How to Build a Summer Charcuterie Board

by Ericka Sanchez on July 15, 2025

A summer charcuterie board is more than just a food spread, it’s a celebration of the season. Vibrant, colorful, and full of fresh flavor, a summer board brings people together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re planning a picnic, poolside hangout, or sunset gathering, this guide will help you create a spread that’s both beautiful and refreshing.

Related Recipe: Esquites Fuego

Start With the Right Surface

Choose your board wisely. Depending on the number of guests, pick a surface large enough to hold all ingredients, plates, napkins, and maybe even a space for drinks as you snack.
Tip: A bamboo cutting board works perfectly. You can also use slate boards, rimmed baking sheets, or a mix of platters to spread things out and create movement.
Pro tip: Use parchment paper or banana leaves as a liner, or frame your layout with fresh herbs like rosemary to add texture and protect your board.

Select a Variety of Cheeses

In summer, keep things light and balanced with cheeses that pair well with fresh fruits and chilled wines. Choose three to five varieties to avoid overwhelming your guests.

Cheese Categories:

Soft: Goat cheese, Brie, Boursin
Aged: Manchego, Parmesan, Aged Cheddar
Firm: Havarti, Gouda, Asiago
Blue: Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Queso Valdeón

Cheese Tip: Allow cheese to sit out for 30–60 minutes before serving so flavors bloom naturally at room temperature. This also helps with slicing and spreading.

Add Bread, Crackers & Crunch

Summer boards call for crisp textures to balance juicy fruits and creamy cheeses. Try:

Seedy whole-grain crackers
Thin crostini
Breadsticks or grissini
Pita chips or sliced baguette
Fun twist: Use homemade tortillas cut into triangles and baked for a summery Mexican-style crunch.

Don’t Skip the Sweet & Savory Spreads

Elevate your summer board with fresh and tangy spreads. These keep well in the heat and add complexity to every bite.

Ideas to include:

Preserves: Fig jam, peach marmalade, or strawberry compote
Spreads: Honey, grainy mustard, or red pepper jelly
Pickled Veggies: Olives, pickled red onions, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes
Summer idea: Add a ramekin of mango-chile chamoy or pickled pineapple for a bright, spicy flavor that ties perfectly into the season.

Bring in the Meats

Cured meats give your board a satisfying savory base and are easy to serve outdoors. Try:

Classic or spicy salami
Prosciutto (great with melon!)
Chorizo seco or Spanish jamón
Sliced turkey or ham for lighter options
Serving Tip: Pre-fold or roll your meats before guests arrive to save time and make the board feel finished.

Add Seasonal Fruit and Crunchy Nuts

Summer is fruit season! Use vibrant, juicy fruits to add color and freshness to your board. Pair with salty, spicy, or candied nuts for extra texture.

Fresh Fruits to Include:
Grapes, berries, watermelon chunks, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, mango, figs

Dried Fruits to Try:
Apricots, cherries, pineapple rings, mango strips

Nuts That Pop:
Pistachios, raw or salted almonds, chili-lime peanuts, honey-glazed pecans
Tip: Keep some fruit chilled and refill throughout your event to keep things fresh.

Make It Fun with a Salami Rose

A salami rose is a charming and easy way to add a touch of flair to your summer board.

Here’s how:
Layer salami slices around the rim of a wine glass, overlapping slightly.
Add 3–4 slices per layer, forming 5–6 layers.
Flip the glass upside down onto your board while holding the slices in place.
Gently lift the glass and spread the outer layers into “petals.”
Add a few fresh basil leaves around the base for a floral look. Use prosciutto or pepperoni for variety!

Garnish with Herbs

Add brightness and aroma with fresh herbs. Summer boards especially benefit from:

Basil (especially great with mozzarella!)
Mint (adds a fresh cooling aroma)
Rosemary and thyme for structure and scent
Presentation Tip: Herbs also work great as dividers between different flavor zones on the board.

Tips for a Summer-Ready Spread

Set your board out 30 minutes before guests arrive , not earlier, especially if outdoors.
Use chilled trays or freeze a few small ramekins to keep cheeses and fruits cool.
Keep extra ingredients on hand in the fridge for a quick refresh.
Provide cocktail napkins and small plates for easier serving.
Bonus idea: Pair your board with a summer mocktail bar! Think agua fresca, iced hibiscus tea, or a bubbly peach spritzer.

What I Used for This Summer Charcuterie Board

Here’s what I included on this summer-friendly board:
Cheeses: Cheddar, Manchego, Brie, Mozzarella, Goat
Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, green apple, pomegranate, grapes, clementine slices, figs
Nuts: Pistachios and raw almonds
Meats: Salami and prosciutto
Herbs: Basil and thyme
Preserves: Dried cherries and green olives
Presentation Tip: Use odd numbers of ingredients for visual interest, group items in 3s or 5s for a natural, organic look.

A summer charcuterie board is one of the easiest ways to serve something seasonal, stylish, and satisfying. Use what’s fresh and in season, and don’t be afraid to play with color and texture. It’s less about perfection and more about having fun.

So grab your favorite ingredients, turn on your summer playlist, and enjoy the art of grazing. Cheers to good weather, good food, and even better company!