Lunch Charcuterie Board

Have you tried a Lunch Charcuterie Board? If you read my latest blog, Charcuterie Definition: How to Build the Best Boards, you know I LOVE these as an easy meal options (or appetizer.) Not to mention, they are super fun, colourful and trendy right now. They also provide that laid-back, chillin’ summer atmosphere when enjoying your Lunch Charcuterie Board. If it sounds like this lunch can’t get better, you can use your fridge as a guide to use up those veggies, fruit, cheese and other proteins.

For a complete review on how to master the best boards, check out Charcuterie Definition: How to Build the Best Boards. However, to make a Charcuterie Board Lunch, there are a few simple principles to follow. These guidelines help you have a nutritionally balanced meal to keep you feeling fueled for your day.

I love Charcuterie boards!

What you’ll Need for your Charcuterie Board:

• Wooden board for arranging foods: A handle on the board is helpful for serving and carrying. Use a platter or marble slab, if you prefer.
• Variety of small bowls for placing dips, mustard or small fruits or veggies. Additionally, use measuring cups for a cool, classy-looking ingredient holder. With small bowls, go for variety of colours, sizes, shapes and materials.
• Utensils: You will need some knives for cutting cheese or spoons for scooping pate or dips. Forks or toothpicks are also helpful for moving ingredients from the board onto your plate.

Charcuterie Board Lunch

Basics of Lunch Charcuterie Board:

1. Keep Colour in Mind!

What makes a charcuterie board beautiful is seeing an array of colours. When building your board, entertain the eye by adding at least three colours with fruits and unique vibrant veggies. And, importantly, place colours in different areas to highlight sections of the board.

Cool cuts of colourful veggies for your board!

2. Mix up Proteins

The charcuterie definition traditionally refers to cooked meats; however, don’t let that limit you. Instead, think outside “customary” protein sources. This allows your charcuterie board to include options such as hard-cooked eggs, beans or legumes, fish pate, and unique nuts/seeds. To be clear, we do not need to shy away from enjoying meat or cheese; just expand the protein possibilities.

Choose unique proteins on your charcuterie board

3. Carbs, Dips, Sauces, and Spreads

What’s a charcuterie board without dips, sauces or spreads? Go for a variety with at least two dips for meals and more options if entertaining. Dips make everything more exciting! Those crackers and veggie sticks become vehicles for dip consumption. Not to mention, dips are an inevitable crowd-pleaser. Who is not impressed with a homemade bruschetta mix, Tzatziki (homemade or store-bought) or a beet hummus on a charcuterie board? See Charctuerie Definition Blog for more ideas!

Garlic Lentil Bruschetta recipe

Most of all, for your Charcuterie Board Lunch, do your thing! Use what you have on hand to build your board. Just aim for the above structure of veggies, protein and carbs for nutritional balance.

Lastly, have fun with it!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Serves: 2-4

Ingredients:

• 3 different colourful veggies or fruits (carrots, cherry tomatoes, berries, peppers)
• 2-3 proteins (Romano beans, Hard-Cooked Eggs, walnuts, cheese, cottage cheese, spicy salami)
• 2-4 carbs (crackers, pretzels, pita bread wedges, beans, fruit)
• 1-3 dips (hummus, cottage cheese, jelly, salmon pate, bruschetta mix, etc.)

Lunch Charcuterie Board Directions:

1. Choose a board to arrange your foods. A wooden board, cutting board or marble slab works well.
2. Place your array of colourful foods on your board.
3. Add proteins to your board and place in different areas of the board.
4. Next, place carbohydrates in areas of board beside dips or cheese for pairing.
5. Finally, place bowls for dips on the side or on the board.
6. Finish the board with knives, toothpicks or fresh herbs.
7. Enjoy!

Now it’s your turn! What’s your definition of a good charcuterie board? Do you make colourful boards? Finally, what charcuterie ingredients are your favourites?

Check out Andrea on CHCH Morning Live chatting all about building Charcuterie Boards!

Lunch Charcuterie Board

Yield: 2-4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

A Lunch Charcuterie Board is super fun, colourful and trendy right now!

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Ingredients

• 3 different colourful veggies or fruits (carrots, cherry tomatoes, berries, peppers)
• 2-3 proteins (Romano beans, Hard-Cooked Eggs, walnuts, cheese, cottage cheese, spicy salami)
• 2-4 carbs (crackers, pretzels, pita bread wedges, beans, fruit)
• 1-3 dips (hummus, cottage cheese, jelly, salmon pate, bruschetta mix, etc.)

Instructions

1. Choose a board to arrange your foods. A wooden board, cutting board or marble slab works well.
2. Place your array of colourful foods on your board.
3. Add proteins to your board and place in different areas of the board.
4. Next, place carbohydrates in areas of board beside dips or cheese for pairing.
5. Finally, place bowls for dips on the side or on the board.
6. Finish the board with knives, toothpicks or fresh herbs.