Mediterranean Charcuterie Board [Perfect for Parties & Holiday Gatherings]

This Mediterranean Charcuterie Board will be the perfect start to your next gathering, Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving, date night, etc.

Filled with cured meats, cheeses, olives, fresh and dried fruit, veggies, and homemade dips such as hummus and tzatziki, it offers a variety of flavors and textures that guests can mix and match!

this recipe

Keep reading below for customizable ingredient suggestions that will help you create the most beautiful, impressive Mediterranean charcuterie board full of flavor.

In the recipe card notes below, you’ll find a general serving suggestions guide for meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies, etc.

I also explain more about my favorite olive oil which I use in all the dips (hint: the bottles are super gorgeous and giftable, plus I have a discount code!)

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Introduction: Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

I don’t know about you, but if I go to a party and there’s a charcuterie board, my day is instantly made. My favorite activity at a party is snacking, and these boards make for the ultimate snack before the big meal (or even as the meal itself).

Charcuterie boards have grown in popularity and have become a staple at parties for three main reasons (besides them being amazingly delicious):

1. They’re extremely customizable, making catering to different tastes and budgets easy.
   
   
2. With many combinations of savory, sweet, and tangy, a charcuterie board is a natural conversation starter. It encourages guests to discover and discuss their favorite pairings, making for a fun socializing experience!
   
   
3. They’re easy to prepare and usually require minimal cooking.

What is a Mediterranean Charcuterie Board Called?

A Mediterranean charcuterie board is often referred to as a mezze platter. Mezze (or meze) is a traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern assortment of small dishes, typically including a variety of dips, cheeses, meats, and vegetables, much like a charcuterie board.

It’s designed for sharing and enjoying a range of flavors and textures!

This charcuterie board recipe focuses on fresh, vibrant Mediterranean ingredients like roasted red peppers, feta, olive tapenade, and cucumber slices.

It also features wholesome foods like extra-virgin olive oil (more on this below), herbs, nuts, and fruit, adding color, variety, and pops of different flavors to the board!

Key Ingredients for a Mediterranean Spread

When crafting a Mediterranean Charcuterie Board, freshness is key.

I’ll give you a list of ingredients to choose from in each category. Adjust your choices if you can’t find certain ingredients or have different taste preferences.

You want the Mediterranean charcuterie board to look full and plentiful! I suggest using at least two to three options from each category to achieve this.

Take a look at the options I have listed below:

Meats for Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards almost always include savory cured meats that are rich in flavor! Below I have listed my favorite options for this Mediterranean charcuterie board recipe:

• Proscuitto: A thinly sliced, salty, and slightly sweet type of ham that is aged through a dry-curing process.
  
  
• Salami: This meat adds a savory, peppery bite and pairs perfectly with other Mediterranean charcuterie board ingredients.
  
  
• Soppressata: Adds a rich, spicy flavor to the board.
  
  
• Chorizo: This smoky cured sausage adds a deep, spicy flavor unlike any other. (Side note: If you love chorizo, you’ll have to try my Chorizo Breakfast Tacos)

Cheese for Charcuterie Board

It wouldn’t be a charcuterie board without delicious, creamy cheese! I like to include some soft and hard varieties for different textures. Here are some cheese for charcuterie board suggestions:

• Feta: A briny, crumbly cheese that pairs well with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes. You can use plain, garlic & herb flavored, etc.
  
  
• Manchego: This is a delicious, firm Spanish sheep’s milk cheese that is both nutty and sweet.
  
  
• Goat Cheese: This cheese is soft, creamy, and tangy and is so delicious paired with cured meats. Plain or garlic & herb varieties work!
  
  
• Halloumi: It can be eaten raw, but grilling it enhances the flavor.
  
  
• Fresh Mozzarella: A soft, moist cheese that is a great contrast to hard cheese.

In addition to these cheeses, I have also used parmesan, pecorino, and even gouda (although it’s not a Mediterranean cheese, it’s so gooda 😉 and still works well with the other ingredients)!

Olives and Pickled Vegetables

• Green Olives: My favorite is the garlic-stuffed kind (I’m a garlic fiend). You can also use regular with pimentos, blue cheese stuffed, etc.
  
  
• Kalamata Olives: These are dark purple to almost black colored olives. They’re usually saltier and stronger in flavor than green olives.
  
  
• Castelvetrano Olives: This type of olive is known for its meaty texture and mild brininess. They are typically described as having a wonderfully buttery texture.
  
  
• Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky and often marinated in olive oil and/or vinegar. You can get the jarred kind or easily roast them yourself (see: Roasted Red Peppers Recipe).
  
  
• Marinated Artichokes: Love these tangy and flavorful little gems! You can find them with the other pickled veggies in the grocery store.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

For a Mediterranean charcuterie board, fresh fruits like grapes and figs add sweetness, while fresh vegetables like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes add crispiness and balance the rich cheeses and meats.

• Grapes: They offer a pop of sweet and refreshing juiciness. Leave them on the vine and scatter a few bunches on the board – it looks so nice!
  
  
• Figs: These are soft, sweet, and slightly earthy. They pair nicely with salty cheeses.
  
  
• Pomegranate: I halved mine and left it like that for the photos, but you can also use this easy way to remove pomegranate seeds, or buy them in a container already removed.
  
  
• Mandarin Oranges: Bright and tangy, they bring a citrusy sweetness to the board. Slice them into small wedges and find a place for them on the board!
  
  
• Cucumber: Cool and crisp, and ideal for dipping or eating alongside Mediterranean meats and cheeses.
  
  
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and tangy, they provide a nice bit of freshness.
  
  
• Bell Peppers: Crunchy and sweet, bell peppers are great for adding texture and beautiful color to the Mediterranean charcuterie board.

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Dried fruits offer sweetness, balancing the salty, savory ingredients, while nuts add a crunchy, earthy texture and taste. Here are some of my favorites:

• Almonds, Pistachios, or Walnuts: Pistachios are a slightly sweet and crunchy Mediterranean favorite. You can serve the almonds and walnuts raw or even toast them for added flavor.
  
  
• Dried Dates, Apricots, or Figs: Rich in natural sugars with a chewy texture that complements the creamier cheeses. If you’re feeling extra, you can even stuff the dates with goat or blue cheese!

Best Breads and Crackers for Charcuterie Board

No charcuterie board is complete without some form of bread or crackers to serve as the base for all those delicious toppings! Literally anything will work here (including a loaf of homemade sourdough, pita crackers, Triscuits, etc.)

Here are some classic Mediterranean options:

• Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita pairs beautifully with hummus and tzatziki. Homemade or store-bought pita works! Whatever is easier for you.
  
  
• Baguette/Crostini: Thin, toasted slices of baguette that add a crunchy texture and can hold mounds of spreads and toppings! I like to toast mine in a cast iron grill pan with olive oil.
  
  
• Lavash Crackers: These are crispy, thin flatbread crackers. You can try this homemade recipe if you feel like it!
  
  
• Grissini (Breadsticks): Thin, crispy breadsticks that are easy to dip into olive oil and snack on!

Dips for Charcuterie Board

For the Mediterranean charcuterie board, I created recipes for homemade hummus with chili oil, kalamata olive tapenade, and tzatziki, which you can find below in the recipe card notes! These dips are so easy to make and take a maximum of fifteen minutes to make all three.

You can also try making baba ganoush (roasted eggplant dip) or muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), which are other classic Mediterranean options.

Other than these dips, I like to serve olive oil in a dish with salt, cracked black pepper, and a little bit of Italian seasoning. And, honey (or hot honey) for drizzling!

You could even go the extra mile and make this authentic Turkish dolma recipe. It depends on how much time and energy you want to put into your Mediterranean charcuterie board!

Wacth Me Build a Mediterranean Charcuterie Board

What is the Healthiest Olive Oil to Use?

The healthiest olive oil to use is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It’s the least processed form, made from cold-pressing olives without the use of heat or chemicals, which helps preserve its nutrients and antioxidants.

EVOO is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, and contains polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties.

Read more about the health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil here, or keep scrolling to read about the best olive oil brand!

Best Turkish Olive Oil: Heraclea Food Co.

Heraclea Food Co. Turkish olive oil is a premium extra-virgin olive oil deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition, emphasizing sustainability, quality, and authenticity.

They source their olives from Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions, which are known for their top-tier olives and ideal growing conditions. 🫒

This family-owned brand is dedicated to preserving traditional methods, such as hand-harvesting olives at peak ripeness and using cold-press techniques for maximum flavor and nutrition!

Working with local farms that practice organic methods, Heraclea olive oil is a health-conscious, ethical, and sustainable choice for home cooks and chefs. 👩🏽‍🍳

As an ambassador for Heraclea, I’m happy to share with you my 15% discount code! Click this link and use my code HEAVENLYSPICED for fifteen percent off your Heraclea olive oil order.

Their olive oil products make for the best host or housewarming gift because their bottles are beautiful works of art! You’re going to love them and so will they.

Here I am unboxing the Heraclea olive oil products:

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A post shared by ᴊᴇɴɴᴀ ɢᴇɪɢᴇʀ | Food Creator (@heavenlyspiced)

For the Mediterranean charcuterie board, I use Heraclea olive oil in my homemade hummus, tzatziki, and olive tapenade dips, so be sure to check out the recipes below. ⬇️

I’d love to hear about your experience with this Mediterranean Charcuterie Board recipe!

Please leave a question or comment below, get in touch via email, and follow me on social media for even more recipes and cooking tips (linked below).

Watch me build my Mediterranean Charcuterie Board on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest! Don’t forget to follow me while you’re there (thank you so much!) 🙏🏽

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Hope to see you there!!! – Jenna 😊

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More Party Appetizer Ideas:

• Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
  
  
• Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
  
  
• Crispy Cauliflower Bites
  
  
• Soft Pretzel Bites with Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip
  
  
• Stuffed Garlic Bread [Easy and Cheesy!]

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