This delicious, healthy Charcuterie Board is a great holiday appetizer idea with low-calorie and protein-packed ingredients.
As soon as cooler weather hits, I’m making charcuterie boards every weekend! They really can be a healthy “girl dinner” if you know the right ingredients to add. They are also the perfect date night recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Healthy option: It’s a healthier way to snack during all those holiday parties – it doesn’t have to be all cheese and dips!
- Customizable: Add in different fruits, veggies, proteins and spreads.
What to put on a charcuterie board
You can add pretty much whatever you want to your charcuterie board! Here are some different options:
- Vegetarian protein – like hard boiled eggs or tofu.
- Meat – smoked turkey, salami, prosciutto or chicken would all be good.
- Cheese – I like smoked cheddar, brie mozzarella, mini bocconcini and/or Gouda.
- Fruit – grapes, berries and pomegranate would all be yummy.
- Veggies – I like celery, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes and zucchini.
- Spreads – add some hummus, tahini or antipasto.
- Flavour boosters – pickles, olives, fresh herbs and mixed nuts will add extra flavour.
How to make a charcuterie board
Step 1: Choose your ingredients.
Pick your meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies and spreads.
Step 2: Cut up your ingredients.
Chop up any veggies or cheese.
Step 3: Lay everything out.
The prettier the better!
Step 4: Don’t forget the cutlery.
Make sure to include cutlery like cheese knives and spoons for spreads.
Tips & tricks
Here are some tips for making the best charcuterie board:
- Different textures: Have a mix of soft, hard and crunchy textures for a variety.
- Keep it lean: Use lean protein and low-fat cheese where possible.
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure you leave enough room between components or it’ll look messy.
- Choose a pretty board: Presentation is everything! You can even use a wooden cutting board if that’s all you have.
Frequently asked questions
What is a charcuterie board?
A charcuterie board is basically a combination of different cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies and spreads served on a board or platter for nibbling.
Does it have to include meat?
No! If you want your board to be vegetarian, leave out the meat and add more hard-boiled eggs, marinated tofu and nuts.
What can I use instead of cheese?
If you’re dairy-free, you can add dairy-free cheese to your board and load up on the other components. These boards are super customizable!
Prepping ahead
No one likes to stress before a party! Here’s how to prep your board up to a day ahead:
- Cut up the cheeses, veggies and meats.
- Make any spreads.
- Divide everything into proper serving sizes.
- Store in containers until you’re ready to assemble!
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- Use these Ziploc bag holders if you’re cutting the vegetables in advance and storing them in freezer bags.
- Pick up a charcuterie board if you don’t already have one.
Delicious & Healthy Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 package deli-style smoked turkey
- 1 package deli-style salami
- 1 package smoked cheddar cheese
- 1 package brie
- 1 container mini bocconcini cheese balls
- 1 package fresh basil
- 1 container Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mixed olives
- 1 jar pickles (cornichons)
- 1 persimmon, sliced
- 1 bunch grapes
- 1 pomegranate, cut open
- 2 celery stalks, julienned
- 1/2 each red and yellow pepper, julienned
- 1 zucchini, sliced on a diagonal
- 2 packages hummus (I got roasted garlic and beet flavours)
- 1 jar antipasto
Instructions
- Assemble all ingredients on a large wood board with small bowls for the ingredients like olives, pickles and dips. Include cutlery for cheeses and arrange in a manner so that guests can pick and choose different snacks from the board. To make caprese bites, add cherry tomatoes, basil and bocconcini cheese on toothpicks and add to board. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Wilma says
Love this to feed to my MEAT eating Protrein friends.
For my other friends wanting to keep their 60,000 miles of blood vessels clear of plaque (.we are each created with that amount of blood circulating blood vessels.- FACT -!!!!! – enough to wrap around the world twice and a bit) – .I prepare a PLANT BASED.Protein charcuterie board.
NO need to say anything – as they spot the difference.
Thank you for the ideas for my MEAT eater friends though.
Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year.
Wilma
M says
I do make this type of board 2 or 3 times a week. I go to the deli and order 2 types of meat but only 2 slices of each. I also order about 2 inches of salami sliced. Usually pick 3 types of cheese in the same proportions as the salami. whatever fruit is fresh and on sale that I can eat for a few days. And I buy the $10 container of peeled and sectioned grapefruit(that lasts me almost 2 weeks) There are a few stores that sell singles of veg so I go there and buy just enough for me of 3 different ones. Pickles. Sometimes Triscuts or Mini Wheats Make a tray in a pyrex dish with a lid. if I dont eat it all I put the lid on(triscuts or wheats out)put it in the fridge and finish tomorrow. I’m single so this way I dont have to cook, I dont over eat and if I come across some cool food I wanna add I can. Like those parmesan crisps at Whole Foods. or kumquats, tamatillos, A little vino on Sundays. And that’s my Charcuterie.
Taylor Stinson says
That sounds like an amazing selection!!! YUM!