Build Your Own Snack Board

by | Dec 20, 2021

This customizable snack board is filled with all the good stuff like fresh fruit, vegetables, healthy dips, and protein packed extras. Read on for ways to customize and make this vegetarian charcuterie board your own! Perfect for Easter, parties, or just a fun activity if you’re bored at home.

Vegetarian charcuterie on a wooden cutting board

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What is a snack board?

A snack board is a platter filled with a variety of bite sized foods. It can also be referred to as a charcuterie board or smorgasbord. Creating a snack board is a fun, hands-on activity for friends and family, especially during quarantine when you’re stuck at home. 

It makes for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation you can be proud of. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste and use up any random bits of food you have on hand. You can also make your own breakfast charcuterie board!

What should I make it on?

I love to build my snack platters on large cutting boards. I recently stumbled upon Bees Boards, a small batch walnut cutting board company based out of California. This board is incredibly sturdy and truly a stunning block of wood. I find that walnut boards have just the right amount of hardness. Walnut is not as porous as other softer woods, making it durable and resistant to harmful bacteria getting trapped. At the same time, it’s not overly hard so it’s easier on your knives. You can purchase this walnut cutting board on Amazon here. Bees Boards has a maple cutting board option too.

Don’t have a large cutting board? You can also use a baking sheet, a large white dinner platter, or even just a counter lined with parchment paper. Really any flat, clean surface works great. To make your display picture-worthy, get some inspiration from Google or Pinterest and then let your creativity run wild! 

Here are the essentials for building a healthy vegetarian charcuterie board:

1. Fruit

Fresh fruit provides important vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy. It also provides fiber which helps keep us fuller longer. Any fruit works but here are some of my favorites. 

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Grapes
  • Sliced Apples
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Raisins
  • Dried Apricots

2. Vegetables

Much like fruit, vegetables are highly nutritious and low in calories. They go great with savory dips or as is. Here are some crunchy vegetables to fill your platter with.

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Cucumber Slices
  • Sweet Pepper Slices
  • Snap Peas
  • Broccoli
  • Cherry Tomatoes
Grabbing cherry tomato from board

3. Cheese

Cheese often gets a bad rap as “fattening” and “unhealthy”. However, I believe in Intuitive Eating and think there is no food that is inherently “bad”. If you like cheese, definitely enjoy it in moderation! It provides satisfying protein and flavor for this snack board. You could also opt for reduced fat options if you like. Here’s some ideas, but feel free to throw on any cheese you love.

4. Bread and Crackers

Carbohydrates are a crucial part for rounding out this snack board. Try to choose whole grain options when you can as they provide an extra boost of dietary fiber. 

5. Dips

Don’t leave those dippers hanging. A great dip is essential for a snack board. Here are some of my favorite healthy dips–both savory and sweet.

Close up of board

6. Protein-Packed Extras

You could certainly add lean meats like turkey breast or jerky to the board for extra protein if you are not vegetarian. I decided to highlight plant based protein snacks here. I love to grab tons of fun snack options from Hungryoot–an online grocery delivery service. These are some of my favorites.

What are your favorite choices to add to this customizable snack board? 

Creamy hummus, mixed nuts, and pretzels
Snack Board2 1 scaled

Vegetarian Charcuterie Board

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN
This customizable snack board is filled with all the good stuff like fresh fruit, vegetables, healthy dips, and protein packed extras. Customize with your favorites!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1 large board

Ingredients
  

Fruit of your choice

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Cherries
  • Grapes
  • Sliced Apples
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Raisins
  • Dried Apricots

Vegetables of your choice

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Cucumber Slices
  • Sweet Pepper Slices
  • Snap Peas
  • Broccoli
  • Cherry Tomatoes

Cheese of your choice

  • Goat Cheese chèvre
  • Cheddar
  • Swiss
  • Brie
  • Parmesan
  • Gouda
  • Blue Cheese

Bread and Crackers of your choice

  • Baguettes
  • Triscuits
  • Chia Seed Crackers
  • Pita Chips
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Pretzels
  • Nut Thins

Dips of your choice

  • Hummus
  • Baba Ganoush
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • 2 Ingredient Chia Seed Jam
  • Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
  • Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Dip
  • Hazelnut Spread

Protein-packed extras of your choice

  • Roasted Chickpeas
  • Lightly Salted Mixed Nuts
  • Marcona Almonds
  • Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Bada Bean Bada Boom Fava Beans
  • Brami Lupini Beans
  • Crunchy Lentils
  • Dry Roasted Edamame
  • Chickpea Puffs

Instructions
 

  • Choose a board to use. This could be a wooden cutting board, baking sheet, or large platter.
  • Then, go through this list of foods and slowly fill your platter or board until it’s full.
  • Enjoy with friends and family or treat yourself!
Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!

save this vegetarian charcuterie board recipe on pinterest:

Learn how to make a picture-worthy snack board with whatever bits of food you have in your fridge or pantry. It's a fun at home activity and a great way to reduce food waste! #athomeactivity #snackboard #charcuterie #nofoodwaste #vegetarian

Hi, I'm Mackenzie...

nice to meet you!

I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and recipe developer. I create simple recipes with customizable ingredients “of your choice.” I also help busy people gain kitchen confidence through my hands-on program.

Need more hands-on help?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen. Click here to learn more about this virtual program with a dietitian!

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2 Comments

  1. Alex

    Hi Mackenzie! Thanks so much for featuring my chocolate-hazelnut spread 🙂 Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      Of course! Had to share that delicious spread— perfect for a snack board 🙂

      Reply

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