Mediterranean Charcuterie Board (Gluten Free, with Vegan Options)

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Mediterranean Charcuterie Board features an irresistible mix of bold olives, creamy dips, fresh veggies, and savory nibbles—perfect for casual grazing or elegant entertaining. With allergy-friendly options (vegan and gluten-free) and a simple template to help you build a stunning board

Round wooden board heaped with Mediterranean fare such as olives, various crackers, roasted red peppers, smoked meats, cheeses, and a selection of dips.

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😄 Why You'll Love This Charcuterie
🫒 Ingredients List
🫙Tips for Picking Your Dips & Jams
🥖Tips for Picking Your Crackers (Gluten-Free Suggestions)
👩🏽‍🍳 Step-By-Step: How To Assemble Your Board
🌟 Pro Tips: Hot To Make it Look Great!
💡Tips for Making This Ahead
🥑 Vegan (Dairy-Free) Alternatives
🧒🏻 Kid-Friendly Additions
🥡 Handling Leftovers & Storage
❔FAQ
🥣Recipe Pairings, Need More Party Apps?
📖 Recipe

✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!

Today, we’re continuing our party food series with this super versatile Mediterranean Charcuterie Board! Bursting with bold, vibrant flavors from creamy dips, briny olives, fresh veggies, and savory bites, it’s as delicious as it is easy to assemble.

If you've been following along, you know our household embraces a mix of diets! With three hungry boys and frequent gatherings of friends and family, finding something quick, allergy-friendly, and universally loved is essential. That’s where charcuterie—or mezze—platters have been a life savor!

They’re perfect for everything from casual after-school snacks to hosting a crowd of 20-30 guests.

This Mediterranean-inspired version is a crowd-pleaser, offering allergy-friendly options and a template to make building a stunning board simple. To kick it up a notch, add in our 10-minute Brazilian Vinaigrette (fresh salsa) for a fresh, zesty kick or our Creamy Smoky Baba Ganoush to elevate the spread even further. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for a fun snack idea, this is your go-to!

😄 Why You'll Love This Charcuterie

Allergy-Friendly: Easily modified to avoid common allergens.
Fun & Social: Perfect for gatherings creating a social, interactive, and enjoyable platter.
No Heavy Prep: Simple to assemble with minimal prep and no cooking.
Visually Appealing: A delicious spread on a large serving platter that's as beautiful as it is tasty.
Light Meal Option: Mediterranean charcuterie board works well as a light fin meal at home too!

White charcuterie tray neatly arranged with colorful Mediterranean ingredients including cheeses, tomatoes, grapes, cucumbers, mushrooms, artichokes, and assorted spreads. This shows a meatless variety for a Mediterranean charcuterie board.

Why A Mediterranean Charcuterie Board?

My obsession with the vibrant, diverse flavors of the Mediterranean is the heart behind this board. Not only do these flavors transport us to sunny shores and spice-scented markets, but they also offer incredible flexibility for dietary needs. From gluten-free and vegan to pescatarian options, the Mediterranean palette naturally accommodates a wide range, making it my go-to for creating a board that's as inclusive as it is delicious.

🫒 Ingredients List

Your Mediterranean Charcuterie Board is all about bold flavors, fresh textures, and a mix of savory and sweet. Feel free to use what you have and adjust to your preferences. Here’s what you’ll need to create a beautiful and versatile Mediterranean spread:

Assorted Mediterranean veggies on a round wooden board, including steamed green beans, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, pickles, artichokes, marinated mushrooms, capers, grapes, and peppers.

Variety of proteins on a wooden cutting board for a Mediterranean charcuterie spread, featuring Bree cheese, Bocconcini, smoked herring, smoked salmon, and assorted cured meats like salami and prosciutto.

1.Fresh Produce: The Vibrant Foundation

Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, slice into rounds or spears for easy grabbing.
Tomatoes: Add a burst of sweetness and color—whole cherry tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes work best.
Radishes: Peppery and crunchy, perfect for balancing richer flavors.
Green Beans: Lightly blanched for a tender bite, adding a unique touch.
Grapes: Sweet and juicy, they’re perfect for contrast and snacking.
Figs: When in season, their honeyed sweetness adds a luxurious element.
Fresh Basil and Mint: Aromatic herbs that elevate both the flavor and visual appeal.

2.Pickled or Jarred Items:

Olives: A variety (like green, kalamata, and stuffed) provides briny, savory depth.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Tender and tangy, they scream Mediterranean.
Marinated Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful, perfect for pairing with cheese or crackers.
Capers: Tiny bursts of briny goodness that shine alongside hummus or smoked salmon.
Pickles: For a tangy crunch, opt for baby dills or sweet gherkins.

3. Jams & Dips (Ensure they are gluten-free):

Hummus: The heart of any mezze board—classic or flavored, it ties the flavors together.
Baba Ghanoush: Smoky, creamy, and irresistibly Mediterranean (try our creamy smoky recipe!).
Red Pepper Dip: A bold, spicy kick—we love Granny's Secret Roasted Red Pepper Dip.
Fig Jam: Sweet and sophisticated, pairing beautifully with cheeses and crackers.
Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Compote: A savory-sweet spread that’s a crowd-pleaser (Wildly Delicious makes a great one!).
Fresh Chili Jam: A hint of heat for adventurous palates.

4. Carbs (Gluten-Free):

Crackers: Mary's Organic Herb Crackers, Breton Gluten-Free Crackers, and Nairn's Gluten-Free Oat Crackers are our go-tos.
Pita Chips or Warm Pita Bread: Look for gluten-free options to include, such as those from Simple Mills.

5. Cheese (with vegan option):

Feta Cheese: The traditional choice when selecting Mediterranean cheeses.
Vegan Cheese: Homemade tofu ricotta or cashew-based cheeses (e.g., Miyoko's Kitchen) are excellent for a dairy-free alternative.

6. Proteins (with vegan option):

Smoked Salmon: Also consider smoked herring or canned sardines.
Cured Meats: Salami, prosciutto (e.g., Applegate Farms for gluten-free)
Plant-Based Proteins: Marinated tempeh, crispy chickpeas, or air fried white beans -are great vegan alternatives

🫙Tips for Picking Your Dips & Jams

Array of sweet and spicy jams for charcuterie boards. the condiments are in small glass jars on a round wooden board, featuring fresh chili jam, raspberry jam, mango chili chutney, red pepper dip, fig compote, rhubarb ginger preserve, and onion balsamic compote

A well-curated Mediterranean charcuterie board thrives on balance, adding an assortment of dips and jams for a charcuterie is one of the best ways to help achieve this. I've found that including one of each type—a creamy, a sweet, a spicy, and a savory—ensures there's something for everyone. Plus, it allows for perfect pairing with whatever finger foods are on your board.

Here are some of my favorites for a Mediterranean charcuterie board:

Creamy Dip: Classic Hummus or Tahini Baba Ghanoush
Sweet Jam: any Fig Jam, or a Rhubarb and Ginger Preserve
Spicy Kick: Red Pepper Dip (look for one with chili), Fresh Chili Jam
Savory Spread: Classic Tzatziki, Olive Tapenade, or a Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Compote.

Remember, the goal is to complement the fresh fruit, cured meats, and fresh vegetables on your board with a range of flavors. But feel free to add in your own favorite dips or other Middle Eastern dips you want to try.

⚠️Gluten Alert: Ensure your dips and jams are gluten-free and celiac-safe by checking the label. It may not be obvious, but many dips and jams contain gluten ingredients.

🥖Tips for Picking Your Crackers (Gluten-Free Suggestions)

When choosing crackers for your Mediterranean charcuterie board, consider these qualities:

Selection of crackers arranged on a dark round plate, including pretzel crackers, gluten-free herb crackers, oat flour crackers, pita crackers, and seed crackers, for pairing with Mediterranean charcuterie

Sturdiness: Crackers should be able to support dips and toppings without breaking.
Mild Flavor: Opt for crackers that enhance rather than overpower the flavors of your dips and accompaniments.
Texture Variety: Offering a mix of crunchy and crispy options adds interest to your board.
Gluten-Free: Look for options that are explicitly labeled gluten-free to add to your own Mediterranean charcuterie board.

Gluten-Free Favorites:

Mary's Organic Herb Crackers for a herby touch.
Breton gluten-free crackers for a familiar, neutral option that pairs well with any dip or topping.
Nairn's Oat Crackers offer a more hearty, wholesome option.
And when in doubt, tortilla chips are a great fallback.

👩🏽‍🍳 Step-By-Step: How To Assemble Your Board

Step 1: Choose Your Board

Before anything, select a large serving platter or wooden board as your base. The size should be generous enough to hold all your ingredients without overcrowding.

Blank round wooden pizza paddle on a textured gray surface, ready to be arranged with Mediterranean charcuterie ingredients.

Empty white rectangular serving tray with black handles on a gray background, waiting to be filled with traditional charcuterie items.

Step 2: Place Your Dips

Add your dips into medium-sized bowls and your jams to small bowls. Then, they will be distributed evenly across the board to create multiple points of interest.

Vegan version is on the circular board.

A round wooden board with vegan options for a Mediterranean charcuterie, showing small bowls of various dips including tomato-based, jam, and creamy spreads.

Traditional white rectangular serving tray displaying small bowls with a selection of dips and spreads, including tomato-based red sauce and jams.

Pro Tip: Having your dips and jams for charcuterie spread out will encourage guests to explore.

Step 3: Arrange the Crackers and Pita

Next, arrange your gluten-free crackers and pita chips around the dips. Consider creating small stacks or fanning them out for a visually appealing look. Placing crackers near the dips makes it easy for guests to grab and dip without reaching across the board.

Vegan version is on the circular board.

Partially assembled vegan Mediterranean charcuterie on a round wooden board, featuring crackers and small bowls of dips and preserves.

Partially prepared traditional Mediterranean charcuterie on a rectangular white serving tray, showcasing an assortment of crackers and bowls of various spreads.

Pro Tip: For the best charcuterie board, arrange the crackers and pita chips in curved lines or semi-circles around dips or create lines or borders within your board. This organizes the space and leads the eye across the board, creating a sense of flow.

Step 4: Add Fruits and Vegetables

Now, scatter your fresh fruits and vegetables around the board. Think about color and contrast; place vibrant cherry tomatoes near milder-colored items like cucumbers. Place items with similar colors apart. For example, don't place all the green items clustered together. Intersperse them with brightly colored items!

Vegan version is on the circular board.

Round wooden charcuterie board featuring a variety of Mediterranean snacks including green olives, pickles, cucumber slices, white bean dip, roasted red pepper spread, an assortment of crackers, steamed green beans, and fig compote.

Round wooden charcuterie board filled with a mix of Mediterranean appetizers such as sun-dried tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, olives, pickles, cucumber, hummus, an array of crackers, grapes, and green beans.

White rectangular serving tray with sections of Mediterranean bites including sesame crackers, roasted red pepper spread, cucumber slices, pickles, grapes, steamed green beans, and white bean dip.

White rectangular tray displaying an assortment of Mediterranean finger foods, including skewers of cheese and olives, sun-dried tomatoes, crackers, jams, dips, cucumber, grapes, and green beans.

Step 5: Incorporate Meats and Cheese

If you're including cured meats and cheese into your greek charcuterie board, add them last. Fold or roll slices of prosciutto or salami for a more dynamic presentation. Add feta or boccocini to a small dish.

Close-up on part of a charcuterie arrangement with smoked salmon rolls topped with capers, Bocconcini cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a serving of smoked herring on a small blue and white patterned plate.

Fully prepared white rectangular tray with a selection of Mediterranean charcuterie including various cheeses, cured meats, spreads, figs, grapes, cucumbers, and crackers, arranged for serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish your Mediterranean with fresh herbs like mint and basil for a fresh aroma and a pop of color. Ensure there are serving utensils for the dips and a small knife for the cheese if needed.

Hands placing cucumber slices on a Mediterranean charcuterie tray with assorted crackers, spreads, smoked herring, cured meats, and fresh grapes.

Close-up view of a richly assorted Mediterranean charcuterie spread on a white tray, featuring crisp crackers, ripe fruits, and a selection of dips and cured meats.

🌟 Pro Tips: Hot To Make it Look Great!

Making this easy Mediterranean charcuterie board look its best is straightforward with a few easy tips:

Balance and Contrast: Highlight contrasts by pairing complementary colors (like reds against greens) and mixing textures and heights for an engaging display.
Create Lines and Flow: Create visual interest with crackers and pita chips forming lines or borders. Arrange items like cured meats in cascading arrangements or fan out slices of cucumber to add movement and flow.
Accessibility: Ensure every item is easily reachable from all sides. Keep crackers near dips and provide necessary utensils.

Below are some examples of charcuterie templates for you to follow👇🏻

Color-coded template for a rectangular charcuterie board with labels indicating where to place dips (white), carbs (brown), produce (green), cheese (yellow), and protein (red).

Color-coded template for a variety of charcuterie boards, illustrating suggested placement for dips, carbs, produce, cheese, and protein with a corresponding legend.

💡Tips for Making This Ahead

A Few Hours Ahead: Assemble your Mediterranean charcuterie board without the crackers. Then cover the entire board with plastic wrap to keep everything fresh. Place into the fridge until you are ready to serve adding the crackers just before to avoid fogginess.

Planning a day ahead? Prep your dips, wash and slice fruits and veggies, and store them in containers; roll meats and prep cheeses, keeping them in airtight containers. This approach keeps ingredients fresh and makes assembling your Mediterranean grazing board quick and easy.

🥑 Vegan (Dairy-Free) Alternatives

Creating a Mediterranean charcuterie board that's inclusive for all dietary preferences is simple with these vegan swaps. Here's how to replace traditional items with plant-based alternatives:

Cheese: Swap out dairy cheeses for vegan varieties. Brands like Miyoko’s Creamery and Violife offer a range of flavors that mimic traditional cheeses, including vegan mozzarella and feta.
Meats: Replace cured meats with vegan deli slices, tempeh, homemade roasted chickpea croutons, or air-fried white beans.
- Tofurky and Field Roast (not gluten-free) provide a variety of flavors that can add a savory touch to your board without the meat.
Dips: Stick to naturally vegan options such as hummus and baba ghanoush (our roasted baba ganoush is delish).
Crackers and Pita: Simple Mills, Mary's Organics, and Breton offer a selection of both vegan and gluten-free items, perfect for pairing with any dip.

Close up of a charcuterie platter being held by a human. The snack platter has vegan cheeses, gluten free crackers and fresh fruits to show what a vegan gluten free platter would look like.

overhead image of a large charcuterie board that is full of vegan and gluten free ingredients, from vegan chesses to gluten free crackers and fresh fruit, olives and dips.

A round wooden charcuterie board filled with an assortment of Mediterranean appetizers. The board includes green and kalamata olives, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, a variety of dips such as hummus and red pepper spread, roasted sun-dried tomatoes, pickled caperberries, and an array of crackers next to a pile of fresh green grapes and steamed green beans. The variety of textures and colors makes for a visually appealing and appetizing display.

🧒🏻 Kid-Friendly Additions

As a parent who often hosts and prepares these Mediterranean charcuterie boards as after-school snacks, I've found these simple swaps and additions to be a hit with my three kids:

Crackers: Plain crackers, Pita, or fun-shaped crackers work well in any charcuterie platter and are a hit with kids.
Cheese: Mild cheeses like boccacini, brie, or mozzarella balls are usually a hit with the younger crowd. For vegan cheese alternatives, look for milder-tasting cheese or sip altogether.
Veggies and Fruits: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks, and cut grapes offer a sweet and crunchy option that kids love.
Dips: Store-bought hummus and mild salsa can be more kid-friendly in terms of flavor and spice.

🥡 Handling Leftovers & Storage

Got leftovers? Here's how to store any items left over from your Mediterranean platter:

Leftover Cheese: Wrap leftover cheese in plastic wrap or wax paper and store it in the fridge. Hard cheeses last longer, while soft cheeses should be consumed within a few days.
Leftover Dips and Jams: Transfer any remaining dips and jams from your Mediterranean mezze platter into airtight containers. They can typically last in the fridge for up to a week, depending on their ingredients.
Leftover Vegetables and Fruits: Store fresh vegetables and fruits in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Use them within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Leftover Cured Meats: Cured meats should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Consume them within a week for the best quality.

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the delicious remnants of your Mediterranean charcuterie board without compromise.

Overhead view of a white charcuterie tray loaded with Mediterranean delights, including crackers, dips, cheeses, smoked fish, grapes, figs, and cucumber slices.

❔FAQ

What if I don’t have some of the ingredients?

No worries! This board is highly customizable. Substitute with what you have on hand—swap grapes for berries, use a different jam, or replace olives with pickled vegetables. The goal is to create a mix of flavors and textures that you and your guests will love.

How do I arrange the board to make it look great?

Be sure to check the tips in the post and check out the board templates to get you started! You want to place your dips and jams in small bowls around the board. Add larger items like crackers, cheeses, and fresh produce in clusters, mixing textures and colors for balance. Fill in the gaps with smaller items like olives, capers, and herbs. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our template in the post!

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🥣Recipe Pairings, Need More Party Apps?

I hope you enjoyed our version of a Mediterranean charcuterie board! If you need more easy side dishes and appetizers, check these below. Our favorite are the avocado spring rolls dipped in our zesty peanut dip!