Helloooo foodies! My name is Lila, and today I’m excited to share with you my ultimate vegan rainbow charcuterie board recipe. Believe me, once you taste the rainbow, you’ll never go back to basic and boring appetizers. This board is full of healthy, colorful and tasty ingredients that everyone at your next party will love. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for people with different dietary needs. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the party with this one!

Lila grew up in a multicultural household, with an Indian mother and a British father. She spent her childhood surrounded by different flavors and cultures, which fueled her passion for cooking and experimenting with new recipes. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lila works as a freelance graphic designer and enjoys practicing yoga and exploring her city’s farmers markets.

Lila Nambiar currently resides in United States of America and grew up in United Kingdom and India.

I was born in the UK, but my family has Indian roots, and growing up, I was exposed to lots of different flavors and cuisines. Indian food is well known for using a wide range of spices, fruits, and vegetables, and I’ve always loved how colorful and full of flavors my meals at home were. That’s how I fell in love with vibrant dishes and started experimenting with colorful recipes like this charcuterie board. Believe me, eating the rainbow is a great way to stay healthy and happy!

Now, let’s talk about the recipe itself. I had the idea for this rainbow charcuterie board when I was living in LA and visited my favorite vegan restaurant. I remember they had a beautiful vegan cheese platter with colorful fruits and veggies, and I thought it would be amazing to recreate that at home. So I started playing around with different ingredients, mixing veggies, fruits, dips, and nuts, and voila! A vibrant and delicious charcuterie board was born. And the best part? It’s super easy to make! You just need a few ingredients, a big cutting board, and your creativity. So grab your knife and let’s get to it!

What you need

Looking for a fun and healthy way to wow your guests at your next party or event? Look no further than the vegan rainbow charcuterie board! This colorful and vibrant board is packed with an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, dips, and spices that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Some of my favorite ingredients include the sweet red grapes, juicy oranges, crispy yellow bell pepper, tart green apples, and chewy blueberries. But the real stars of the board are the homemade cranberry orange vegan cheese ball and the caramelized onion hummus. Made with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and dried cranberries, the vegan cheese ball is a surprisingly healthy and delicious addition that pairs perfectly with the mixed nuts and fruits. The caramelized onion hummus is a creamy and savory dip that’s packed with protein and fiber, and goes well with the rainbow-striped fruits and vegetables. Putting together the board is easy and fun, too—all you have to do is slice and chop the fruits and vegetables, make the dips, and arrange everything on a large wooden cutting board. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a potluck party, or a romantic dinner for two, this vegan rainbow charcuterie board is sure to impress and delight your guests.

Ingredients:

• Red grapes – The sweet red grapes add a burst of flavor and vibrant color to the board. You can substitute them with any other sweet fruit such as strawberries, raspberries or cherries.
• Oranges – The juicy and tangy oranges complement the other fruits and the dips on the board. You can use any other citrus fruit such as grapefruits, mandarins or tangerines.
• Yellow bell pepper – The crisp yellow bell pepper adds crunch and sweetness to the board. You can use any other color of bell pepper or substitute it with carrots or yellow tomatoes.
• Green apples – The tart green apples add a refreshing contrast to the other sweet elements on the board, and pair well with the caramelized onion hummus. You can use any other green fruit such as pears or kiwis.
• Blueberries – The juicy blueberries add a pop of color and sweet flavor to the board. You can use any other blue or purple fruit such as blackberries, grapes or plums.
• Purple cabbage – The crunchy and colorful purple cabbage adds texture, fiber and a mild sweetness. You can use any other cruciferous vegetable such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower.
• Rainbow carrots – The vibrant and crunchy rainbow carrots add color and flavor to the board. You can use any other color of carrot or substitute with sliced cucumbers or radishes.
• Mixed nuts – The mixed nuts provide a savory and crunchy element to the board, and pair well with the cranberry orange vegan cheese ball. You can use any other type of nuts such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
• Cranberry orange vegan cheese ball – This tangy and creamy vegan cheese ball is made with cashews, nutritional yeast, and dried cranberries, and goes well with the mixed nuts and fruits on the board. You can substitute it with any other vegan cheese or omit it if you prefer.
• Caramelized onion hummus – The creamy and savory caramelized onion hummus is a tasty dip for the vegetables and fruits on the board. You can substitute it with any other dip of your choice such as roasted red pepper hummus, beetroot dip, or salsa.

Utensils:

• Large wooden cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small serving bowls – Optional. You can use any containers of your choice to hold the dips or nuts.
• Small cookie cutter – Optional. You can use it to cut various fruits into fun shapes, but you can also slice, chop or leave them whole.

Cranberry orange vegan cheese ball

I love making this tangy and creamy vegan cheese ball from scratch because it’s so much healthier than store-bought cheese spreads that are usually loaded with preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fats. This cheese ball is made with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, maple syrup, and dried cranberries for a sweet and savory flavor explosion. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste and is also a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Raw cashews are high in healthy fats and are also rich in copper, magnesium and phosphorus. The dried cranberries add a chewy texture and are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. This vegan cheese ball is the perfect centerpiece for the rainbow charcuterie board and pairs well with the mixed nuts and fruits on the board. Don’t be afraid to try making your own vegan cheese—it’s easier than you think and so much better for you!

Rainbow carrots

I’m always on the lookout for colorful and unique fruits and vegetables to add to my dishes, and these rainbow carrots are one of my favorites. Not only do they add a pop of color to the rainbow charcuterie board, but they’re also packed with nutrients and fiber. I love that they come in a variety of colors, from bright purple to vibrant yellow, and that they have a slightly sweeter flavor than regular orange carrots. They make a great snack on their own, but also taste delicious when paired with the caramelized onion hummus or other dips. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for eye health and immune function, and it’s also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Rainbow carrots are also a good source of vitamin K, potassium, and other important nutrients. If you can’t find rainbow carrots, you can always use regular carrots or other colorful vegetables such as sliced radishes or cucumbers.

What to serve it with?

When it comes to serving options, I like to keep it simple and versatile. This rainbow charcuterie board is perfect for any occasion, from a casual brunch to a fancy dinner party. I like to pair it with a light and fizzy prosecco or a refreshing summer cocktail like a mojito. But my all-time favorite pairing is with a hot cup of tea! As someone with Indian heritage, tea has been a staple in my family, and I love how it complements the different flavors and textures of the board. It’s perfect for a cozy night in with friends or family. Believe me – there’s nothing quite as special as bonding over food with loved ones while sipping on a warm cup of tea!

Summary

All right, folks, that’s all from me for today! Thank you so much for joining me on this culinary journey and giving my rainbow charcuterie board a try. I hope this recipe has inspired you to add a vibrant and healthy twist to your next party or just your next snack time! But, before we part ways, I would love to hear from you. What’s your favorite fruit or veggie on the board? Do you have any ideas for other delicious dips to add to the mix? Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going. And if you’re curious about more flavorful and colorful recipes, keep an eye out for my next piece on the blog! See you soon, foodies!

Here’s the recipe:

Taste the Rainbow: The Ultimate Vegan Rainbow Charcuterie Board Recipe

Lila Nambiar

This vibrant and colorful vegan rainbow charcuterie board is the perfect feast for the eyes and taste buds. Packed with an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dips, this board is a healthy and beautiful way to wow your guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6

Equipment

• Large wooden cutting board
• Sharp Knife
• Small serving bowls
• Small cookie cutter

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Red grapes
• 2 Oranges
• 1 Yellow bell pepper
• 2 Green apples
• 1/2 cup Blueberries
• 1/4 head Purple cabbage
• 6-8 Rainbow carrots
• 1 cup Mixed nuts
• 1 Cranberry orange vegan cheese ball
• 1 cup Caramelized onion hummus

Instructions

 

• Wash and cut the fruits and vegetables - Wash all the fruits and vegetables carefully and pat them dry. Cut the red grapes in half, peel the oranges and separate into segments, slice the yellow bell pepper into thin strips, core and slice the green apples, rinse the blueberries, and cut the purple cabbage into thin shreds. Peel and trim the rainbow carrots if necessary, and slice them into thin rounds or sticks. Use a small cookie cutter to cut some of the fruits into interesting shapes. - To save time, you can cut the fruits and vegetables and store them in separate containers in the fridge a day before, but it's best to assemble the board just a few hours before serving to keep everything fresh.
• Make the cranberry orange vegan cheese ball - In a food processor, pulse the raw cashews until they're finely ground but not turning into cashew butter. Add the nutritional yeast, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, salt, and pepper, and pulse until the mixture comes together in a ball. Add the dried cranberries and pulse a few more times to combine. Transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap and use your hands to shape it into a ball. Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up. - If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender or even a mortar and pestle to grind the cashews. Make sure not to over-process them or the mixture will turn into cashew butter. You can make the cheese ball a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container until ready to use.
• Make the caramelized onion hummus - In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, and process until smooth and creamy. Add the caramelized onion and pulse a few times to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Caramelizing the onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the hummus, but you can also use raw onion if you prefer a milder taste. You can make the hummus a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container until ready to use.
• Arrange the board - Place the large wooden cutting board on a flat surface. Arrange the bowl of caramelized onion hummus in the center of the board, and surround it with the rainbow fruits and vegetables. Use small serving bowls to hold the mixed nuts and the cranberry orange vegan cheese ball. Garnish the board with fresh herbs, edible flowers or other decorations of your choice. Serve immediately, with small plates and utensils for your guests to help themselves. - Don't be afraid to get creative and arrange the fruits and vegetables in a rainbow pattern, or any other shape or design you like. Use the small cookie cutter to cut fruit into fun shapes. You can also add other dips or spreads such as white bean dip or beetroot hummus. And if you have any leftover fruits or vegetables, you can use them to make a salad, a smoothie, or a sandwich the next day.