Summer Charcuterie Boards: The Perfect Way to Celebrate the Season
When the summer months roll around, I’m always looking for a great way to entertain without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where summer charcuterie boards, or some know them as grazing boards, come in—they’re my go-to for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or even a casual picnic with family. On those warm summer nights when you want something easy, beautiful, and delicious, a summer board is the perfect charcuterie board solution.
But how do you start? How do you even put one together? What do you put on it besides the obvious stuff like cheese, salami, and grapes? How do you make it a little more interesting and fun?
These might be the questions you’re asking in your head or typing into Google, as you just did. Well, you’re in luck! I’m a real human (just mentioning that, since you never know these days lol), and I’m on a mission to cover all kinds of charcuterie board ideas over the next few months. Starting with the summer charcuterie boards, as we are in the summer season now.
And guess what, I am excited, cause not only do I get to put them together to show you my masterpieces, but I get to eat it all, woohoo. Well, I might share some with family, maybe, we’ll see hehe.
I started making summer charcuterie boards for dinner parties and picnics when I realized there’s no better way to bring people together than with a gorgeous summer charcuterie board filled with fresh fruits, seasonal produce, and a variety of cheeses and cured meats. It’s always a hit—everyone finds something they love, and I get to sneak in a little bit of garden-fresh veggies or grilled stone fruit for a summery feel.
One of my favorite things about a summer cheese board is how flexible it is. You can use whatever is in season at your local farmers market or grocery store—think juicy fruits like peaches, nectarines, and berries, plus fresh vegetables and an assortment of meats.
My Mediterranean grilled board has become a surprise favorite among my friends; no one expects grilled veggies and olive oil to be such a great addition to a typical charcuterie board, but it’s always the star of the show. I’m actually really excited to share it with you, because it’s my absolute fave!
If you’re looking for a fun way to feed a crowd on a summer day, or just want a snack board for a date night, you’re in the right place. Summer charcuterie boards are a great idea for anyone who loves variety, wants to try different combinations, or just needs an easy summer charcuterie board for last-minute summer entertaining.
What You’ll Find in This Article
Three beautiful summer charcuterie boards: Classic, Picnic, and Mediterranean Grilled styles, each with their own ingredient lists, seasonal touches, and assembly tips.
Why summer charcuterie boards are a delicious option: The benefits of offering a variety of meats, cheeses, and fresh fruits so everyone can build their own perfect summer charcuterie board.
Pro tips for building a great board: How to assemble, display, and keep your grazing board fresh—plus ideas for using small bowls, filling empty spaces, and choosing the best cheese and favorite crackers.
More ideas coming soon: I’ll be updating this post with even more ways to create the best summer charcuterie board for every occasion.
Tips for Building the Perfect Summer Charcuterie Board
- Start with the right board. A large wooden board or cheese platter is ideal, but a small board works for more intimate gatherings. Always go for a board a little bigger than what you think you will need, trust me I made that mistke befor ans was cramming everything because I chose a board a bit too small. I learnt my lesson. If you have a bit too much space left, you can always decorate it with some flowers to fill empty spaces.
- For outdoor events, a board with a lid or cover is a great thing to keep everything fresh and bug-free. And even better if you find a board with little grooves and sections to help the items stay more securely in place and not slide around when transporting. Otherwise, you could end up with a charcuterie salad bowl, lol, especially if you are a heavy-footed driver like my hubby. Once I had to hold to my charcuterie board for dear life so it didn’t become a deconstructed mess on our way to a picnic with friends.
- First step: gather ingredients. Shop for seasonal produce and summer fruits at your local farmers market or Trader Joe’s for the freshest options.
- Layer and cluster. Place larger items like cheeses and small bowls of dips or olives first, then fill in with cured meats, fresh mozzarella, and seasonal touches like stone fruit or garden-fresh veggies.
- Keep it fresh. Cover your board with plastic wrap until serving, especially if you’re prepping ahead. For longer summer days, keep perishable items at room temperature only as long as needed.
- Display matters. Use different ways to arrange your board—try grouping by color, texture, or type for a gorgeous summer charcuterie board with plenty of visual interest.
- Fill empty spaces. Use dried fruits, nuts, or extra berries to fill any gaps for a lush, abundant look.
- Add fresh herbs and edible flowers. If you haven’t already, consider tucking in sprigs of fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for pops of green and aroma. Edible flowers add a delicate, colorful touch that instantly elevates the board’s appearance and gives it a fresh, summery vibe.
- Transporting? Assemble on-site or use a board with a lid to keep everything secure and fresh, especially for picnics or outdoor events.
Your Three Must-Try Summer Charcuterie Boards
Classic Summer Charcuterie Board
Cheeses:
- Brie wedges
- Sharp cheddar (slices or cubes)
- Young Gouda cubes
- Blue cheese (small round or wedge)
- Blueberry goat cheese (optional, check out the recipe here)
Meats:
- Genoa salami slices
- Sopressata slices
- Prosciutto slices
Fruits:
- Green grapes (clusters)
- Red grapes (clusters)
- Strawberries (halved or whole)
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
Extras:
- Baguette slices (toasted or fresh)
- Assorted crackers
- Fig jam (small bowl)
- Chocolate-covered almonds
- Fresh herbs (basil, thyme, or rosemary)
- Edible flowers (optional)
Assembly Tips:
Place cheeses first, spaced evenly to anchor the board. Add small bowls of fig jam near cheeses. Fold or roll cured meats and arrange in clusters. Fill gaps with fresh berries and grapes, alternating colors. Fan out baguette slices and crackers without overcrowding. Scatter chocolate-covered almonds and garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers. Leave space for any refrigerated items to add last minute. Cover with plastic wrap until serving
Picnic Summer Charcuterie Board
Cheeses:
- Vermont sharp white cheddar cubes
- Marbled cheddar cubes
- Mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
Meats:
- Genoa salami slices
- Prosciutto slices
Vegetables:
- Cucumber slices
- Cherry tomatoes
Fruits:
- Watermelon triangles (on sticks, optional)
- Melon/cantaloupe or peach slices
- Cherries (whole)
- Blackberries
Extras:
- Chili lime walnuts or other seasoned nuts
- Plain crackers (round or rectangular)
- Fig and pistachio crackers (if you can find some)
- Fig jam (small bowl)
- Fresh edible blooms (optional)
Assembly Tips:
Start with small bowls of fig jam and dips. Arrange cheeses in multiple spots for balance. Place meats in rolled or folded piles. Fan watermelon and peach slices, then add cherries and blackberries. Cluster cucumber rounds and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle nuts in gaps. Lay crostini, breadsticks, and crackers along edges. Garnish with edible blooms for a summery vibe. For picnics, keep chilled until serving and assemble on-site if possible.
Mediterranean Grilled Summer Charcuterie Board
Cheeses:
- Pecorino cubes
- Parmesan, thinly cut wedges
- Greek garlic marinated feta cubes
Meats:
- Soppressata salami slices
- Prosciutto slices
- Mortadella shaved
Fresh Fruits:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh figs quartered
Grilled Produce:
- Grilled zucchini slices or strips
- Grilled eggplant slices or strips
- Grilled bell pepper strips (serve in small bowl)
- Grilled cherry tomatos
Extras:
- Grilled ciabatta bread slices
- Hummus (small bowl)
- Marinated olives
- Roasted pistachios with shells
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Assembly Tips:
Place bowls of hummus, marinated olives, and grilled peppers first to anchor the board and contain juices. Arrange gouda and parmesan in separate sections, slicing wedges or shaving for texture. Fan out spicy salami and sopressata beside cheeses. Neatly layer grilled zucchini and eggplant slices around the board. Add grilled pineapple and watermelon skewers for a sweet summer twist. Scatter cherry tomatoes and fresh apricot halves in gaps. Sprinkle roasted almonds for crunch. Add grilled sourdough slices along edges. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Keep perishable items chilled until just before serving, and cover with plastic wrap if prepping ahead.
Conclusion
Summer charcuterie boards are an easy and delicious way to bring people together and enjoy the best of seasonal produce with minimal fuss. Whether you try the Classic, Picnic, or Mediterranean Grilled boards, these ideas give you plenty of variety and flavor to impress your guests while keeping things simple and fresh. Have fun mixing and matching ingredients, adding fresh herbs or edible flowers for color, and making your own perfect summer board that suits your style and taste
