Everyone loves a good charcuterie board. They’re the perfect appetizer for a group gathering or an easy no-cook meal when it’s too hot to turn on the oven. 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.
Here are some tips to help you create a healthy and delicious charcuterie board:
Pack in the fruits and vegetables. Strawberries, cherries and grapes are great additions to a charcuterie board. Dried fruits are another way to add color to your plate. Not only do fruits and vegetables add nutrients to your plate, they also add a lot of color, an important part of any quality charcuterie board. For vegetables, cut up some carrots, celery sticks, cucumbers and broccoli.
Try some healthier cheeses. Check out our blog on five of the healthiest cheeses and try incorporating into your board. You’ll want crackers to go with them; stick to whole wheat versions for more nutritional value.
Add nuts. Nuts, including almonds, pistachios and walnuts, are a great source of healthy fats and fiber, which may reduce your risk of cancer. Add a little extra oomph by using nuts seasoned with spices or herbs such as rosemary.
Dips are essential. You’ll want something to dip your veggies in, of course. Hummus, a Greek yogurt dip, like tzatziki, or even guacamole will add a little sustenance and flavor to your charcuterie board.
Don’t forget a touch of sweetness. Dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate covered fruit can finish off your snack or meal on a tasty note. Dark chocolate is considered healthier than other types of chocolate, making it a smart choice.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your own healthy charcuterie board. Get creative by adding any of your favorite healthy snacks that can be put in a bowl or arranged on a platter, and you’re sure to have happy eaters. If you decide to try out a healthier charcuterie board, snap a photo, share on social media and tag @preventcancer, so we can reshare and inspire others to try.
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