How to Make a Healthy Charcuterie Board (2024)

From the classic slab of meats and cheeses to unique, fun twists like "jarcuterie" and charcuterie sticks, you're almost guaranteed to find some version of a charcuterie board at any gathering you go to—and for good reason. Charcuterie boards are not only an easy appetizer to assemble, but they can also be made ahead of time. Plus, charcuterie boards offer a variety of options, so everyone is bound to find something they want to snack on. Learn how to make a healthy charcuterie board with these six easy tips.

Pictured recipe: Nordic Appetizer Board

1. Choose Whole Grains

When it comes to the bread and crackers on a charcuterie board, choose whole-grain versions. Whole grains have a wealth of health benefits, including being packed with fiber, B vitamins and protein. Many whole-grain crackers often include other ingredients like nuts and seeds, which add texture, flavor and nutrition. For suggestions, check out the best crackers to buy, according to a dietitian. Or, if you're looking for a low-carb alternative, you can skip the bread and crackers and make your own crisps, like these Cauliflower Chips.

Pictured recipe: Winter Charcuterie Board

2. Add Nuts

Nuts are a healthy snack at any time, and they add a delicious crunch to any spread. Each type of nut has its own nutrition profile, but as a whole, nuts are a great source of plant-based protein and are high in healthy fats, while being lower in saturated fats. To keep it simple, you can add a bowl of store-bought nuts to your next charcuterie board. Or, take it up another level and make one of these spiced nut recipes, like Everything-Seasoned Almonds or Rosemary-Garlic Pecans, for a boost of flavor.

3. Load Up on Fruits & Veggies

When you're assembling a charcuterie board, be sure to add plenty of fruits and veggies! Not only do they pair well with meats and cheeses, but they're also a healthy way to add color and nutrients to the board. Many charcuterie boards feature dried fruit, like apricots or figs, for a touch of sweetness. Just be sure to look for dried fruit that's unsweetened, and check the label for added sugars. You could also opt for fresh fruit as well.

When it comes to veggies, the options are endless. From carrot sticks to cucumber slices, add any raw veggies your heart desires! To make everything consistent, be sure they're cut into bite-size pieces so you and your guests can easily munch.

4. Choose the Right Meats & Cheeses

The selection of meats and cheeses is arguably the most important part of any charcuterie board. When it comes to choosing the meat, we recommend limiting cold cuts like turkey or ham, which can be high in sodium and saturated fat (not the best if you're following a heart-healthy diet). Instead, look for meat that is leaner or labeled reduced- or low-sodium. Meanwhile, options like prosciutto and salami might not be the healthiest choice, but they are popular on a charcuterie board, and we're big fans of eating anything in moderation (just don't eat a charcuterie board every day).

Whether it's soft, hard, stinky or spreadable, there are many options when it comes to cheese. While budget is certainly a factor, any cheese you select is bound to be delicious. Plus, cheese has some great potential health benefits, like improving cholesterol and lowering risk of developing diabetes. For suggestions, check out the six healthiest cheeses you need to buy, which include charcuterie-board favorites like goat cheese and mozzarella.

5. Make the Pickled Element Yourself

Briny elements like olives or pickles help cut through the rich meats and cheeses. However, the store-bought versions of these ingredients can often be high in sodium, so making homemade pickles is an easy, healthy way to manage your salt intake. Whether it's cucumbers, peppers or tomatoes, learn how to pickle anything with this step-by-step guide. Not only can you customize your seasonings, like Ginger Pickled Carrots, but your homemade pickles can be used beyond the board on sandwiches, as a side dish and more.

6. Don't Eat Off the Board

OK, this one isn't so much a tip for choosing the charcuterie board's ingredients, but it's just as important. It's easy to stand by the charcuterie board and snack directly from it while you socialize, but that's not great for a few reasons. First, it's not the most sanitary option if fingers are constantly touching the food. Plus, when you eat right off the board, you may not realize just how much you're eating, which could lead to you being full before the main course is even served and cause you to overeat. Instead, grab a plate to fill with your favorite ingredients and step away from the board so you're less tempted to overindulge.