How To Create The Perfect Snack Tray
It’s time to kick off summer and what better way than with lots of yummy snacks! Learn how to create the perfect snack tray in just three simple steps! I love to use an assortment of cheeses, fresh fruits and nuts, with a variety of meats, crackers and spreads!
This post was sponsored by Walmart as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Ohh it’s officially that time of year again and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Can you believe Memorial Day weekend is here and July 4th is right around the corner?! Summer has always been one of my favorite seasons because there’s time to take it easy, get outside and relax by the pool with friends and family. We almost always have a huge cookout every Memorial weekend and this year I really wanted to impress my family with the perfect summer snack tray complete with lots of goodies, I knew everyone would love. So, off to Walmart to upgrade my summer! Walmart is so good about having everything I need for summertime celebrating and summertime snacking!
I have several snack trays on the blog, like this one with blueberry chia jam and one for fall time. The best part about cheeseboards or snack trays are they look so much more complicated than they actually are to put together. Zero cooking involved, always a huge crowdpleaser and they make the most beautiful centerpiece on any table. Snack trays like this one are one of those staple items that are a must when getting together with my friends because what could be better than cheese + Sabra Hummus + summer + Blue Diamond Gourmet Almonds + Nut-Thins…. tons of yumminess going on!
You can totally make this your own either by keeping it super simple or overflowing your tray with delicious flavors, textures and shapes. Keeping a nice variety is key and I’ve listed some simple steps to follow when building your killer snack tray!
How To Create The Perfect Snack Tray
Step 1: Selecting your cheeses, spreads and dips
It’s great to have something for everyone. A few staples to have are a soft cheese like brie or semi-soft such as havarti, a firmer cheese such as aged cheddar, fontina or smoked gouda, and I also like to throw on a strong blue cheese as well because some people just love it! To accommodate anyone who might be on a dairy free diet and for those of us who really like a good hearty dip, Sabra Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is the perfect addition to your snack tray. I would suggest having a backup Sabra Hummus in the fridge because this stuff goes fast! It’s such a great summer dip for any picnic or poolside snack!
Step 2: Perfect pairings
That’s right, every snack tray needs flavorful accompaniments and I always like to have the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Here are some ideas for those little extra pairings:
- Sweet – This can include fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, grapes, cherries etc., dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, and a dollop of honey also tastes perfect on top of brie or other soft cheeses. I also like to use different types of jams along with homemade strawberry bruschetta; which tastes incredible on top of cheese and crackers! You can find the recipe for the strawberry bruschetta below.
- Savory – Here’s where you add your favorite charcuterie! I love to use a mix of spicy salami and prosciutto along with some olives and Blue Diamond Gourmet Almonds. Have you guys tried these yet? They are dusted with chef-inspired seasonings and can be paired well with countless fine foods or enjoyed on their own. They sure do kick up any snack tray a few notches!
Step 3: Your cheese and Sabra Hummus needs a vehicle
Every snack tray and cheeseboard needs something special to place that cheesy goodness on or dip into that smooth creamy Sabra Hummus! Because I’m legit utterly OBSESSED with Blue Diamond Nut-Thins, that’s what we’re going with folks! Seriously guys these are THE best and they give you that perfect salty bite.
Nut-Thins have that wonderful crispy, crunchy texture and are made with Real Blue Diamond® Almonds and without artificial flavors. I also love that they’re wheat and gluten free.
Now that your snack tray is assembled, it’s time to dig in! Here’s a quick little tip: I always like to set my snack tray or cheeseboard out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving because this makes the cheese much softer and SO much more flavorful. Plus I mean who wants to eat cold cheese??
Okay so let’s talk about this delicious strawberry bruschetta. Not only does the bright red from the strawberries really POP on the tray, but this recipe is super easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious paired with all of the other deliciousness on your tray!!! I just love this recipe because it’s one of the easiest appetizers to make during the summer and is always such a hit. It tastes fabulous with Nut-Thins, sliced baguette and cheese. I always like to add a little creamy goat cheese to my baguette slice and top it with this bruschetta.
Feel free to double or even triple this recipe if serving a large crowd. Here’s a tip, make your bruschetta the night before and let all the flavors marinate overnight! The result is tasty perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey and fresh basil; mixing well. Serve immediately on toasted bread slices with your favorite cheese, or let bruschetta marinate overnight. Enjoy!
Notes
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Something to think about….
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Exceptional snacks tray ideas for the flagrant party ever. Who doesn’t like to snack, right!
I think the snack tray is top notch idea, all the items tick off….the red pepper humus is really a new favourite for me I am doing this next week for sure.
Look at this beautiful and healthy snack tray. Now I am craving hummus looks delish!
The strawberry dish !!!! Mmmm I tend to overthink do the same boring things and this has given me ideas thank you .
I do love roasted red pepper hummus. It’s my favorite type of hummus I tried till now. Those are some great snacks tray ideas. I have to remember them for my next party.
Wow, that strawberry bruschetta looks REALLY good! I would love to make this at home!
I love how you’ve included all the essentials to this snack tray. Cheese and hummus are two of my weaknesses. I could snack on them all day!
These are great tips. I love having hummus and cheese for snacks. Thanks for sharing.
There’s definitely something for everyone here! So colorful and fresh too 🙂
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love a snack tray/charcuterie/cheese board. It’s fun to make a large spread for family and friends. I will also make one for myself on a beautiful tray from Anthropologie. It’s delicious and makes me feel oh so fancy.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love a snack tray. I enjoy making cheese/charcuterie boards for a large crowd or sometimes a smaller version for myself. I have a beautiful platter from Anthropologie that I love to use. It makes me feel oh so fancy.
Now this sounds like a good idea to put together, I really need to come up with different ideas for snacks as I keep snacking on the same thing.
I do the same thing! It really is nice to change it up from time to time!
Mmmm roasted red pepper hummus sounds delicious! I can imagine just how nicely that complements crackers and chips. I love your vivid images too btw – makes me feel like I’m flipping through a magazine 🙂
Awww… thanks so much for your kind words! Sabra hummus with Nut-Thins is definitely a great combo!
Yes, this is my kind of snack tray! I love everything on it. I’ll have to be sure to make something like this the next time we have company. Or heck, I’d just make it for myself 😉
Haha… I love the way you think!