This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins, and all opinions expressed are my own.
I’m excited to share a healthy, delicious appetizer or light meal idea: a fresh, colorful snack board that’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or an easy at-home lunch.
This board is a fresh take on a traditional cheeseboard. Instead of centering the spread on meat and cheese, start with lots of fruit and vegetables, then fill the gaps with meats, cheeses, nuts, and crackers.
It’s great as a healthy appetizer, and also makes a fun picnic lunch—pack each component in separate containers for easy transport. Or set up a cozy living-room picnic with a blanket and a big tray. All you need is an assortment of fruits, vegetables, nuts, an optional meat, cheese, and sturdy crackers.
For crackers I used Blue Diamond® Nut-Thins, which I love. They’re made with almonds and brown rice, are wheat-free and gluten-free, and have a crisp, chip-like texture while staying sturdy enough for dips. They contain no artificial flavors and pair well with both sweet and savory ingredients.
Here’s how to build the snack board:
Start by filling the board with fresh fruits and vegetables. This allows people to fill up on nutrient-dense produce first—my motto is unlimited veggies and (almost) unlimited fruits!
Fruits
I used grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and cherries.
Other ideas: raspberries, blackberries, and apple slices (slice apples just before serving to avoid browning).
Veggies
I used red pepper strips, carrots, and broccoli.
Other ideas: snap peas, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes.
Dip
I served red pepper hummus.
Other options: ranch dressing, salsa, or guacamole (prepare guacamole right before serving to keep it fresh).
After arranging the produce, fill the remaining spaces with crackers, nuts, meats, and cheeses.
Meat, Cheese, Crackers, and Nuts
I used honey-maple turkey, Nut-Thins crackers, raw organic cheddar, and a mix of cashews and almonds.
Other ideas: any variety of cheese (gouda, gruyère, brie), prosciutto or ham, pita chips, or seed crackers.
I also like making a smaller version for an easy snack-y lunch: one type of cracker, a slice of cheese, maybe some turkey, plus a fruit and a veggie. It’s satisfying because it looks like a full plate of food but stays light and wholesome.
If you try this healthy snack board, leave a comment or tag me @livbane on Instagram—I’d love to see your version!
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How to Make the Ultimate Snack Board
Ingredients
- 3 cups fruits: grapes, berries, cherries, apple slices*, etc.
- 3 cups veggies: red pepper strips, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup dip: hummus, ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole*
- 1/2 lb. meat: deli turkey, prosciutto, ham, etc.
- 1/2 lb cheese: cheddar, gouda, gruyère, etc.
- 1/2 cup nuts of choice (almonds and cashews suggested)
- 8–12 oz. crackers: Blue Diamond Nut-Thins or similar sturdy crackers
Instructions
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Wash and dry fruits (grapes, berries, cherries, apples) and vegetables (red pepper strips, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes). Chop or slice as needed.
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Arrange the fruits and vegetables across a cutting board, cheeseboard, or large tray. Place dips in several small bowls and position them around the board for easy access.
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Fill any remaining spaces with meat, cheese, nuts, and crackers. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
You can find Nut-Thins at many stores—check the packaging aisle in your local grocery for almond-based, rice-based crackers.