Summer Charcuterie Board

How to make an epic, beautiful Summer Charcuterie Board highlighting all of the fresh fruits and vegetables in season, paired with cheeses and meats perfect for summer. I am sharing all of the ideas on how to create the perfect charcuterie board for summer.

If you have been following Modern Honey for some time, you know how much I love creating charcuterie boards. You can find my post about How to make the best charcuterie board for more details and where I like to buy my ingredients to create an epic charcuterie board.

If I am ever hosting friends or family, my go-to is a gorgeous charcuterie board because it is perfect for socializing and casually eating. Summer boards can be taken to the beach, for a picnic in the park, or for enjoying at home.

We are over in California for most of the summer so we are constantly hitting farmer’s markets to pick up the freshest produce straight from the farm. I have been so inspired to make a summer-inspired board filled with in season fresh fruits and vegetables.

I am sharing everything I did to make a summer board perfect for summer entertaining. I will share lists below of different categories but here are some ways that a summer charcuterie board highlights what is currently in season.

I love making fresh caprese salad using heirloom tomatoes, sliced mozzarella and fresh basil.

One of my favorites is to make cantaloupe prosciutto skewers made with cantaloupe, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella balls, basil, and balsamic glaze skewers.

I love to make a homemade ranch dressing and cut up mini cucumbers, heirloom carrots, and mini peppers for dipping.

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Summer offers an abundance of fresh produce that can add color, flavor, and texture to your charcuterie board. Consider including:

• FRUITS:
  • Watermelon slices: I like to cut these in triangles and zigzag them
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Cherries: I like to use both red cherries and rainier cherries
  • Peaches or Nectarines
  • Apricots
  • Grapes: I like to use both red and green grapes for variety
• VEGETABLES:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber slices
  • Bell pepper strips
  • Radishes
  • Carrot sticks
  • Snap peas
• MEATS AND CHEESES:
• A variety of meats and cheeses will add richness and savory flavors to your board:
• Meats:
  • Salami
  • Prosciutto
  • Soppressata
  • Chorizo
• Cheeses:
  • Brie
  • Goat cheese
  • Cheddar
  • Gouda
  • Manchego
  • Blue cheese

To add more variety and interest to your board, include:

• Nuts:
  • Almonds (I love to use the Garlic and Herb Almonds from Costco)
  • Pistachios
  • Cashews
• Crackers and Bread:
  • La Panzanella Croccantini Crackers
  • Sourdough Baguette Slices
  • raincoast crisps
• Dried Fruits:
  • Apricots
  • Tangerines or Oranges
  • Cranberries
• Spreads and Dips:
  • Honey
  • Fig jam
  • Divina Calabrian Chili Orange Spread
  • Divina Sour Cherry Spread
  • Raspberry preserves
  • Pesto

Edible Flowers

I love to add edible flowers to my charcuterie boards because they add so much color and whimsy. Edible flowers definitely enhance the aesthetic look of your charcuterie board. Here is a list of edible flowers:

• Nasturtiums
• Pansies
• Marigolds
• Borage
• Calendula

Designing Your Charcuterie Board

Choosing the Right Board

Select a large, flat surface for your charcuterie board. Wooden cutting boards, marble slabs, or large serving platters work well. The board should be large enough to hold all your ingredients without looking overcrowded.

I love to find new boards at Home Goods, TJ Maxx, or Marshall’s because they are so reasonably priced and have beautiful boards.

Another favorite is EtuHome. I own four of their gorgeous boards and love them!

1. Start with the Cheese and Meats: Place your cheeses and meats on the board first. Space them out evenly and create different shapes and textures.
2. Add Fruits and Vegetables: Next, add the fresh fruits and vegetables. Group similar items together to create visual interest and balance.
3. Incorporate Crackers and Bread: Arrange the crackers and bread slices around the perimeter or in gaps between the other ingredients.
4. Include Nuts and Dried Fruits: Fill in any remaining spaces with nuts and dried fruits. Use small bowls for items like nuts or olives to keep them contained.
5. Finish with Spreads and Edible Flowers: Place small bowls of spreads and dips on the board. Garnish with edible flowers for a final touch of color and elegance.

Storing Your Charcuterie Board

If you need to prepare your charcuterie board in advance, here are some storage tips:

• Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the board with plastic wrap or a clean, damp cloth to keep everything fresh. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
• Add Crackers Last: To prevent crackers from becoming stale or soggy, add them to the board just before serving.

Epic Charcuterie Boards:

I have so many charcuterie board posts on Modern Honey and here are some gorgeous charcuterie board ideas for your next party or gathering…

How to make the Best Charcuterie Board

Italian Charcuterie Board

Spring Charcuterie Board

Mini Charcuterie Box

Charcuterie Board (Meat and Cheese Platter)

Chocolate Dessert Board

Fall Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Pancake Charcuterie Board