Summer is the season for bold colours, fresh flavours, and laid-back gatherings with friends and family. A grazing platter is a summer barbecue staple, combining seasonal produce, tropical touches, and crowd-pleasing bites that look as good as they taste. Whether you’re hosting family, heading to the bach, or having a picnic by the beach, this platter will be a hit.

What You’ll Need

• Cured meats (prosciutto, salami, or smoked turkey)
• Cheeses (creamy brie, tangy feta, or fresh mozzarella balls)
• Fresh bread (sourdough slices, baguettes, or pita pockets)
• Crackers (include seeded options for texture)
• Dips (cool tzatziki, hummus, or a zesty citrus aioli)
• Seasonal fruits (watermelon, mango, peaches, strawberries, and kiwifruit)
• Vegetables (cucumber ribbons, heirloom cherry tomatoes, radishes, and capsicum strips)
• Olives and antipasto (marinated artichokes, caper berries, or roasted peppers)
• Dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, or tropical mango slices)
• Nuts (roasted almonds, pistachios, or honey-glazed pecans)
• Seafood (smoked salmon or prawns for a coastal twist)
• Sweet treats (macarons, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or lemon curd tarts)
• Garnishes (fresh herbs like mint, edible flowers, or lime wedges)

Craft your platter with a balance of fresh, light, and indulgent elements, tailored to the tastes of your guests. Here’s a handy guide!

1. Lay a fresh foundation

Begin your platter by placing dips and cheeses as anchor points. Spread them evenly across the board to guide the rest of your arrangement. Surround these with clusters of bread and crackers, ensuring they’re easy to access.

2. Turn up the colour

Summer platters should pop with bright hues. Layer in seasonal fruits like watermelon wedges, mango slices, and strawberries for a burst of sweetness. Balance these with vegetables in varying shades of green, orange, and red to create an eye-catching display.

3. Keep things effortless

Slice meats into small portions or roll them into bundles, making them easy for guests to grab. Pre-cut larger fruits and cheeses into bite-sized pieces. The goal is to let everyone enjoy the platter without needing extra utensils or effort.

4. Add tropical flavours

Tropical touches bring summer alive on your platter. Include pineapple chunks, passionfruit halves, or even toasted coconut flakes. For seafood lovers, smoked salmon or chilled prawns add a coastal twist that pairs beautifully with fresh citrus and herbs.

5. Embrace volume and texture

A well-crafted summer platter should feel abundant and inviting. Use nuts, olives, or dried fruits to fill any gaps, and add height by propping crackers or pretzel rods against other ingredients. Contrast soft cheeses with crunchy nuts, juicy fruits with vegetables, and creamy dips with sturdy breads.