This list of the best red foods came about from a Redditor when we asked what our readers would like to see. We thought it was such a great idea and would be a great resource for anyone looking to put together a board with certain colors. This is the first in the series, so check back for more in every color – yellow foods are up next!
Red food can go on a charcuterie board at any time of the year, but one that uses all red foods around Valentine’s Day or Christmas is too pretty to pass up. Use this list of red foods whenever you need a little inspiration, a bit of vibrant color, or just to search for new foods to try. We’ve listed natural red foods like fruits and vegetables, but also desserts, candy, and anything else we could think of. If you know of something we missed, please share in the comments!
Table of Contents
Complete List of Red Foods
Red Fruits
The color red and fruit go together like, well, charcuterie and cheese! Any of these are a great way to add color with the bonus of being healthy for you, too! These are our favorite red fruits, along with more unusual – but equally delicious – choices.
- Red apples – Cut a red apple, such as the Red Delicious variety, into slices and fan out on your board. These are excellent with brie and a sharp cheddar.
- Red Apricots – These are gorgeous and sweet, so make sure to pick some up when you find them. These are perfect with gorgonzola and prosciutto.
- Blood oranges – Slice these thinly or into wedges (they’re prettier sliced but easier to eat as wedges). Try some with goat cheese and a little honey.
- Boysenberries – These juicy berries taste like a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry. Serve these next to some creamy brie and fresh basil.
- Red Cherries – Cherries are stunning on a charcuterie board! Display them, stem-on, next to some Bocconcini (small balls of fresh mozzarella) and a dish of balsamic glaze. Make sure to keep a cherry pitter nearby.
- Cranberries – Sugared cranberries on a Christmas charcuterie board are gorgeous! Leftover cranberry sauce can be used as a condiment, or make your own cranberry jam.
- Currants – Red currants might be the prettiest fruit of them all. They’re sweet and tart, so pair them with a smoked Gouda.
- Red Dates (jujubes) – Flavorful but milder than a regular date, red dates are incredible with goat or blue cheese.
- Dragon fruit – Fun fact: did you know that dragon fruit is actually considered a cactus? The outside is a gorgeous pink or yellow, while the inside can be white or red. Scoop out the flesh, cut it into cubes, and serve it in a small bowl (or use the skin as a bowl – it’s so pretty)! Its flavor is mild, similar to pear and kiwi; it goes well with sharp cheddar or blue cheese.
- Elderberry – This earthy berry has a flavor similar to blackberries. It’s delicious with blue cheese and Genoa salami.
- Goji berries – With a sweet, sour, and a little tart flavor, goji berries are wonderful with a sharp cheddar.
- Grapefruit (red varieties) – Perfect for a brunch board, especially with a broiled sugar crust!
- Mulberries – I have a Mulberry tree on my property, which means I look forward to these little beauties every year! The flavor ranges from tart to sweet, so be sure to taste them before serving.
- Nectarines – The skin color of nectarines varies, but you can often find them in bright red.
- Passion fruit – The skin of this fruit can be yellow, green, purple, or red!
- Pears – Go for Red Anjou or Red Bartlett pears for a gorgeous presentation. Pair slices with blue cheese or brie and honeycomb.
- Plums – Pair sliced plums with goat cheese and prosciutto.
- Pomegranate Seeds – These little beauties add color and texture. Serve them in a small dish or sprinkled over a wheel of brie for a striking presentation.
- Raspberries – Use these to fill in small gaps on your charcuterie board or in a small dish. They’re the perfect shade of red!
- Red currant – These are stunning served next to slices of smoked cheddar.
- Red grapes – Add small bunches to any board or charcuterie box – they’re an easy way to help fill a larger board.
- Rhubarb – Try something different and simmer fresh rhubarb for a few minutes in equal parts sugar and water. Once it’s cool, pair it with gorgonzola for a unique pairing!
- Strawberries – Slice these in half, leaving the stems intact, for a beautiful display.
- Tomatoes – Halved cherry tomatoes are wonderful paired with fresh mozzarella and basil.
- Watermelon – Small balls of watermelon next to salty feta cheese are an incredible combination, especially in the hotter months of the year.
- Prickly Pear – The slices from this fruit are best served cold, so serve them just before enjoying.
Red Vegetables
These red vegetables will add color and a bit of crunch to your charcuterie board bites. Pair them with a few red fruits for a truly stunning board!
- Red Bell Peppers – Did you know that red peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C? Cut baby bells in half and fill them with soft cheese, or slice mature peppers into strips. You can also use roasted red bell peppers, especially if you assemble bites beforehand (
- Red Chili Peppers – Add a few red chili peppers to your board if you’ve got spice lovers in the crowd.
- Radishes – Slice these thinly and use them as gorgeous accents.
- Red Onions – Serve these minced in a small dish, with a tiny spoon for serving.
- Red Potatoes – These work especially well for barbecue boards. We’ve even seen “potato boards” with different types of potatoes prepared in different ways with a variety of dipping sauces. Now that’s a side dish!
- Red Cabbage – A little pickled red cabbage in a dish next to the blue cheese is gorgeous!
- Beets – Beets were made for goat or blue cheese.
- Beet Chips – These add gorgeous color and texture to any charcuterie board!
- Red Endive – These little “scoops” are the perfect alternative to crackers and chips. They’re especially great if you have any guests that are eating low-carb or keto.
- Red Romaine Lettuce – This also works well as little “cups” for serving or just to place under other ingredients for presentation purposes.
- Red Carrots – The baby version with the stems intact is the perfect choice, both visually and flavor-wise. They’re also a great source of lycopene.
- Red Radicchio – Pair with gruyere or gorgonzola.
- Red jalapeños – Slice thinly and use as an accent.
Red Desserts, Snacks, and Candy
If you’re making a dessert board, Valentine’s Day board, or something for the holidays, head to the grocery store and pick up any of these to go with a red theme.
- Red Licorice – Twizzlers are a popular choice, or try the string variety.
- Red Velvet Cake or Cupcakes – These are especially nice in mini sizes!
- Red Hot Cheetos – Add a little spice to your snack board!
- Red M&M’s – Use for Valentine’s Day or mix them with green for the holidays.
- Red Skittles – Same as above!
- Red Gummy Bears – Everyone loves a chewy, sweet gummy bear.
- Hot Tamales – Cinnamon-flavored candies with a kick.
- Red Velvet Popcorn – Drizzled with red velvet-flavored chocolate.
- Red Candy Apples – Coated in red caramel or candy coating – perfect for Halloween!
- Cherry Airheads – Fruit-flavored taffy in a bright red hue.
- Red Velvet Oreos – These are so pretty!
- Red Velvet Pop Tarts – A sweet pastry treat. Pick some up for a breakfast or brunch board!
- Cherry Jelly Beans – Perfect in their own little dish or as a filler.
- Red Velvet Brownies – Rich and chocolatey with a red velvet twist.
- Red Velvet Donuts – Soft and sweet donuts with a red velvet glaze are gorgeous on a brunch board.
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars – A delicious combination of red velvet and cheesecake, put these on any red-themed dessert board.
- Cherry Starbursts – Remove the wrappers or leave them as they are.
- Red Truffles – These are everywhere around Valentine’s Day! These are a favorite way to jazz up a dessert board.
- Cinnamon Red Hots – Spicy cinnamon-flavored candies.
- Red Ice Cream – The red velvet flavor is a great addition to a dessert board – on the side and just before serving, of course!
Other Red Foods
- Red Food Coloring – Use this for dips or other soft, mixable ingredients. Of course, you can also try natural dyes like beets, too.
- Red Wine – The perfect choice for charcuterie!
- Pomegranate Juice – This can be reduced down to a syrupy consistency and drizzled over cheese. Its deep red color is just gorgeous on a charcuterie board.
- Raw beef – This one is the epitome of culinary adventures! Small bites of steak tartare on crostini and a little crème fraîche – especially paired with a glass of red wine – are not to be missed! Be aware that eating raw beef can be risky if not prepared properly.
- Hummus – You can find red beet or red pepper hummus at many grocery stores, or try making your own!
- Red Chili – Serve a big pot of chili with a board that has all the fixins!
- Red Onion Jam or Chutney – Add to a small dish and pair with just about any cheese. It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
- Raspberry or Strawberry Jam – Pair this with brie, gorgonzola, or goat cheese and a slice of salami or prosciutto.
- Cured Meats – Most cured meats have a reddish hue, which is perfect for your red-colored charcuterie board.
- Red Velvet Pancakes – Perfect for a Christmas or Valentine’s brunch board.
- Tomato or Red Pepper Soup – These can be mini, too! Sprinkle with a little feta cheese and a basil chiffonade.
- Red Wine Risotto – Serve as-is or shape and fry it for croquettes.
- Spaghetti Sauce – This makes a great dip for toasted ravioli.
- Kidney Beans – Probably not a great choice for a charcuterie board but they’re an excellent source of dietary fiber!
- Red Velvet Pudding – Serve in mini glasses as part of a dessert board. Don’t forget to add freshly whipped cream and sprinkles!
- Strawberry Jello – Or Jello Shots, depending on your kind of party!
Is there a red food that we missed? Let us know in the comment section below!
Kristy Bernardo has been sharing her original recipes and love of great food for years. She's a five-time cookbook author, has taught cooking classes to both kids and adults, and has been creating recipes for nationwide brands since 2009. She's the founder of "The Wicked Noodle" recipe blog and ran it successfully for 14 years before selling it in 2022 to pursue charcuterie full-time.
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