Charcuterie boards are a popular party treat that are snackable and filling. Guests can graze at their leisure, enjoying a small bite here and there. Although meatless and diary-free, this vegan charcuterie board is a perfect appetizer that is nothing short of stunning. Make a vegan snack board on movie night, game day or at your next party.
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What is a Vegan Charcuterie Board?
Charcuterie is a French word that refers to cooked or prepared meats. In recent years, the French term charcuterie board has taken on a new definition of serving a grazing board at dinner parties or both big and small gatherings. Guests select from various sweet, salty, savory and sometimes spicy bites. This is a great way to serve finger foods as easy appetizers, main course or dessert board.
It's a bit ironic that this is a vegan board but the modern version of charcuterie can be any ingredients put on a board and meant to snack or graze on. This plant based vegan version of a charcuterie board skips the meat but is still full of great appetizers and a great option for dairy free and vegan guests. If you are looking for easy vegan appetizers, this snack board is a winner!
A vegan grazing board doesn't have to be boring. Build your board with food items like fruit, raw veggies, nuts, dips, crackers, or bread for dipping. Organize your board so guests see endless flavor combinations and possibilities. Vegan charcuterie boards are ideal for the holiday season or your next party.
With just a little time and some simple steps, you can put together the perfect party appetizer for your next gathering.
Plant Based Ingredient Ideas
this charcuterie board can be topped with any variety of simple ingredients and vegan finger foods. There are no right or wrong answers, so replace any of the ingredients below with foods you love (like these roasted sweet bell peppers) and delicious vegan appetizer ingredients you have on hand. Your local grocery store is a great source to get the best things for this snack board.
- Hummus – Hummus is a ground chickpea spread that comes in various flavors. Choose your favorite flavor or offer several for variety. You could also serve other dips like a black bean spread or vegan spinach artichoke dip.
- Baby Carrots – You can also cut a large carrot into sticks or add your favorite vegetables like artichokes, hearts of palm or everything bagel seasoned edamame.
- Grape Tomatoes – Grape or cherry tomatoes are ideal for picking up with a toothpick or cocktail fork.
- Grape Leaves – Often found near the pickles or other canned vegetables, grape leaves are stuffed with a seasoned rice mixture.
- Mixed Nuts – Nuts add a boost of protein but you could also use sunflower seeds for your vegan appetizer platter.
- Vegan Baquette – Slice and toast bread made without eggs and butter. You can also use crackers, pita chips or tortilla chips.
- Mixed Olives – Use an olive mix or select the type of olive you prefer. These homemade marinated olives are a flavorful addition.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Assemble the Board
- Arrange all ingredients on a platter or wooden board using smaller bowls if necessary.
- Use garnishes such as fruit or fresh herbs. Serve your crowd pleasing appetizer and enjoy!
Hint: Start by placing ingredients in bowls around the board. Fill in the space with the remaining loose ingredients.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Gluten Free - Replace the baguette with gluten-free vegan bread or crackers.
- Vegan Cheese Board - Place several vegan hard or soft cheeses around the board.
- Add Meats - If serving non-vegans, you can add sliced deli meat, pepperoni and summer sausage or make these Charcuterie Skewers. Vegan meats would be acceptable for a vegan board.
- Add Fruit – Add fresh and dried fruits throughout the board. I love fruits like apple slices, pomegranate seeds and grapes.
Equipment
Charcuterie is laid out on a large serving board or cutting board, but you could also use a baking sheet lined with parchment. Avoid choosing a size board that is too large or it will look skimpy and sparse. The ingredients should appear to almost overflow the board so you may want to use a smaller board.
Storage
You can prep your charcuterie board in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving. The board should not be left out for more than two hours. Leftovers should be wrapped separately and stored according to their individual shelf life and recommendations.
Freezing is not recommended.
Vegan Snack Board Tips
- A good rule of thumb is to pick at least 2 of everything. 2 veggies, 2 dips, 2 briny snacks, 2 dippers.
- Select ingredients with a variety of colors and different flavor profiles.
- Choose seasonal ingredients. If you are making a holiday board, add some festive ingredients likes fresh berries or dried cranberries.
- Lay the largest ingredients like fruit bowls and small bowls of dip on the board first then fill in with smaller ingredients.
- Garnish with fruit or herbs to fill in any empty space.
- Use a portable throw away tray to make a picnic charcuterie board like this one.
FAQ
Although fresh fruit and vegetables are healthy, other items on the charcuterie board should be enjoyed in moderation. Nuts have fats and olives can be high in sodium. It's meant to be grazed so your guests can select small amounts of many different items.
For a truly vegan snack board use only plant based cheeses or omit cheese completely. If you plan to make the board vegetarian, you can add various cheeses.
More Vegan Recipes
Looking for other vegan recipes? Try these:
If you like this Vegan Snack Board, please leave a 5-star rating below.
RECIPE
Vegan Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces hummus
- 8 ounces baby carrots
- 8 ounces grape tomatoes
- 8 grape leaves
- 8 ounces mixed nuts
- ½ vegan baquette, slices and toasted
- 6 ounces mixed olives
Instructions
- Arrange all ingredients on a platter or wooden board using smaller bowls if necessary.
- Use garnishes such as fruit or fresh herbs. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Shelby says
Charcuterie boards are my favorite way to eat and I love the inspiration here!
Ieva says
Love all these ideas, and will include a vegan board for my next gathering! Great way to get everyone included 🙂
Dannii says
This is the perfect option for vegans over Christmas. So much delicious choice.
Anjali says
This was such a helpful guide to making a plant based charcuterie board shine! I served this to some friends that came over for drinks, and most of them aren't vegan, but they still loved this board!
Gianne says
The step-by-step instructions were so easy to follow, and the end result was incredibly delicious. I can't wait to impress my friends with this amazing recipe!