Valentine’s Appetizer Board

Cue whatever thoughts you have about Valentine’s Day, I’m just happy for a good excuse to make a new appetizer board situation! I’ve certainly come a long way from my original Inexpensive Charcuterie Board from Trader Joe’s. And just like you probably need festive socks for every holiday, so do you need grazing board for everything too. So here’s my first Valentine’s Day Appetizer Board!

As it turns out, coming up with red and pink (and purple!) foods for a grazing board isn’t that hard. Even finding them all to be in season – totally doable!

There’s something about winter produce that makes us think of drab colors, but these radishes, cauliflower florets, and bell pepper OBVIOUSLY have a different story to tell!

Valentine’s Day Appetizer Board

So. Maybe you aren’t planning to have an Valentine’s Day date night (we never do), but this is a great appetizer dish for the season; the perfect starter for a Galentine’s Day Brunch spread; or just a healthy way to handle February (before and after tasty chocolates)!

Finding Red, Pink, & Purple Food for Your Board

There really are a number of options for color appropriate appetizer foods for your Valentine’s Day Board. Red peppers and radishes are the easiest options.

The white with pink center radishes are watermelon radishes. The pink ones are… “pink radishes!”

Cauliflower and broccoli also come in purple. You can also try beets, purple carrots, and then obviously apples and pears with red skins!

And then follow up this gorgeous appetizer with one of these easy date night recipes!

How to Eat Radishes

If you aren’t familiar with radishes, let’s talk about them. Radishes can have a somewhat bitter taste, but don’t run away yet! The smaller radishes aren’t nearly so intense and you can easily make them super enjoyable.

The first way is to do crudite, where you slightly steam them and then dunk them in ice water to stop the cooking and save the color. This takes off some of the crunch and the bitter taste – quite tasty with just a sprinkle of salt.

The second way is to add a slice of radish to jack cheese and a cracker. It’s the perfect topper and combination!

If you’re enjoying them otherwise, try roasting radishes – they become sweet when cooked; it’s delightful! And these radish toasts are also a fun entertaining recipe!

Check out these fresh cheese board ideas as well for easy inspiration!

Want a fun and festive sip? Try this rosé cocktail if you’re a lighter drink or these foolproof old fashioneds if you’re a whisky lover like us!