Charcuterie Board Your Gut Will Love

This festive charcuterie board is colorful, flavorful, and nourishing, perfect for a holiday spread that everyone can enjoy. Think of it as a feast for your eyes, your taste buds, and your digestive system, as it is beautiful, reflecting many gut-friendly principles also emphasized in functional medicine Burbank.

The ingredients below focus on whole foods, vibrant colors, and balanced nutrients, making them ideal for a board that feels both festive and functional—an approach also appreciated within the community of functional medicine Studio City.

Ingredients

Proteins & Cheeses:

1. 4 oz nitrate-free turkey or chicken slices
2. 3 oz pasture-raised prosciutto or salami
3. 2 oz goat cheese
4. 2 oz mozzarella or aged cheddar
5. Optional: smoked salmon or hard-boiled eggs

Fruits & Veggies (Fiber + Color):

1. 1 cup grapes or berries
2. 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
4. 1/2 cup cucumber rounds
5. 1/2 cup carrot sticks
6. Optional: roasted or pickled mini pumpkins or squash

Gut-Friendly Extras:

1. 1/4 cup olives or pickles
2. 1/4 cup sauerkraut or kimchi
3. 1/4 cup nuts & seeds (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
4. 2–3 tbsp hummus or yogurt-based dip
5. Optional: small pieces of dark chocolate

Herbs & Garnishes:

1. Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
2. Parsley or microgreens for color
3. Edible flowers (optional)

Instructions

1. Pick your board: Choose a large wooden or slate board for a rustic, festive look.
2. Start with the cheeses: Place them at different points on the board for easy access. Slice or crumble as needed.
3. Add the proteins: Fold or roll your meats and place them in small clusters around the cheeses.
4. Add fruits & veggies: Fill in gaps with vibrant fruits and veggies. Group similar colors for visual appeal, and mix textures—think juicy grapes next to crunchy carrot sticks.
5. Sprinkle in gut-friendly extras: Add olives, pickles, fermented veggies, and nuts in small bowls or clusters.
6. Include dips: Serve hummus or yogurt dip in small bowls for easy dipping.
7. Garnish for beauty & flavor: Tuck fresh herbs and microgreens around the board, and add edible flowers if desired.
8. Final touch: Step back and admire your creation. Encourage mindful nibbling—savor each bite and enjoy the flavors, colors, and textures.

Tips for a Functional Feast

1. Use seasonal produce to keep it fresh and colorful.
2. Choose minimally processed meats to reduce additives that can upset digestion.
3. Encourage guests to start with fruits and veggies—they support digestion before indulging in heavier foods.
4. Pair with a sparkling water or kombucha mocktail for a festive, gut-friendly drink.

Use seasonal produce, choose minimally processed proteins, and begin the meal with fiber-rich foods to support healthy digestion—simple habits that align beautifully with whole-body wellness principles found in Functional Medicine Los Angeles, especially within communities that value supportive nutrition, such as functional medicine Glendale.

This Thanksgiving, your charcuterie board isn’t just pretty—it’s a celebration of health, flavor, and mindful eating. Perfect for sharing, grazing, and enjoying every bite.