Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Charcuterie Board (Seasonal)
For your next party or gathering, try making this Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Charcuterie Board that is sure to please. This recipe includes a variety of fresh and seasonal ingredients that are easy to eat with your hands. This appetizer board has something for everyone!
Charcuterie is usually thought of as a “meat and cheese” sort of thing, but you can still work around your dietary needs. The word charcuterie comes from the French term for cooked meats, but you can also make plant-based charcuterie boards or really any type.
Cold cuts, gluten-free crackers, nut cheese (vegan cheeses), fresh fruits, and veggies make up this snack board, but you can choose even more variety in your ingredients so everyone has a satisfying bite to eat.
Even if you have to be gluten-free and dairy-free, you can still enjoy this perfect charcuterie board during the holiday season (or any special occasion).
Why You Need This Recipe
- Charcuterie boards are all the rage, and this one brings lots of great textures to the table. From vegan cheese to a variety of meats to fresh herbs, this dairy free charcuterie board has everything you want.
- These are all ingredients you will likely already have on hand, so it is easy to put together on short notice. No cooking involved – simply layer your ingredients in a pleasing manner on a wooden cutting board or large platter.
- Whatever the dietary restrictions, you can adapt traditional charcuterie boards to meet the needs of your family and friends. This one is perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance or who has to avoid dairy.
Key Ingredients
- Salami is very tasty cured meat with a classic flavor many love. Do read the label carefully as this is the one ingredient where gluten could be hiding. You can also use black forest ham, genoa salami, or whatever cured meats you like.
- Grapes add sweetness, crunch, and juice all in one small package! Feel free to swap the fresh fruit for whatever is in season. Fresh berries, apple slices, or dried fruit are all great options. Look for whatever is fresh and seasonal at the grocery store.
- Tomatoes are the perfect choice for popping into your mouth. I prefer to use grape tomatoes that don’t need to be sliced.
- Gluten-free crackers can either be made from nuts or flours. Try using two different types for a pleasing look. Simple Mills is a good brand. Or, try using tortilla chips (just make sure they are gluten-free).
- Dairy-free cheese spread is the only “specialty” item you might not readily have on hand. It should have a long enough shelf-life though that you can keep a couple in the fridge if you think you might have guests over soon. Look for dairy-free cheeses in the refrigerator aisle of most grocery stores (they are often separated from the regular dairy cheeses). You’ll find vegan versions of blue cheese, pepper jack, and aged cheddar these days.
Please see the full recipe card below for the exact measurements.
Recipe Steps
Step One
Begin your spread by placing the container of cheese off to one side. You can leave it in the tub it comes in or transfer it to a pretty little dish or jar.
Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.
Step Two
In the photos, you’ll see I started with the crackers and salami on opposite ends to “spray” out from the cheese.
Try toothpicks for easy salami picking.
Step Three
Add the grapes and tomatoes for added color. Finally, set the parsley as needed for even more color. It’s perfect for nipping off leaves to add to your plate.
Recipe Tips
- You can easily double the size of your board for a larger gathering.
- You can use almost any clean surface as the base of your board. Try a clean cutting board, large dinner plate, or piece of marble.
- Feel free to get creative with your charcuterie board! You can also use foods like baby carrots, olives, dried figs, fresh strawberries, and whatever else you can find. Try to pick foods that are easy to eat in one or two bites and aren’t too messy to eat with your hands. Serve any additional ingredients in small bowls placed on the board.
- Charcuterie boards like this are best prepared on the day of the party. This ensures that everything is fresh and looking nice for your guests. If you want to prepare in advance, cover with plastic wrap.
Recipe FAQs
Boards like this are best prepared immediately before serving. The crackers wouldn’t do well refrigerated ahead of time. You can certainly wash your produce ahead and even fold the meats in quarters and place in a container. Set out your bowl and spoon for the cheese, and it will take just minutes to finalize.
Add nuts for more crunch. You can even nestle in some small dark chocolates (make sure they are dairy-free!) for a sweet treat.
If you don’t have a huge appetite, a charcuterie board can definitely stand in for a meal. You’ll get protein, carbs and fat to help satisfy.
Dairy free versions of cheese are often made from nuts, seeds, or even tofu. Try a variety of brands until you find your favorite. You can even find soft cheese made like goat cheese, but without dairy products.
It’s best to make separate boards to avoid any cross contamination.
More Healthy Party Food Recipes You Might Like
- Holiday Vegetable Wreath
- Thanksgiving Vegetable Tray
- Vegan Charcuterie Board
- Cashew Hummus
- Patriotic Fruit Kabobs
- Christmas Charcuterie Board
More Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Resources
DIY Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Charcuterie Board (Seasonal)
For your next party or gathering, try making this Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Charcuterie Board that is sure to please. This recipe includes a variety of fresh and seasonal ingredients that are easy to eat with your hands. This appetizer board has something for everyone!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 8–ounce container non-dairy cheese
- 1 4–ounce package uncured, gluten-free salami (I like the Applegate brand)
- 1 5.5–ounce box of gluten-free crackers (I like the Mary’s Gone Crackers brand)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 bunch green grapes, rinsed and broken into smaller bunches
- 4–6 sprigs of fresh dill or fresh flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- On a large cutting board or dinner plate, place the container of non-dairy cheese. Alternatively, you can use a spatula to transfer the cheese into a small decorative bowl instead of serving it in the package.
- Open the packages of crackers and salami and place them decoratively around the board. If you like, you can use toothpicks for the salami pieces to make them easier to grab and eat.
- Add the tomatoes and grapes to the board. Lastly, add the fresh sprigs of herbs for color.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can easily double the size of your board for a larger gathering.
- You can use almost any clean surface as the base of your board. Try a clean cutting board, large dinner plate, or piece of marble.
- Feel free to get creative with your charcuterie board! You can also use foods like baby carrots, olives, dried figs, fresh strawberries, and whatever else you can find. Try to pick foods that are easy to eat in one or two bites and aren’t too messy to eat with your hands.
- Charcuterie boards like this are best prepared on the day of the party. This ensures that everything is fresh and looking nice for your guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of board
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 5.5 g
- Sodium: 361.9 mg
- Fat: 11.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 22.6 mg
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.
My family requests this at all holidays!