Rainbow Pride Grazing Board

I'll never forget the moment I decided to create something bold for my friend's Pride celebration. I was scrolling through party ideas when it hit me—what if I arranged a grazing board by color, just like the rainbow flag? That first time arranging cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and bell peppers in perfect chromatic stripes, I felt the dish become more than food. It was a statement, a celebration, and honestly, one of the most satisfying things I've ever arranged on a board.

I still remember my coworker's face when I brought this to our office Pride event. She literally gasped and said it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever eaten. That's when I realized this board wasn't just about arranging produce—it was about creating a moment people would remember.

Ingredients

• Red Section (cherry tomatoes, strawberries, red bell peppers, raspberries): These are your anchor colors—cherry tomatoes give you that deep, juicy red while strawberries add sweetness. The bell peppers provide that satisfying crunch that keeps people reaching back
• Orange Section (bell pepper strips, mandarin segments, dried apricots, baby carrots): This is where the sweetness plays with earthiness. Mandarins are essential because they're naturally bright and segment beautifully; dried apricots add that chewiness that makes you slow down
• Yellow Section (pineapple, yellow bell peppers, yellow cherry tomatoes, cheddar): The cheese here isn't just garnish—it's the bridge between fruit and savory. Pineapple chunks keep things tropical and fun
• Green Section (green grapes, cucumber, snap peas, guacamole): Green grapes are sweeter than you'd expect, which surprises people. Snap peas add that satisfying snap, and guacamole in a small bowl becomes a destination
• Blue Section (blueberries, blue corn chips, blackberries, blue cheese): Blueberries are the star here, but blackberries help deepen the tone. Blue cheese might sound bold, but it works—just use it sparingly
• Purple Section (purple grapes, blackberries, purple cauliflower, dried figs): Figs are the secret weapon here—they're sophisticated and slightly mysterious, which feels right for purple
• Accompaniments: Gluten-free crackers give you flexibility for guests with dietary needs, and hummus provides that creamy, grounding element

Instructions

Prep Everything First:

Before you even think about arrangement, wash every fruit and vegetable. Pat them completely dry—wet produce slides around and ruins your careful lines. Halve your tomatoes and strawberries, cut your peppers into strips about the same width, and separate your grapes from their stems. This prep work is meditative and takes about 15 minutes.

Choose Your Canvas:

Pick a board that's slightly rectangular—it naturally guides your eye in the direction of the rainbow. A white or natural wood board makes the colors pop without competition. Clear off your counter and lay it down like you're about to create art, because you are.

Map Your Rainbow:

Imagine gentle, curving lines flowing across your board from one end to the other. Start at one end with red, and lightly envision where each color will go. You're not drawing—just mentally spacing out your sections so they feel balanced and intentional.

Lay Down Red:

Begin with cherry tomato halves, arranging them in a flowing line across your board. Follow with strawberry halves nestled between them, then weave in your red bell pepper strips. The raspberries fill gaps and add texture. Don't worry about perfection—nature isn't perfect, and that's what makes it beautiful.

Progress Through Orange:

Move into your orange section with bell pepper strips first, laying them parallel to your red line. Tuck mandarin segments between them—they catch the light beautifully. Scatter baby carrots for height variation and dried apricots for that deeper, muted orange tone.

Add Yellow:

Pineapple chunks create visual interest here. Yellow bell pepper strips follow your established pattern, and yellow cherry tomatoes fill spaces like golden jewels. Place your cheddar cubes where they'll catch light—they become little highlights in this section.

Build Green:

Green grapes roll into place naturally, creating soft, round shapes that contrast with your straight pepper lines. Cucumber slices overlap slightly, like fish scales. Sugar snap peas stand upright if you position them right. Place your guacamole bowl at the edge of this section—it becomes a destination.

Go Blue and Purple:

Blueberries work like little jewels—you're dotting them in to create movement. Blue corn chips stand up and lean at angles for dimension. Blackberries bridge blue and purple. In your purple section, purple grapes pair with blackberries, scattered figs, and purple cauliflower florets for that sophisticated finish.

Fill and Finish:

Stand back and look at your board. Where do you see gaps? Fill them with extra crackers, more berries, or additional vegetables. This is where the board goes from carefully arranged to lush and inviting. Place your hummus bowl somewhere that feels balanced with the guacamole.

Final Check and Serve:

Make sure no colors are mixing or bleeding into each other. Wipe any smudges from the board itself. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and colors are vibrant—this is the moment it was made for.

Save

What stayed with me most wasn't the compliments about how it looked, though those were wonderful. It was watching a young person at that Pride event smile at the board—really smile—and then serve themselves with such pride. They told me later it felt like the food itself was celebrating them. That's when I knew this recipe was special.

Color Selection Secrets

Finding produce with the exact right color tone is surprisingly challenging and genuinely satisfying. Red items can lean orange or purple—choose the truest reds. Oranges should be warm and bright, not too yellow. Yellow needs to be sunny, not golden. Green should be vibrant, not sage. Blues are rare in nature, which is why blackberries help deepen and authenticate this section. Purple should feel regal and deep. The best produce section visits happen early in the week when the selection is freshest and colors are most true.

Making It Your Own

This board framework is flexible within the color boundaries. Late summer's local berries deserve a spot. Fall brings beautiful purple cabbage and orange squash. Winter suggests pomegranate arils instead of raspberries. What matters is honoring the rainbow structure while celebrating what's at its peak. I've made versions with entirely different ingredients but the same chromatic intention, and each one has been beautiful.

The Stories Behind Your Board

Grazing boards tell stories. They show abundance, celebration, and intentionality. This one specifically speaks to pride, joy, and the beauty of diversity. Every time you arrange it, you're making a small statement about what matters to you. Whether you're celebrating Pride Month, a wedding, a promotion, or just Tuesday, this board carries weight.

• Consider pairing with crisp white wine or a dry rosé that won't overpower the delicate fruit flavors
• If you're making this ahead, prep everything in containers and assemble just 30 minutes before guests arrive
• The 30-minute prep time is realistic—don't rush the arrangement, it's half the fun and half the impact

Save

This rainbow board is more than just an appetizer—it's an edible celebration that says something beautiful about joy and inclusion. Serve it with pride, literally and figuratively.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I arrange the ingredients for the best visual effect?

Wash and slice fruits and vegetables, then place them in distinct curving lines by color, starting with red and progressing through orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple to maintain clear separation and vibrant display.

→ Can I make this board vegan-friendly?

Yes, omit the cheddar and blue cheese or replace them with plant-based cheese alternatives to keep the colorful arrangement intact while accommodating vegan preferences.

→ What are some good accompaniments to include?

Include gluten-free crackers, hummus, and dips placed in small bowls among the colors to add variety and complement the fresh ingredients.

→ How long does it take to prepare this vibrant board?

Preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, with no cooking required, making it ideal for quick and visually impressive holiday or event serving options.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients based on availability?

Yes, seasonal or local produce can be used while maintaining strict color separation to preserve the visual rainbow effect.

→ Is this suitable for guests with allergies?

Check for allergens like dairy in cheeses and nuts in crackers, and offer substitutions or omissions accordingly to accommodate dietary restrictions.