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How to Make an Amazing Italian Charcuterie Board

This Italian charcuterie board is the perfect combination of delicious imported Italian meats, imported Italian cheeses, nuts, dried fruit, olives, roasted tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and grilled bread. It makes a great appetizer or a simple summer meal – no cooking required! 

Meats, olives, cheese, nuts and bread on a board and in bowls.

In the middle of summer, there is nothing I love more than a light meal enjoyed out on the patio with a cold glass of wine.

I find it hard to eat big meals when it’s 100 degrees outside, and honestly, who wants to feel full when it’s that hot out?

That’s why I’m sharing one of my favorite light dinners that don’t skimp on quality or taste. 

Want a themed charcuterie board option? Try this delicious Christmas charcuterie board!

What is an Italian Charcuterie Board Called?

Charcuterie is a French word, and the Italian equivalent is affettati.

But many people refer to an Italian charcuterie board as a salumi board.

Salumi is a term used to describe a wide range of different Italian-style meats that are salted, cured, or preserved.  

Authentic, imported Italian meats make the BEST summertime dinner or party charcuterie board. 

Close-up of thin-sliced meat on a toasted crust of bread.

Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas

When I’m putting together a simple charcuterie board, I like to try and combine lots of different flavors with different little snacks to go along. 

For this board, I paired four high-quality, imported, Italian meats with dried figs, pistachios, hazelnuts, olives, garlic roasted tomatoes, giardiniera, and lots of toasted Italian bread.

I also threw in a wedge of the most amazing cheese I have ever tried, a Parmigiano-Reggiano DOP Vacche Rosse that has that perfect Parmesan bite with the little crunchy crystals that have you craving for more bites.

Cured meats, nuts, roasted tomatoes, and cheese on a board.

Simple charcuterie board ideas include:

  • Soppressata
  • Capicola
  • Bresaola
  • Prosciutto
  • Mortadella
  • Salami
  • Burrata, Parmigiano Reggiano, or Asiago cheese
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Marinated artichokes
  • Roasted tomatoes
  • Olives
  • Assorted nuts: almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, etc
  • Fresh or dried fruits such as grapes or dried cranberries
  • Mustards, jams or honey
  • Bread and/or crackers

There is no right or wrong when it comes to charcuterie board DIY.

These cheese and salami platters can be customized with just about anything you like and it’s so much fun to lay everything out in a beautiful design.

And of course, you can serve it with a wonderful Italian wine!

Overhead view of Italian charcuterie board with meats, cheese, olives, nuts, bread and tomatoes.

What Meats Are On An Italian Charcuterie Board?

The funny thing about hitting up the grocery store for authentic Italian products is that while many markets do carry truly imported products, there are a lot of imposter products.

This can make it hard to know if you’re truly buying a legitimate product from Italy. 

Marketers have spent a lot of money trying to make products look like legitimate Italian imports, while they were really produced elsewhere.

Now, I know you’re probably thinking “um, why do I really care if my products don’t come from Italy?” Well, quality is the major reason. 

Italian products are highly regulated, labeled, and even tell you from what region your products have come from. 

Remember – just because something looks or sounds Italian doesn’t actually mean it’s from Italy.

Always look for that “Made in Italy” label to know you’re truly buying the real deal.

Close-up of charcuterie board meats and olives.

For this Italian salumi board, I hit up my local Italian market where they were more than happy to help me pick out quality imported meats.

They went out of their way to explain all the differences.

They showed me the stamps on the meat to signal they are imported and even explained how they travel to Italy every summer to visit the farmers where they get some of their imported meats and cheeses. 

It was the most educational deli trip ever.

Since I knew I wanted to create an Italian salumi board with lots of different flavors, I went with a few classic meat additions: 

  • Prosciutto Toscano PDO
  • Speck Alto Adige PGI
  • Mortadella Bologna PGI
  • Salami Schiacciata Piccante. 

They were all delicious. 

Bowl of olives with cured meats on a charcuterie board.

If you find yourself wondering what to make for a light, quick dinner, you 100% need to give this Italian charcuterie board a try.

Just make sure you use truly imported Italian meats because that means you’re getting high quality, great flavor, and authentic Italian cuisine.

More summertime recipes

This Italian salumi board is the perfect combination of delicious imported Italian meats, imported Italian cheese, nuts, dried fruit, olives, roasted tomatoes, pickled vegetables and grilled bread. It makes a great appetizer or a simple summer meal - no cooking required! 

Italian Charcuterie Board

Author: Brandy O’Neill – Nutmeg Nanny
This Italian charcuterie board is the perfect combination of delicious imported Italian meats, cheeses, nuts, dried fruit, olives, roasted tomatoes, pickled vegetables and grilled bread. It makes a great appetizer or a simple summer meal – no cooking required! 
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound Parmigiano Reggiano DOP Vacche Rosse
  • 1/4 pound Prosciutto Toscano PDO
  • 1/4 pound Speck Alto Adige PGI
  • 1/4 pound Mortadella Bologna PGI
  • 1/4 pound Salami Schiacciata Piccante
  • 1 cup mixed olives
  • 1 cup roasted tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup halved dried figs
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
  • 1/4 cup shelled hazelnuts
  • 1 loaf Italian bread sliced and toasted

Instructions

  • On a large platter or cutting board lay out all items above.
Cuisine Italian
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Cathy

Wednesday 25th of July 2018

This is looking all kinds of AMAZING!!!

Sandra | A Dash of Sanity

Saturday 21st of July 2018

This is such an awesome idea! Guests will surely be impressed!

Des

Wednesday 18th of July 2018

This would be great to set out for a girls night in.

Sabrina

Wednesday 18th of July 2018

Sometimes it's fun doing appetizer dinners and this looks like a perfect fit! Such a great spread!

Delaney | Melanie Makes

Wednesday 18th of July 2018

This is great for a party!

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