Any classic charcuterie board recipe is typically filled with a plethora of delicious but highly processed meats and cheeses that can run on the unhealthy side. For instance, cured meats and sausage-style meats include additives for preservation, which increase the risk of disease. A healthy charcuterie board is a quick and easy way to put together an impressive feast not just for your appetite but also for your health. Here are four food options that are healthy and can be included in your charcuterie board.
Meat/ Protein
Keep your charcuterie board packed with healthy, lean proteins by including minimally processed, nitrate-free cold cuts. You should also consider healthy protein alternatives including seeds, cereals, grains, nuts, or quinoa. Also opt for artisanal cold cuts, smoked fish, vegan or vegetarian 'salami', egg slices, or marinated tofu.
Because charcuterie boards are a feast of flavors and textures, try a mix of soft and hard cheeses. Goat cheese is a healthy, low-fat, and protein-rich alternative to cheese made with cow's milk. It comes in hard and soft variations and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset. If you are feeling adventurous try plant-based, non-dairy cheese.
Vegetables
Seasonal vegetables are an effective way to brighten up any spread because of the color, flavor, and texture. Also include fresh crudites, for instance, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and pink radishes. You can also place little jars of antipasti, include olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cornichons onto the charcuterie board. Vegetables are some of the healthiest options you can place on your board.
Dips and Spreads
Dips and spreads keep your charcuterie board exciting by adding more flavorful and textured options. Healthy and tasty dips include hummus, seasoned yogurt, mushroom pate, or guacamole. If you have a sweet tooth, place small jars of your favorite fruit compote, jellies, or raw honey all over the platter. In case you want to hold back on the excess sugar, drizzle honey over a section of the spread instead of leaving a tempting little pot to dip in.
Charcuterie boards are fun to eat and perfect for entertaining. Traditional boards include a considerable amount of unhealthy food choices. But, you can keep the board fresh and healthy by including or eliminating some food options. Shop the best wooden charcuterie boards for sale online!
Meats/Protein- Keep your board packed with healthy, lean proteins like herb roasted chicken or turkey, grilled pork tenderloin, marinated tofu or a few hard boiled egg slices. Try to avoid processed, high nitrate/high salt luncheon meats. Cheeses- Try a mix of hard and soft cheeses….
No matter the style of the wood charcuterie board, you can always follow the 3-3-3-3 rule. Every charcuterie board should have three meats, three cheeses, three starch options, and three accompaniments, such as fruit, nuts, or veggies.
You can make a butter board for any season or holiday. It's a great way to express your creativity and surprise friends with something different at your next party. Try a butter board.
And while they can have healthy components, it's recommended that the namesake itself—charcuterie, or processed meats—be eaten only in limited quantities, or avoided, as they may increase your risk of certain cancers.
Charcuterie is divided into three types: forcemeats, sausages and salumi, an Italian word for “salted meats,” which includes preserved whole cuts of meat. Forcemeats are spreadable mixtures of meat and offal (organ meats) like rillettes, pâtés and terrines.
To make sure your board is complete, this rule of thumb helps you create a well-balanced and visually appealing board - 3 meats, 3 cheeses, 3 starches, and 3 sweets. The bigger the board, the more you can add!
Vegan platters are a great way to ensure that there's something for all your guests to enjoy. In the absence of meat and cheese, the stars of the show are fruits, vegetables, nuts and assorted dips like hummus.
Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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