I love salami and prosciutto as much as anyone but between the occasional indulgence of richer meats and cheeses, I really need to go a little leaner in my food choices for a variety of reasons. 

Creating a healthy charcuterie platter is a fantastic way to do that and offers a variety of delicious and nutritious options.

Here's a step-by-step process:   1. Planning and Ingredient Selection:

• Prioritize Produce:
  • Focus on a vibrant array of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Think:
    • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
    • Grapes (red, green)
    • Apple and pear slices (tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning)
    • Cucumber slices
    • Cherry tomatoes
    • Bell pepper strips (various colors)
    • Carrot sticks
    • Broccoli and cauliflower florets
• Lean Proteins:
  • Opt for lean meats to minimize saturated fat:
    • Thinly sliced turkey or chicken breast
    • Lean ham
    • Consider smoked salmon for a healthy omega-3 boost.
• Healthy Cheeses:
  • Choose lower-fat cheese varieties:
    • Goat cheese
    • Part-skim mozzarella
    • Feta cheese
    • Light brie
• Whole Grains and Healthy Extras:
  • Include whole-grain crackers or bread.
  • Add nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds) in moderation.
  • Offer healthy dips:
    • Hummus
    • Greek yogurt-based dips
• Consider Dietary needs:
  • If you know your guests have any dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance, or dairy allergies, plan accordingly

   2. Preparation:

• Wash and Prepare Produce:
  • Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables.
  • Slice, dice, or cut produce into bite-sized pieces.
• Prepare Meats and Cheeses:
  • Slice meats and cheeses into attractive, easy-to-grab portions.
• Prepare Dips:
  • If making homemade dips, prepare them ahead of time.

3. Arrangement:

• Start with the Base:
  • Choose a large platter, cutting board, or tray.
• Place Bowls:
  • Arrange small bowls for dips, nuts, and olives.
• Arrange Cheeses:
  • Place cheeses around the platter, spacing them out.
• Add Meats:
  • Arrange lean meats, folding or rolling them for visual appeal.
• Fill with Produce:
  • Fill in the remaining spaces with fruits and vegetables, creating a colorful and abundant display.
• Add Crackers and Extras:
  • Place whole-grain crackers or bread around the platter.
  • Sprinkle nuts and seeds in small clusters.
• Garnish:
  • Garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for a finishing touch.

4. Serving:

• Provide Utensils:
  • Offer cheese knives, spreaders, and small forks or picks.
• Enjoy Immediately:
  • For optimal freshness, serve the charcuterie platter shortly after preparation.

Key Considerations for a Healthy Platter:

• Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially for cheeses and nuts.
• Variety: Offer a wide variety of colors and textures to ensure a balanced and appealing platter.
• Freshness: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and nutritional value.