How to Build a Healthy Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Boards (pronounced shaar-koo-tuh-ree) are fun to eat and perfect for entertaining. Here are some tips to help you make a healthy charcuterie board that everyone will love.

Healthy Charcuterie - an Easy Appetizer or Dinner

Don't you just love meat and cheese boards filled with all kinds of bite-sized goodies that you can mix and match while sipping on a glass of wine?

I know I could help empty a meat and cheese tray for dinner along with a big bowl of salad and be completely happy.  Who doesn't love appetizers for dinner?

How to Build a Healthy Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are typically filled with processed meats and cheeses can be a little bit unhealthy. I've come up with a better way to enjoy a meat and cheese board without compromising the flavor.

Healthy Charcuterie Board Ingredients

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There are no set ingredients when it comes to making a healthy charcuterie board. The key is to fill it up with a  balance of quality ingredients like nitrate-free meats, artisan cheeses, veggies, and fruits.

Grab a board. It can be made of wood slate, marble or a ceramic plate and pile on an assortment of meats, cheeses, vegetables. Use a variety of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Meat

Select any variety of meat with an assortment of flavor and texture. Think salty, smoky, and spicy. More importantly, choose meats that are preferably free of nitrates and minimally processed. If you can't find nitrate-free meats, look for artisanal meats that are minimally processed or check out carnivore club for high-quality artisanal charcuterie products.

Meat used on this board:  Naturally cured salami, pepperoni and prosciutto. I was also able to find fig salami which is a fun addition to a cheeseboard and perfect for vegetarians.

Cheese

Any variety of cheeses with a combination of flavor and textures. Soft cheese such as brie, goat or camembert are good choices as well as sharp cheddars, Parmesan, or gouda, swiss.

Cheese used on this board: sharp cheddar with herbs, mild cheddar

Fresh Seasonal Vegetables

Seasonal vegetables brighten up any board with their refreshing flavors and vibrant colors. Celery and carrots are always a great stand-by option, and so are cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, roasted peppers, hot peppers, cucumber slices, cauliflower, and broccoli. 

Vegetables used:  carrot and celery sticks

Fresh Fruit and Dried Fruit

The sweetness of fruit balances out the saltiness in the meats and cheeses and makes a nice contrast in both taste and appearance. Once again, different flavors and textures play well together.

Here are some seasonal fruit suggestions; in the fall and winter use figs, pears, grapes or apples.  In the warmer months, fresh berries, cherries and peaches are a great choice.  Use dried fruit sparingly since it contains more sugar than fresh fruit.

Fruit used on this board : fresh grapes, dried apricots

Pickled or Brined Foods

Think olives, sweet or dill pickles, pickled jalapenos, pepperoncini, marinated artichokes or any variety of pickled vegetables for a salty piquant flavor.

Pickled Foods Used: Greek Olive Mix, Hot Pepper Rings, Baby Dill Pickles

Spreads and Dips

Spreads and dips are a must for dipping those veggies!  Healthy Hummus, fruit spreads, gourmet mustard, bean dips, guacamole  or pate like this mushroom pate.

Spreads and Dips Used:  Homemade Hummus

Nuts

Nuts to add some crunch.  Use an assortment of raw nuts that are lower in salt and have no added fats.  Nuts in the shell can be a fun addition to add to the board too. You might even find that you eat less because you can actually see how many nuts you ate from the shells. These Maple Glazed Cashews also taste great on a charcuterie board, they are slightly sweet and crunchy.

Nuts Used on this Board: Almonds

Bread and Crackers

Any kind will do, my recommendation is a whole wheat baguette, breadsticks, crostini or plain and simple crackers. Don't forget the helping of gluten-free crackers for your guests with gluten intolerance.

Bread and Crackers Used: Crostini, and Cheese sticks

Add These to Your Meat and Cheese Board

• Beet Hummus
• Guacamole
• Mushroom Pate
• Vegan Queso Dip
• Sweet Potato Fritters

Serving Suggestions

Even though charcuterie boards are almost a meal by themselves, make it a full meal by serving your board with a salad, cilantro lime shrimp, grilled chicken or pasta with blush sauce.

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