PARTNER POST: May 26 is National Pinot Grigio Day. We’re celebrating with Cavit Wines by sharing refreshing spring and summer recipes that pair perfectly with Pinot Grigio.
Kick off the summer with the this red, white and blue Memorial Day Cheeseboard and a bottle of wine.
Can you believe Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner?! Not only does it officially kick off the summer, but I love spending this holiday relaxing by the water with friends and family! We almost always head to the lake every Memorial weekend and this year I really wanted to impress my family with the perfect summer cheeseboard complete with a little something I knew everyone would love!
The best part about cheeseboards 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. Cheeseboards are one of those staple items that are a must when getting together with my friends because what could be better than cheese + wine + summer + more wine…..yeah you get the idea. 
For this festive cheeseboard I really wanted to make it as patriotic as possible so I focused on vibrant reds and bold blues as focal pieces on the board. Fresh fruits are one of my favorite things to snack on during the hot summer so I added an assortment of berries and grapes along with a delicious strawberry bruschetta. Not only does the bright red from the strawberries really POP on the cheeseboard, but this recipe is super easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious paired with wine and a fresh baguette! You can find the recipe for my strawberry bruschetta below!
Speaking of wine, did you know that the FIRST ever National Pinot Grigio Day is coming up next Friday, May 19th?! Now if that’s not something to celebrate then I don’t know what is. Pinot Grigio has always been my go-to white wine and I LOVE Cavit pinot grigio because of how light, crisp and refreshing it is! It’s the perfect addition to summer sangrias and is always a favorite when people get together. That’s why I had to pair it with this cheeseboard!
Along with the fruit and strawberry bruschetta, I also included an assortment of cheeses. Cheeseboards are for crowds so of course you want to have something for everyone! I always try to include a soft cheese like brie, firmer cheeses such as aged cheddar or Monterey Jack, along with a strong blue cheese just to give a nice variety. Feel free to have fun with your cheese too! I always like to cut the cheeses into a variety of shapes to add texture and make the cheeseboard more fun. As you can see I used cookie cutters to make stars out of the cheese and put them on skewers with some red and blue fruit to keep the patriotic theme going – so easy and really festive!
So now that we have all our “sweet” elements nailed down, let’s get into all things savory! For this I added some of my favorite charcuterie such as summer sausage, spicy salami and prosciutto along with a bowl of olives, garlicky hummus and some Marcona almonds. Then just throw in some crackers, fresh bread and your favorite bottle of wine and you have yourself the perfect cheeseboard!
Print
Strawberry Bruschetta
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Sweet strawberries meet tangy balsamic vinegar and fresh basil in this simple yet elegant bruschetta. Perfect for a light appetizer or a summer snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (473 ml) fresh strawberries
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) fresh basil leaves
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 the bruschetta marinate overnight.
Notes
- For a more intense balsamic flavor, reduce the balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens slightly before adding it to the strawberries.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Note that the flavor will be more concentrated.
- Store leftover strawberry mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld further.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 2
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 30
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cheese should I include on my Memorial Day cheeseboard?
Aim for a mix of soft and hard cheeses; consider adding brie, aged cheddar, and goat cheese for variety.
How can I make the strawberry bruschetta for the cheeseboard?
Simply chop fresh strawberries and mix them with a bit of balsamic vinegar and basil, then serve on toasted baguette slices.
What fruits are best to include for a patriotic look on the cheeseboard?
Include an assortment of red strawberries, blueberries, and grapes to create a vibrant red, white, and blue theme.
