Struggling with ideas on what to serve that's also easily allergy-friendly? Our Mediterranean Charcuterie Board, with a versatile selection of gluten-free and vegan options, makes a perfect appetizer or casual snack. A crowd pleaser with fun, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
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Jump to:
- 😄 Why This Platter Works
- 🫙Choose Your Dips & Jams
- 🥖Choose Your Crackers (Gluten-Free Suggestions)
- 🫒 Ingredients List
- 👩🏽🍳 How To Assemble: Step-By-Step Guide
- 🌟 Pro Tips: Make it Visually Appealing
- 💡Tips for Making This Ahead
- 🥑 Vegan (Dairy-Free) Alternatives
- 🧒🏻 Kid-Friendly Additions
- 🥡 Handling Leftovers & Storage
- ❔FAQ
- 🥣Inspired to Make More? Try These Next...
- 📖 Recipe
If you've been following along, you know our household embraces a mix of diets! With frequent gatherings of friends and family—and three very hungry boys at home—finding a quick, easy, allergy-friendly, and universally appealing appetizer or snack is crucial.
Enter the charcuterie (or mezze) platter. Celebrated for bringing people together and its remarkable versatility, it's the go-to whether for an after-school snack or hosting 20-30 friends. Its adaptability is why I love them so much!
Today, we're sharing a crowd favorite: the Mediterranean charcuterie board! With its simple assembly, allergy-friendly, and kid-approved options, it effortlessly answers the question, "What should I serve?" Join us in making hosting and snacking both stress-free and delicious!
Need more ideas?
If you are looking for more easy appetizers and side dishes for hosting and snacking that are also allergy-friendly check out our:
- Smokey Tahini Eggplant Dip
- Crowd Pleasing Avocado Spring Rolls
- Crispy Gluten-Free Cauliflower Wings (Salt & Vinegar)
- Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Zesty Hummus Drizzle
😄 Why This Platter Works
- 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!
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.
🫙Choose Your Dips & Jams
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.
🥖Choose Your Crackers (Gluten-Free Suggestions)
When choosing crackers for your Mediterranean charcuterie board, consider these qualities:
- 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.
🫒 Ingredients List
Don't feel like you need to add in all these ingredients. Instead, use what you can find at your local grocery store and have on hand when creating your Mediterranean charcuterie board. This is just a starting point for your Mediterranean spread:
Fresh Produce:
- Cucumbers: Sliced or cut into spears
- Tomatoes: Add whole or halved
- Radishes
- Green Beans
- Grapes
- Figs
- Basil and Mint
Pickled or Jarred Items:
- Olives: A variety of briny olives is best (including green and kalamata olives)
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts
- Marinated Mushrooms
- Capers: Pairs well with hummus and smoked salmon
- Pickles
Jams & Dips (Ensure they are gluten-free):
- Hummus: Whether it's store-bought hummus or classic hummus you whip up at home, these dips are the heart of your Mediterranean mezze board.
- Baba Ghanoush
- Red Pepper Dip: We used Granny's Secret Roasted Red Pepper Dip for a spicy kick
- Fig Jam: For a sweet contrast, brands like Bonne Maman offer a delicious option
- Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Compote: Wildly Delicious provides a savory and sweet spread that's perfect for pairing
- Fresh Chili Jam
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.
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.
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
👩🏽🍳 How To Assemble: Step-By-Step Guide
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.
Step 2: Place Your Dips
Add your dips into medium sized bowls and your jams to small bowls. Then distribute them evenly across the board to create multiple points of interest.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🌟 Pro Tips: Make it Visually Appealing
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👇🏻
💡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.
🧒🏻 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 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.
❔FAQ
Opt for gluten-free and vegan crackers that are sturdy enough to hold dips and toppings. Mild-flavored crackers let the other ingredients shine.
🥣Inspired to Make More? Try These Next...
I hope you enjoyed our version of a Mediterranean charcuterie board! If you need more easy side dishes and appetizers be sure to check out:
📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board (Gluten Free, with Vegan Options)
Ingredients
Fresh Produce:
- Cucumbers sliced or cut into spears
- Tomatoes whole or halved
- Grapes
- Radishes
- Figs cut into quarters
Pickled or Jarred Items:
- Olives green and kalamata
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts
- Marinated Mushrooms
- Capers
- Pickles
Jams & Dips:
- Hummus
- Baba Ghanoush
- Red Pepper Dip
- Fig Dip or another sweet jam
- Fresh Chili Jam or another spicy jam
Carbs (Gluten-Free):
- Mary's Organic Herb Crackers
- Breton Gluten-Free Crackers
- Gluten-free Pita Chips
Cheese (with Vegan Option):
- Feta Cheese or boccocini
- Vegan Cheese e.g., Miyoko's Kitchen
Proteins (with Vegan Option):
- Smoked Salmon
- Cured Meats salami or prosciutto
- Marinated tempeh as a vegan alternative
- Crispy chickpeas as a vegan alternative
Instructions
- Choose Your Board: Start with a large serving platter or wooden board.
- Place Your Dips: Distribute dips and jams in small bowls and dishes across the board.
- Arrange the Crackers and Pita: Surround dips with gluten-free crackers and pita chips.
- Add Fruits and Vegetables: Scatter fresh produce around the board for color and contrast.
- Incorporate Meats and Cheese: Add last, folding or rolling meats for presentation; place cheese in small dishes or as blocks.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh herbs for aroma and color. Add serving utensils and a small knife for the cheese.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tips: Assemble without crackers to prevent sogginess; cover with plastic wrap. Store prepped fruits, veggies, meats, and cheese in airtight containers if preparing a day ahead.
- Vegan Alternatives: Easily substitute with vegan cheeses and plant-based proteins. Ensure dips and jams are gluten-free and celiac-safe by checking labels.
- Kid-Friendly Additions: Include plain crackers, mild cheeses, and simple dips to cater to younger guests.
- Storage: Wrap leftover cheese and meats tightly; store dips, jams, and produce in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
Josh says
Love this post - looks absolutely amazing, and I love the template to configure it in your own artistic way. What's your favourite occasion to bring out a charcuterie board for?
Patricia Granek says
Thank you! I love making them when we have friends over. I find it creates a very inviting atmosphere and helps everyone mingle.