicks and plates/napkins optional
Ingredients
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Water Crackers
- Honeydew Melon
- Prosuitto
- Brie Cheese
- Peaches
- Cheddar Cheese
- Wheat Thins
- Cherries
- Salami
- A local soft cheese
- Roses and Lavendar or other edible flowers for garnish
Instructions
- Cut all your fruit into easy to eat and bite sited pieces. You can either leave things like cherries and strawberries whole or cut them into smaller pieces.
- Cut cheese into small bite size pieces or include a small knife or cutting the cheese directly on the board.
- Lay out all the ingredients in groups of rows on the board starting with the larger items and working down to the smaller things. Try to separate colors, sizes, flavors and textures to add interest to the board. Garnish with flowers.
