Pin A vibrant spread of customizable boards and bowls, perfect for social gatherings. Guests mix and match fresh ingredients to create their own personalized meals—fun, engaging, and sure to please every palate.
I first offered a build—your—own board setup at a family celebration, and it was wonderful to watch everyone gather, mingle, and create bowls that reflected their unique tastes. It brought so much excitement to the meal and allowed everyone to explore new flavor combinations.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken breast: 400 g, sliced
- Marinated tofu: 400 g, grilled or baked, cubed
- Cooked shrimp: 400 g, peeled and deveined
- Falafel balls: 350 g (store-bought or homemade)
- Jasmine rice: 4 cups, cooked
- Quinoa: 4 cups, cooked
- Romaine lettuce: 2 large heads, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
- Cucumber: 1, sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Shredded carrots: 1 cup
- Cooked edamame: 1 cup
- Roasted sweet potato cubes: 1 cup
- Crumbled feta cheese: 1 cup (or vegan alternative)
- Sliced olives: 1/2 cup
- Pickled red onions: 1/2 cup
- Toasted nuts or seeds: 1/2 cup (e.g., almonds, pumpkin seeds)
- Hummus: 1/2 cup
- Tzatziki: 1/2 cup
- Sriracha mayo or spicy yogurt sauce: 1/2 cup
- Chopped fresh herbs: 1/4 cup (parsley, cilantro, mint)
- Lemon-tahini dressing: as desired
- Olive oil & balsamic vinegar: as desired
- Soy-ginger vinaigrette: as desired
Instructions
- Prepare proteins:
- Prepare all protein options according to preference (grill, bake, or sauté chicken, tofu, shrimp, and falafel). Keep warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare grains and bases:
- Cook grains as directed and fluff with a fork. Arrange cooked rice, quinoa, and chopped lettuce in separate serving bowls.
- Prepare vegetables:
- Wash and chop fresh vegetables. Arrange in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Assemble toppings and sauces:
- Arrange toppings and sauces in small bowls.
- Set up serving area:
- Set out all components on a large table or counter, grouping by category for easy access.
- Provide utensils:
- Provide serving utensils for each item.
- Invite guests to build:
- Invite guests to build their own bowls or plates, starting with a base, adding proteins, vegetables, toppings, and finishing with dressings and herbs.
Pin This style of meal always sparks laughter and creativity at our gatherings, with children and adults alike sharing and sampling everyone's delicious combinations.
Required Tools
Large serving platters and bowls, serving utensils, small bowls for sauces and toppings, tongs and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, eggs, soy, nuts/seeds, gluten in some items, and crustacean shellfish. Always verify labels for guest allergies.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Pin Customize your board to suit any theme or taste. There is something for everyone and cleanup is a breeze!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep proteins warm for serving?
Cook proteins just before guests arrive and keep covered in serving dishes; room temperature is also fine for quick service.
- → Can I add more vegetarian options?
Absolutely. Try chickpeas, roasted vegetables, tempeh, or additional plant-based proteins for more variety.
- → What are some popular dressings for bowls?
Lemon-tahini, olive oil & balsamic, and soy-ginger vinaigrette work well. Salsa, chimichurri, and peanut sauce add global flair.
- → How can I accommodate gluten-free guests?
Choose certified gluten-free falafel and sauces. Check all ingredient labels for gluten or cross-contamination warnings.
- → What wine pairs well with these meals?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the fresh and varied flavors served.
- → How do I ensure allergen safety?
Review all labels, separate allergens on serving tables, and ask guests about allergies before assembling boards and bowls.