An Antipasto Board is one of the easiest and most satisfying appetizers you can put together—especially when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Unlike its French cousin, the charcuterie board, which leans heavily on meats and cheeses, an antipasto board is traditionally Italian and shines with vegetables (fresh or marinated), olives, cheeses, and small bites that pack tons of flavor.
It’s the kind of dish that invites you to get creative. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to build an antipasto board—just aim for variety in texture, color, and flavor. Whether you’re putting this together for a casual summer evening, a festive gathering, or even a cozy dinner for two, it’s always fast to go.
What Makes a Great Antipasto Board?
A great antipasto board is all about balance:
- Savory meats like salami and prosciutto
- Soft and hard cheeses to contrast each other
- Fresh and marinated vegetables to add brightness
- Fruits and nuts for color and sweetness
- Bread and crackers to carry all the goodness
And of course, a few Mediterranean dips or sides served in small bowls on the side take it to the next level.
What I Used on My Colorful Antipasto Board
This board is totally flexible, but here’s what I used for a balance of savory, creamy, crunchy, and fresh:
Proteins:
- Salami
- Prosciutto
Cheeses:
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Hard aged Parmigiano
Fresh produce:
- Cucumber slices
- Kiwi slices
- Grapes
- Radish
- Cherry tomatoes
- Nectarines
Extras:
- Mixed olives
- Pistachios
- Crackers
- Sliced ciabatta
Served on the side:
- Marinated tomatoes
- Sundried tomato hummus
- Marinated artichokes
Tips for Building a Stunning Antipasto Board
- Start with bowls: Place a few small bowls on your serving board for hummus, marinated veggies, or olives to anchor it.
- Group similar items together: Pile up cheeses, layer meats into soft folds, and cluster fruits and vegetables.
- Use color to guide layout: Alternate colors for visual impact—place red tomatoes near green cucumber, bright grapes beside pale cheese, etc.
- Add texture: Combine crisp crackers, juicy fruit, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts for variety.
- Serve with toothpicks or mini forks: This keeps things neat and easy for guests to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Antipasto Board
- Super customizable – Use whatever you have in your fridge or pantry.
- Great for guests – No cooking required, but looks stunning.
- Naturally gluten-free or vegetarian friendly – Just skip or swap items as needed.
- Perfect year-round – Refreshing in summer, suitably heavier in winter.
- Kid- and adult-friendly – There’s something for everyone.
📌 Colorful Antipasto Board (Recipe Card)
Serves: 4–6 as an appetizer
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Category: Appetizer / Snack
Perfect For: Entertaining, Parties, No-Cook Meals
Ingredients
Proteins:
- Sliced salami
- Prosciutto
Cheeses:
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Hard Italian cheese, sliced or cubed
Fresh produce:
- Sliced cucumber
- Kiwi, sliced
- Grapes
- Radishes, halved or sliced
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh nectarine
Other board items:
- Mixed olives
- Pistachios
- Crackers
- Ciabatta, sliced
Served on the side:
- Marinated cherry tomatoes
- Marinated artichokes
- Sundried tomato hummus
Equipment
- Large wooden board or platter
- Small bowls for marinated items and dips
- Cheese knife and serving forks/picks
Instructions
- Place small bowls with marinated tomatoes, artichokes, and hummus on the board first to anchor the layout.
- Arrange meats by folding salami and prosciutto into ribbons or rounds.
- Add cheeses—group mozzarella balls and slices of hard cheese in separate corners.
- Scatter fresh fruits and vegetables around the board, alternating colors and shapes for visual appeal.
- Fill in gaps with olives, nuts, and crackers. Add slices of ciabatta at one end.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
