Summer Grazing Charcuterie Board

There is no better way to entertain friends and family than with a delicious charcuterie or “grazing” board! I’m sharing how I put a summer twist on my charcuterie board below!

Summer Charcuterie Board

What I love about charcuterie boards is not only how beautiful they are but also how easy they are to tailor to various seasons and holidays. In the summer months, seasonal fruits and vegetables reign supreme so I like to combine these with my board staples (walnuts, cheeses, jams). For summer, I chose fresh peaches, cantaloupe, watermelon, blackberries, etc.

In addition to seasonal summer flavors, walnuts are one of my favorite additions to this board, but you can add any nuts you love. I have a full list of all the items in this summer charcuterie board below for quick reference!

CHILI LIME WALNUTS: I wanted to include a flavorful twist with my toasted chili lime walnuts. They’re the perfect smoky and spicy twist that still fits perfectly with the sweet fruits on this summer board.

My husband and I have been snacking on them all summer long! I want to try them with orange zest next time. I’ll report back!

Summer Grazing Charcuterie Board

• Chili Lime Walnuts
• Nuts
• Peaches
• Prosciutto-wrapped Cantaloupe
• Watermelon
• Blackberries
• Cherries
• Cherry Tomatoes or Heirloom Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Breadsticks, Crostini, Crackers
• Brie, Parmesan, Gouda, Mozzarella
• Salami, Prosciutto, Cured Sausages
• Fig Jam
• Honey

To build your summer charcuterie board, be sure to start out with a tray or platter that’s large enough to fit all your goodies! I love to use a tray with handles as it makes it easy for carrying outside or to your entertaining space.

Step 1: Place Cheeses on Charcuterie Board

My first step for creating any grazing board is to place the cheeses. Space them evenly around the platter. 

Step 2: Add Little Bowls (honeys, jams, dips, nuts)

Then I add any bowls of honey, jams, or in my case here – the chili lime walnuts. The small bowls basically help keep dips/spreads and small items contained.

Step 3: Add Seasonal Summer Fruits & Vegetables

Add in your fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the charcuterie board or tray.

Step 5: Add Bread/Crackers/Toasts

Whether you add toasted baguette slices (brush with olive oil before toasting) or simply your favorite crackers, be sure to have some sort of bread base to serve alongside your cheeses and other charcuterie items!

Step 6: Garnish your Summer Charcuterie Board

Next, I add in and tuck in fresh herbs or floral blooms as garnish. Add in cheese knives and serve! You can use my list above as a guide or select your own favorite summer harvest fruits and vegetables.

Charcuterie boards are such a wonderful appetizer for entertaining as it brings your guests together and allows them to select their own favorite flavors to enjoy. They’re especially delicious in the summer when you don’t want to stand around waiting for hot items in the oven.

Even my 5-year old daughter has enjoyed helping me create these boards for parties or even a picnic-style summer dinner.

I hope you’ll try your hand at making a summer charcuterie board this year! It’s super easy and the perfect party appetizer or grazing lunch idea!

For more of my favorite appetizers recipes, check out these below!

• Easy Cold Party Appetizers
• Movie Night Snack Board (think charcuterie but with movie snacks)
• Chicken Nacho Wonton Cups (one of my faves)