Pin It I'll never forget the first time I arranged a rainbow board for my best friend's Pride celebration. We'd spent weeks planning the perfect party, and I wanted to create something that felt joyful and inclusive, something that celebrated all the colors of the spectrum. As I started laying out vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, I realized this simple grazing board was becoming a work of art—one that brought everyone together around a table bursting with color and possibility.
There's something magical about watching a room light up when you unveil this rainbow board. At my cousin's engagement party, I watched a quiet group of friends become animated, pointing out their favorite colors and building little plates that felt personal to them. Food brings people together, but this board—with its perfect, unbroken spectrum—seemed to spark something deeper.
Ingredients
- Red (1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup strawberries, halved; ½ cup red bell pepper strips; ½ cup raspberries): These are your foundation—the bright, welcoming first line of the rainbow. Choose the plumpest tomatoes and juiciest berries you can find; they're doing half the visual work.
- Orange (1 cup orange bell pepper strips; 1 cup mandarin segments; ½ cup dried apricots; ½ cup baby carrots): This color bridges warmth and sweetness. The mandarin segments add natural juiciness, while dried apricots bring a chewy richness that keeps people reaching back.
- Yellow (1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 cup yellow bell pepper strips; ½ cup yellow cherry tomatoes; ½ cup cheddar cheese cubes): Bright and energizing, yellow is the cheerful middle of your spectrum. The cheddar cubes add a creamy, savory note that balances the fruit's sweetness.
- Green (1 cup green grapes; 1 cup cucumber slices; ½ cup sugar snap peas; ½ cup guacamole served in a small bowl): Green feels refreshing and cool. The guacamole in its own bowl becomes an invitation—people naturally use it as a dip for everything around it.
- Blue (1 cup blueberries; ½ cup blue corn tortilla chips; ½ cup blackberries for deeper tone; ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles): Blue is the trickiest color to source naturally, so here we layer it—berries, chips, and cheese work together to create depth. The blue corn chips add texture and a subtle earthiness.
- Purple (1 cup purple grapes; ½ cup blackberries; ½ cup purple cauliflower florets; ½ cup dried figs halved): Purple is elegant and unexpected. The figs add sophistication, while purple cauliflower brings an almost art-gallery quality to your board.
- Gluten-free crackers (1 box assorted): These fill gaps and provide structure. Choose varieties with different textures—some crispy, some seeded—to keep the board interesting.
- Hummus (1 small bowl): A creamy anchor that sits naturally among the greens or as a neutral zone.
Instructions
- Wash and prepare everything:
- Start about 30 minutes before serving. Rinse all produce gently and pat dry—water beads will catch the light beautifully and keep everything looking fresh. Slice berries and tomatoes in half, chop peppers into strips about two fingers wide, and arrange everything in small bowls or on a cutting board. This prep work is meditative; take your time.
- Choose your board:
- Find a large rectangular or oval platter—the elongated shape naturally suggests flowing lines. A wooden board feels warm and organic; a white ceramic board makes colors pop dramatically. Either works; choose what speaks to your gathering.
- Map out your rainbow:
- Before placing anything, imagine gentle, curved lines flowing from one end of the board to the other. You're not drawing straight stripes; you're creating soft, organic waves. Start with red at one end, imagining how the colors will progress.
- Lay down the first color:
- Begin with red, arranging your tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, and raspberries in a graceful curve. Leave a tiny bit of board showing between items—it's okay if they're not touching. This isn't about packing densely; it's about balance.
- Progress through the spectrum:
- Move through orange, yellow, green, blue, and finally purple, keeping each color distinct but allowing them to flow into one another like a real rainbow. As you work, step back occasionally to see how it looks from across the room.
- Place your bowls and accompaniments:
- Nestle the guacamole bowl into the green section, the hummus wherever it feels natural, and scatter your gluten-free crackers throughout. Let them sit among the vegetables or form gentle bridges between color sections.
- Fill the gaps:
- Now comes the magic. Look for any bare spots and fill them with extra fruit, vegetables, or crackers. You want an abundant, overflowing feeling—as though nature itself arranged this feast.
- Serve with joy:
- Place your board on the table, step back, and let it be admired. Serve immediately while everything is at its brightest and freshest.
Pin It The moment I'll treasure most happened when a young child at the party stood frozen in front of the board, eyes wide, looking at each color with the reverence usually reserved for museums. Their parent asked which color they'd try first, and they said, 'All of them'—and somehow, that felt like the whole point.
Creating the Perfect Color Flow
The secret to a truly stunning rainbow board is understanding that colors don't need to be perfectly segregated to make an impact. I learned this after overthinking my first attempt, measuring out exact portions and worrying about boundaries. What actually matters is the overall sweep of color across the board. Let your eye guide you. If you have extra red strawberries and they sit at the edge of the orange section, that's fine—in fact, it creates a more natural, organic transition. The board should feel like nature painted it, not like you followed a blueprint.
Adapting for Dietary Needs and Seasons
One of my favorite things about this board is how adaptable it is. Last summer, I made it entirely with what was available at the farmer's market, and it was even more vibrant than my first version. The blue cheese can be replaced with dairy-free alternatives, the cheddar with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, and the honey crackers with any grain-free option. The spirit of the board—a celebration of color and abundance—stays intact no matter what swaps you make. Think of it as a canvas where you're using whatever nature offers you right now.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This board truly shines when paired thoughtfully. I serve it with sparkling water for a light, non-alcoholic option, or with a crisp white wine or dry rosé that won't overpower the delicate flavors. The key is letting the board remain the star. What makes this board especially wonderful for celebrations is that it works for any time of day—brunch, afternoon garden party, evening gathering. Set it out at the beginning, and watch how people migrate toward it throughout the day, rediscovering their favorite combinations.
- Chill your board and plates for 15 minutes before serving for a refreshingly cool eating experience
- Consider the height of your presentation—prop up some taller items like sugar snap peas or asparagus to create dimension
- Play with negative space; sometimes what you don't fill creates impact just as much as what you do
Pin It Building a rainbow board is about more than arranging food; it's about creating a moment where everyone at your table feels seen and celebrated. Every color matters, just like every person at your gathering does.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the colors from mixing on the board?
Arrange ingredients in distinct curving lines for each color and use small bowls for dips and cheeses to maintain separation.
- → Can I make this grazing board vegan?
Yes, simply omit the cheeses or substitute with plant-based alternatives while keeping the colorful arrangement intact.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this board?
Pair with sparkling water, crisp white wine, or a dry rosé to complement the fresh flavors and festive vibe.
- → How long does the preparation take?
Preparation takes around 30 minutes since no cooking is required, just washing, slicing, and arranging the ingredients.
- → Are there allergen concerns with this board?
Yes, it contains dairy (cheddar, blue cheese) and potential allergens in crackers; check labels and substitute as necessary.