Butterfly Summer Board

Featured in: Quick Everyday Meals

This summer board is a visually stunning assortment of fresh fruits, a variety of cheeses, savory charcuterie, and colorful edible flowers arranged to resemble butterfly wings. It combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, balanced with fresh vegetables and crackers. Ideal for picnics or casual gatherings, this easy-to-prepare board can be customized for vegetarian or vegan preferences by swapping charcuterie with plant-based options and adding nuts or dried fruits. Serve with honey or fruit preserves to add a touch of sweetness, complemented nicely by chilled rosé or iced herbal tea.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:32:00 GMT
Butterfly Summer Board with vibrant fruit and cheese in a whimsical butterfly shape, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Butterfly Summer Board with vibrant fruit and cheese in a whimsical butterfly shape, ready to enjoy. | messlitreats.com

A vibrant and whimsical grazing board inspired by summer, featuring fresh fruits, cheeses, charcuterie, and edible flowers artfully arranged in butterfly shapes—perfect for picnics and gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Cheeses: 100 g brie, sliced, 100 g goat cheese, crumbled, 100 g cheddar, cubed, 100 g gouda, sliced
  • Charcuterie (optional for vegetarians): 75 g prosciutto, folded, 75 g salami, rolled
  • Fresh Fruits: 1 cup strawberries, halved, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup green grapes, halved, 1 cup pineapple, cut into butterfly shapes (use mini cookie cutter), 1 kiwi, sliced
  • Vegetables: 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds, 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise, 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • Crackers & Bread: 1 cup assorted crackers, 1 baguette, sliced
  • Garnishes: ¼ cup edible flowers (such as pansies, violets, nasturtiums), 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, Honey or fruit preserves (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1:
Arrange the cheeses in the center of a large board, forming the body of the butterfly.
Step 2:
Fan out the fruits, vegetables, and charcuterie on either side to create wings, using symmetry for a butterfly effect.
Step 3:
Use pineapple pieces cut with a butterfly-shaped cutter and place them on the wings for extra flair.
Step 4:
Fill in spaces with crackers, bread slices, and rolled charcuterie.
Step 5:
Garnish the board with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for a summery finish.
Step 6:
Serve with a small bowl of honey or fruit preserves on the side.
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| messlitreats.com

Required Tools

Large serving board or platter, Small bowls for dips or honey, Mini butterfly-shaped cookie cutter (optional), Cheese knives and small tongs

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (crackers, bread). Charcuterie may contain pork and nitrates. Edible flowers: confirm edibility and source. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 310, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 12 g

A summery Butterfly Summer Board, overflowing with colorful fruits, cheese, and flowers, perfect for gatherings. Save to Pinterest
A summery Butterfly Summer Board, overflowing with colorful fruits, cheese, and flowers, perfect for gatherings. | messlitreats.com

This butterfly summer board makes for a stunning and healthy addition to any gathering.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I create the butterfly shape on the board?

Arrange cheeses in the center to form the body, then fan out fruits, vegetables, and charcuterie symmetrically on each side as wings. Use butterfly-shaped cutters for pineapple accents to enhance the shape.

Can I make this board fully vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, omit the charcuterie for a vegetarian version or replace cheeses with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly board.

Which fruits work best for this summer spread?

Fresh berries, grapes, pineapple cut into shapes, kiwi, and sliced strawberries provide vibrant colors and complementary flavors.

What are good drink pairings with this board?

Light and refreshing beverages like crisp rosé, sparkling wine, or iced herbal teas pair well with the variety of flavors.

How should I store leftovers from the board?

Keep leftovers covered in airtight containers and refrigerated. Consume within 1-2 days for best freshness.

Butterfly Summer Board

A vibrant summer spread of fruits, cheeses, charcuterie, and flowers perfect for picnics and outdoor occasions.

Prep Duration
25 min
0
Overall Duration
25 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin International

Portion Yield 8 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

List of Ingredients

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz brie, sliced
02 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled
03 3.5 oz cheddar, cubed
04 3.5 oz gouda, sliced

Charcuterie (optional for vegetarians)

01 2.6 oz prosciutto, folded
02 2.6 oz salami, rolled

Fresh Fruits

01 1 cup strawberries, halved
02 1 cup blueberries
03 1 cup green grapes, halved
04 1 cup pineapple, cut into butterfly shapes
05 1 kiwi, sliced

Vegetables

01 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds
02 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
03 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

Crackers & Bread

01 1 cup assorted crackers
02 1 baguette, sliced

Garnishes

01 ¼ cup edible flowers (pansies, violets, nasturtiums)
02 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves
03 Honey or fruit preserves (for serving)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Arrange cheeses as butterfly body: Place the brie, goat cheese, cheddar, and gouda centrally on a large serving board to form the butterfly’s body.

Step 02

Create butterfly wings with fruits, vegetables, and charcuterie: Symmetrically fan out strawberries, blueberries, grapes, kiwi, cucumber, baby carrots, red bell pepper, prosciutto, and salami on either side of the cheeses to mimic butterfly wings.

Step 03

Add butterfly-shaped pineapple pieces: Position pineapple pieces cut with a butterfly-shaped cookie cutter on the wings for decorative effect.

Step 04

Fill gaps with crackers, bread, and rolled charcuterie: Fill remaining spaces with assorted crackers, sliced baguette, and rolled prosciutto or salami to complete the wings.

Step 05

Garnish with edible flowers and mint: Decorate with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves to enhance visual appeal and freshness.

Step 06

Serve with honey or fruit preserves: Accompany the board with small bowls of honey or fruit preserves on the side for optional drizzling.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large serving board or platter
  • Small bowls for dips or honey
  • Mini butterfly-shaped cookie cutter (optional)
  • Cheese knives and small tongs

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (crackers, bread).
  • Charcuterie may include pork and nitrates.
  • Confirm edibility and source of flowers before use.
  • Check labels for hidden allergens in all packaged items.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 310
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 12 g