Grilled Fruit Vegetable Charcuterie Board

Hosting an outdoor family-friendly party is easy in the summertime. Serve a Grilled Fruit Vegetable Charcuterie Board; an easy way to bring people together.

Grilled Fruit Vegetable Charcuterie Board

I grew up in southern Oregon, where the summers are warm all the time, and we grilled a ton. Back then, we called it barbecuing, when we heated up the charcoal and ate a lot of great meat. :)

Now we call it grilling, and today I’m showing you how to create an EPIC Grilled Fruit Vegetable Charcuterie Board for a summer gathering!

My daughter, Abby, designed and made this entire board. Yes, she is an artist. She is a beautiful writer, violinist, photographer, and so good with food. Just look at her beautiful charcuterie board creation!

I love to tell people, I learn a lot from my 21 year old daughter. How many moms can say that? (wink-wink).  Soon I will be sharing with you her brand new blog (coming very soon).

Summer food picnic style

In the meantime, growing up, I remember my family would always have family and friends over, and all of us kids would be playing and eating on blankets, because we only had one picnic table.

Summer food back then was classic: Burgers, potato salad (I love this picture from 1992), watermelon and summer roasted corn. I also love this corn salad recipe!

28-inch Charcuterie Board

We bought this giant board (28-inches in diameter) at Pier 1 last fall here in Bend, Oregon. It’s solid wood and SUPER heavy (just warning you). Even thought it’s very beautiful, you need a strong core to carry this around!

Here’s an 18-inch wine barrel wood board or a 24-inch hammered large round tray or a 26-inch stainless steel serving platter that you may also like! Check out the weight on these boards.

How to season a Charcuterie Board

If a wood board says it “not food safe,” you can lightly sand it down with sand paper, and rub down with beeswax and mineral oil.

We used this butcher block and cutting board oil conditioner after we lightly sanded the board down.

Or, lay down parchment paper! Easy peasy!

How to grill fuits and veggies

This time we’re changing it up a bit by grilling the vegetables and fruit. Yes, and fruit. Grab a large serving tray or platter and start arranging the grilled food!

1. Lightly brush the fruits and veggies with avocado or grapeseed oil to help prevent sticking.
2. Leave the peel and rind on before grilling.
3. Cook all fruits and vegetables directly over moderately hot coals or use the indirect heat method. Rotate the produce, and then move it to a cooler part of the grill to avoid overcooking.

So yummy, have you tried grilled fruit? Veggies, yes. But fruit? SO GOOD!

Mm-m-m … this was my first time to try grilled figs! WOW!

Served with meats and cheese, it’s such a tasty board.

And look at the cutie Whoodle! :)

Don’t forget a summer flower for the garnish!

The key to a successful summer gathering is to make a plan.

Summer party tips:

1. Set up as many stations as possible ahead of time. Set the table, get the drinks area ready, think ahead to entertainment for the kids (toys, water toys, games), or adults (crochet, bag toss, etc:)

2. Set a timeline. For this board, you will need someone grilling ahead of time the fruits and veggies.

TIP: It does take a little extra time to cut the produce, and then grill it. If it helps, write out your timeline of when you need to get things done, and ready for the party.

3. Go disposable, or not? I like to use real (melamine) plates (versus paper), that are very kid-friendly, and real silverware. And then use paper cups and paper napkins!

Start the party early! This Summer Brunch Charcuterie Board is a great appetizer for a large-size party!

ENJOY!

Grilled Fruit Vegetable Charcuterie Board

Yield: 12-18

Total Time: 1 hour

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cantaloupe
• 1/2 golden honeydew
• 1/2 green honeydew
• 2-3 peaches
• 2-3 apricots or plums
• 1-2 honey crisp apples
• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/2 small watermelon
• 1 grapefruit
• 1 orange
• 1 mango
• 3-4 figs
• 1/2 pineapple
• 8-10 strawberries
• 1 head purple cauliflower
• 1 c cherry tomatoes
• 3 bell peppers
• 2 large zucchini
• 1/2 pound green beans
• 1 bunch thin asparagus
• Burrata (or mozzarella balls)
• 1/2 cup creme fraiche
• 2 Tbsp. fig jam
• Salami slices
• Brie cheese
• Salt to taste
• Cinnamon to sprinkle on desired fruits
• Plenty of avocado or grapeseed oil to grill
• Skewers

Directions:

1. Slice the fruits and veggies into grillable sizes or large chunks. (See photo)
2. Leave the peel and rind on before grilling.
3. Place the strawberries and cherry tomatoes on skewers.
4. Lightly brush the fruits and veggies with avocado or grapeseed oil to help prevent sticking.
5. Cook all fruits and vegetables directly over moderately hot coals or use the indirect heat method. Rotate the produce, and then move it to a cooler part of the grill to avoid overcooking.
6. On a large food-safe board (or lay down parchment paper) arrange the fruits and veggies with the fraiche and fig jam, and cheeses in the center.
7. Mix the creme fraiche and fig jam in a small bowl for dipping.
8. Fill in the open spots with salami or cured meats.
9. Garnish with flowers. Serve!

All images and text ©Sandy Coughlin for Reluctant Entertainer.

More grilled fruit recipes: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with White Chocolate Drizzle [Cookie Rookie], How to Grill Pie [Crazy for Crust], and Caramelized Peaches Recipe [RE].