The Rise of Vegan Boards
With more people gearing toward mindfulness of what they eat and the popularity of grazing boards on the rise, Plant based Boards have exploded in recent years, becoming a staple at events of all kinds.
Traditionally, charcuterie boards feature a variety of meats and cheeses, but as more and more people embrace more sustainable plant-based diets, vegan charcuterie boards have become a must-have option. In this post, we’ll explore the rise of vegan charcuterie boards and provide tips on how to make yours absolutely delicious.
Why Choose a Vegan Charcuterie Board?
The benefits of choosing a vegan charcuterie board go beyond accommodating dietary restrictions. Plant-based diets are associated with a wide range of health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease to improving digestion. Vegan charcuterie boards also offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat and dairy-based options.
Ingredients for a Delicious Vegan Charcuterie Board
The key to a delicious vegan charcuterie board is variety. Try to use colorful dips, spreads and vegetables for eye catching presentations. Cutting styles add variety of the appearance to highlight the different textures and tastes. Here are some ingredients to consider including:
- Plant-based cheeses: Vegan cheeses are becoming increasingly sophisticated and delicious. Try a variety of nut-based cheeses, such as cashew or almond, or tofu-based cheeses.
- Fresh fruits: Slice up some juicy fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, or watermelon, and add them to your board for a pop of color and flavor.
- Nuts: Consider a mix of raw or roasted nuts such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts.
- Vegan meats: Add a variety of vegan meats such as seitan, tempeh, or tofu that have been marinated and grilled or sautéed with herbs and spices.
- Crackers and bread: Choose a mix of crackers and bread, including gluten-free options if needed, to pair with your cheeses and dips.
- Dips and spreads: Hummus, nut butter, and guacamole are great options for dips and spreads that will add a lot of flavor to your board.
Tips for Assembling Your Vegan Charcuterie Board
When it comes to assembling your board, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a sturdy board: Choose a board that is large enough to accommodate all your ingredients and is sturdy enough to hold them.
- Cut each cheese in a different shape, or arrange in different patterns.
- Same goes for every fruit and vegetable you add on.
- Fold every plant-based meat variety in a different way to add more elegance to your creation.
- Add height: Use ramekins, small bowls, or glasses to add height to your board and make it more visually interesting.
- Arrange ingredients strategically: Place ingredients that pair well together near each other and consider color and texture as well.
- Label ingredients: Label each ingredient with a small card or tag so guests know what they are trying.
- Keep it fresh: Cover your board with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh until it’s time to serve.
Conclusion
Vegan charcuterie boards are a delicious and beautiful way to celebrate plant-based eating and cater to a variety of dietary needs. With a variety of ingredients and some strategic assembly, you can make a board that is sure to impress your guests. So next time you’re planning an event or just want to indulge in some delicious snacks, give a vegan charcuterie board a try!
