How to Build a Healthy Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Boards (pronounced shaar-koo-tuh-ree) are fun to eat and the perfect appetizer 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?

Charcuterie boards are typically filled with processed meats and cheeses can be a little bit unhealthy.

Here are some easy tips to enjoy a charcuterie board made with healthy options.

What you will need

This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this Healthy Charcuterie Board and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.

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How to Build a Healthy Charcuterie Board

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, and vegetables.

Use a variety of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.

The best meat to use on a charcuterie board

Select any variety of your favorite meats with an assortment of flavors and textures. Think salty, smoky, and spicy.

More importantly, choose meats that are free of nitrates and minimally processed, and low in sodium if you are on a low-sodium diet.

If you can’t find nitrate-free meats, another great option is artisanal meats that are minimally processed, or check out carnivore club for high-quality artisanal charcuterie products.

Thinly sliced deli meats are a good option if you are looking to cut calories.

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.

The best type of cheese for charcuterie

Any variety of cheeses with a combination of flavor and textures.

Soft cheeses such as brie cheese, goat cheese, blue cheese or camembert cheese are good choices as well as hard cheeses such as sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, gouda cheese, and swiss cheese.

Spreadable cheeses are also a great addition to a charcuterie board.

The cheese used on this board: sharp cheddar with herbs, mild cheddar

Fresh seasonal vegetables

Freshly cut vegetables that are in season will brighten up any board with their refreshing flavors and vibrant colors.

Celery and baby carrots are always a great idea, and so are cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, roasted peppers, hot peppers, cucumber slices, cauliflower, and broccoli. 

Vegetables used:  carrot and celery sticks

Try a grilled vegetarian charcuterie board or a falafel platter for some more healthy board options!

Fresh Fruit and Dried Fruit

The sweetness of seasonal fruits balances out the saltiness in the meats and cheeses and makes a nice contrast in both taste and appearance. Depending on the season fresh-cut fruit will add a pop of color to your board.

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 healthy additions.  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. Try making your own pickles and add them to your board too!

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 dips like hummus, fruit spreads, gourmet mustard, bean dips, guacamole, pizza dip, buffalo chicken dip 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 the board.

You might even find that you eat less nuts when they are in a shell because you can actually see how many nuts you ate from the shells.

These Maple Glazed Cashews or Sweet and Spicy Pecans 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 whole wheat crackers, French baguette slices, sourdough bread, breadsticks, crostini, or plain and simple crackers.

Don’t forget the 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 an arugula salad, chopped salad, spinach salad, cilantro lime shrimp, or grilled chicken.

Healthy charcuterie board tips and questions

• When setting the charcuterie board up, for sanitary reasons, don’t overcrowd it and make items easily accessible.
• Avoid overeating, and don’t eat off of the board, instead grab a small plate and add your favorite items.

Check out more of our appetizer recipes here!