How to Craft a Vegetarian Charcuterie Board Tutorial

I'm a fan of charcuterie boards, but I’ve always associated them with an overload of processed meats, cheeses, and bread—a feast for the eyes that often leaves me regretting my choices the next morning.

That was until I met Maya, the creator and master aesthetician at Kiwi Spa in San Diego, where they treat customers to healthy, skin-loving superfoods & wellness drinks. Maya introduced me to a healthier alternative: veggie charcuterie boards that offer full feast and minimum fuss.

Recently, I caught up with Maya after her return from Burning Man for a masterclass on crafting stunning, meatless boards that are sure to impress. In her charcuterie board recipe, Maya emphasized the importance of mixing colors, textures, and flavor combinations—turning simple ingredients into edible art.  

Plus, it was so much fun to make together with friends as we listened to the soundscapes from Burning Man. It's as if Maya was a DJ who used food instead of tunes for her mix.

Related: Turmeric Ginger Wellness shot recipe for immunity, skin health & glow

Crafting Your Veggie Charcuterie Board

Here’s how to bring Maya's tips to life and create your own amazing plant-based charcuterie board:

Best Vegetarian Ingredients for Charcuterie Board

• Cheese: A variety of cheeses such as cheddar, brie, or goat cheese.
• Fruits: Grapes, apples, mangoes, and pineapple.
• Veggies: Broccoli, baby carrots, radishes, and bell peppers.
• Nuts: Almonds, pistachios or walnuts for added crunch.
• Dips: Hummus (see Maya's recipe for homemade hummus below)
• Honey: A drizzle of any local or wild honey for sweetness.
• Crackers: A selection of your favorite crackers, opt for variety of shapes - round, square, triangular for added fun. We're using organic crackers from Trader Joes for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions to assemble your Charcuterie Board 

Start with Cheese & Grapes: Arrange different cheeses on your board. Scatter grapes around them for a lovely contrast; this is going to be the canvas of your charcuterie masterpiece.

Arrange Crackers & Dips: Position crackers and small bowls of hummus on each side of your board. This ensures that every bite has a perfect complement of creamy and crunchy textures.

Incorporate Veggies: Place broccoli and baby carrots near the dips. Add radishes for color and crunch.

Fill with Fruits: Scatter grapes and add slices of apples and chunks of pineapple for sweetness.

Incorporate Nuts: Scatter any nuts you have on hand across the board. Nuts add a satisfying crunch and are packed with protein and healthy fats.

Drizzle with Honey: Finish off with a drizzle of honey over the cheese or serve it in a small bowl.

Homemade Hummus Recipe

To make your own delicious hummus, follow these steps:

Ingredients you'll need:

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned)
• 1/2 block of tofu
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro)

Instructions:

• Blend chickpeas and tofu in a food processor until smooth.
• Add apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Blend again until creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips for Charcuterie Board Presentation

• Keep it close: the main secret, according to Maya, is to keep all ingredients close together to create an inviting look; the denser the arrangement, the more appealing it appears.
• Use the rainbow principle: mix contrasting colors to make the board visually striking—think bright greens from veggies against yellows from fruits.
• Have fun and experiment with different textures and flavors to keep things interesting! Get creative with your board by adding other favorite veggies or fruits. For example, replace red peppers with red strawberries for a sweet twist. 
• Make it a social experience: invite your friends and tell them to bring fruit or veggies in a specific color. Then assemble your crowd-sourced charcuterie board to the sounds of your favorite tunes.

Final Touches

Maya's approach illuminates the beauty of vegetarian ingredients —no meat necessary! A vegetarian charcuterie board is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a healthy snack option at home. Enjoy the process of creating your board and send us a photo of your creation!