12/25/2025
Hereâs a guide to building a stunning rainbow-inspired fruit and charcuterie board, perfect for summer gatherings or elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
Fruit Selection (by color):
Red: Strawberries, raspberries, red grapes
Orange/Yellow: Kumquats or mandarin segments, dried apricots, mango slices
Green: Seedless green grapes, honeydew melon wedges, thinly sliced cucumber
Blue/Purple: Blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes
Neutral Accents: Banana slices, apple or pear wedges
Charcuterie & Cheese:
Thinly sliced salami or soppressata
Soft cheese ribbons (e.g. smoked scamorza or mozzarella)
Semi-hard cubes (e.g. cheddar, gouda)
Garnishes & Extras:
Fresh mint or basil leaves
Edible flowers (optional)
Honey or fruit preserves in a small bowl
Crackers or sliced baguette
Assembly Steps
Choose your board: A large wooden or slate board works bestâat least 16âłĂ16âł for a generous spread.
Anchor with big items: Place any small bowls (for honey or preserves) first, then position clusters of cheese and charcuterie around them.
Arrange fruit by rainbow order: Starting at one corner, lay down red fruits, then oranges/yellows, greens, and finish with blues/purples. Keep each color in its own section, letting pieces overlap slightly.
Fill gaps & vary shapes: Tuck in banana rounds, apple slices, or melon wedges to soften transitions. Fan out mango or cucumber slices for visual interest.
Add texture & garnish: Scatter berries or small clusters of grapes into empty nooks. Tuck mint sprigs or edible flowers among the fruit for a fresh pop of color.
Final touches: Arrange crackers or bread slices along the edges, and drizzle honey or set preserves in the center bowl.
Tips for Success
Balance sweetness & savoriness: Alternate fruit sections with cheese or meat rosettes so every bite is a mix of flavors.
Vary textures: Include soft (berries), firm (apple), creamy (cheese), and crunchy (crackers) elements.
Keep it fresh: Assemble no more than 1â2 hours before serving; cover loosely with plastic wrap in the fridge.
Think seasonal: Swap in peaches, figs, or cherries in summer, and pomegranate arils or citrus segments in winter.
Enjoy your vibrant board as a show-stopping centerpieceâguests will love picking at the colorful bounty!