Create a Mouth-Watering Grazing Table: Your Guide to Healthy and Delicious Entertaining
Grazing tables have become a celebration must-have, as these have been spotted at weddings, corporate events, and even Hollywood parties. Though they’ve been quite popular over the past few years, experts say they’ll continue to be trendy since this food presentation encourages guests to mingle and experiment with their food.
In an interview with Better Homes and Gardens, events company owner Leslie Price said that grazing tables will most definitely be around at parties in 2024. “Interactive food keeps guests entertained while doubling as visual eye candy,” she explains.
Grazing Tables are Perfect for Social Gatherings
Indeed, grazing tables are perfect for social gatherings since they promote conversation while allowing guests to choose their own food. However, providing your guests with nutritious grazing and snacking options is essential for a balanced meal and a satisfying experience. If you’re considering having a grazing table at your next party or event, here’s how to create a healthy and delicious spread for any occasion.
Add Healthier Proteins
Most charcuterie boards and grazing tables typically include cured and processed meats, such as salami, ham, and prosciutto. Having processed food occasionally won’t harm your health. Still, for people trying to follow a special diet, such as an anti-inflammatory meal plan, it may be beneficial to opt for better protein sources when selecting food from a grazing table.
To add healthier proteins, consider having thinly sliced roast beef or turkey, shrimp skewers, tuna or salmon sashimi, and slices of smoked salmon or trout on your spread. Include other protein sources such as hard-boiled eggs and pate, and don’t forget to provide a variety of sauces and dips to add flavor to cooked meat and fish. You can also present your protein so people can enjoy it without sauces or accompaniments, such as deviled eggs or salmon tartare.
Load it up with Fruits and Veggies
No grazing table is complete without some fruit and veggies, but they’re often added as filler to make the spread look fresher and more colorful. Consuming fruits and veggies at a party can keep your guests’ energy levels up, and they can be a good palate cleanser when eaten between bites of richer foods. To encourage guests to fill their plates with this healthy fare, cut cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and celery into sticks and slice pink radishes into thin rounds. Add unusual veggies, such as jicama, baby tomatoes, and corn. Provide yummy dips such as hummus, pesto, or tzatziki to enhance the flavor of these vegetables.
You can’t go wrong with strawberries, blueberries, sliced melons, apples, grapes, orange wedges, or any fruit in season. To give your guests a treat, add some tropical fruits such as pineapple, star fruit, dragon fruit, or mango. Place bowls of melted dark chocolate, Greek yogurt, and natural honey near the fruits so guests can help themselves to these sweet but healthy dips.
Include Low Calorie and Low-Fat Cheeses
Adding a selection of cheeses to your grazing table ensures guests have various options to pair with meats and fresh produce. Moreover, it makes your spread look more luxurious and inviting. Although cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, some varieties are healthier than others since they’re lower in sodium, fats, and calories.
Apart from go-to cheeses such as brie and gruyere, provide nutritious options such as goat cheese, which is low in lactose and high in proteins. There’s also cheddar, which has Vitamin K2 for heart health, and Parmesan, which is rich in phosphorus and calcium. Pick cottage cheese or ricotta if you want to add creamy or soft cheeses. Both have a creamy texture, yet they’re low in fat. Need something a little more flavorful for the cheese enthusiasts? Opt for blue cheese. It has high calcium levels, which is beneficial for bone health.
When adding cheese to your grazing table, remember your vegan guests. You can get vegan cheese made from macadamias, cashews, or almonds; some are infused with lemon and garlic for an extra flavor. Label your cheeses properly and keep the vegan cheeses separate from the others.
Having a grazing table ensures your guests can socialize while dining at their own pace. At your next party, offer healthy but delicious options so your guests can enjoy grazing and feel good about their food intake.